Lead Firefighter (HazMat Tech/Basic LS)

This position is located at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC). As a Lead Firefighter (HazMat Tech/BLS), GS-0081-08, the incumbent's typical work assignments may include the following:

• Directs a crew of firefighters and driver/operators in responding to structural, wildland, and crash-rescue emergencies; assumes full incident command responsibilities for all firefighting, rescue, and medical incidents in the absence of a supervisor.
• Responds to the release of hazardous substances in complex environments (including confined spaces and high-voltage power plants), aggressively mitigating hazards by cooling, plugging, patching, dictating, or neutralizing materials using specialized protective gear and control equipment.
• Responds to medical emergencies, providing Basic Life Support (BLS) to perform patient assessments, monitor vital signs, manage respiratory/cardiac emergencies (using CPR and AEDs), and stabilize victims for medical transport.
• Operates and leads others in the use of central alarm room equipment, including radio communications, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, and fire alarm reporting systems to coordinate multi-agency emergency responses.
• Leads subordinates in conducting fire prevention inspections of industrial, assembly, and office areas; tests fire alarm/protection systems; and conducts formal training sessions on fire safety and equipment maintenance for civilian and military personnel.

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment
• Required to participate in the direct deposit program
• This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing
• This position is subject to Priority Placement Program (PPP) DOD Military Spouse Preference
• This position requires you to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance as a condition of employment
• This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and is subject to both pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing as a condition of continued employment
• This position requires you to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and participate in yearly physical examinations as a condition of continued employment
• The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE
• This position requires the use of specialized protective equipment, including Tyvek suits and respirators, while working in hazardous areas or confined spaces
• This position requires the incumbent to work a non-standard shift structure consisting of 24 hours per day, 72 hours per week, and 144 hours per pay period
• You may be required to work hours other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime
• This position requires you to currently possess and maintain valid certifications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operation
• This position requires you to currently possess an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
• The incumbent must obtain and maintain a Pennsylvania (PA) State Certification as an EMT or Paramedic within one (1) year of your entry on duty
• This position requires you to wear an official uniform while performing your duties
• This is a bargaining unit position

The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE. Mission essential employees are required to report for, or remain at, work during dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other emergencies causing disruptions to government operations. You must maintain contact with your supervisor during any closure situation unless specifically excused.

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.

You may qualify at the GS-08 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your experience:

• Applying tactical firefighting techniques in hazardous environments and managing rescue efforts; and
• Providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level (such as performing initial patient assessments, recording vital signs, stabilizing patients); and
• Operating firefighting apparatus and equipment (such as pumps, hoses, SCBA).

In addition to meeting the specialized experience described below, applicants must possess and maintain the following professional certifications. You must upload copies of these active certifications with your application package to be deemed qualified for this position. Failure to submit copies of these mandatory certifications at the time of application will result in an automatic rating of ineligible.

DoD, IFSAC, or Pro Board Certifications:

• Firefighter I and Firefighter II
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness, Operations, Technician
• HazMAT Incident Commander
• Fire Officer I
• Fire Instructor I
• Fire Inspector I
• Public Telecommunicator I and Public Telecommunicator II
• Airport Firefighter
• Driver/Operator-Pumper
• Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply
• Airport Firefighter and Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting

Additional Required Training (Non-Pro Board/IFSAC):

• Confined Space Rescue Awareness
• Confined Space Operations
• Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) - Must successfully complete and maintain EVOC in addition to any driver/operator certifications listed above.

Special Retirement Provisions: This position is covered as a rigorous position under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) special retirement provisions for federal firefighters 5 U.S.C. § 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d), and 5 CFR § 842.802. Covered under the Deputy Secretary of Defense (formerly Under Secretary of Defense) Memorandum, dated December 30, 2004. Note: This coverage requires a mandatory retirement age (typically age 57 with 20 years of covered service) and is subject to maximum entry-age restrictions for initial appointment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Your resume may not exceed two (2) pagesFor qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.

Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at

Federal agencies treat active-duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active-duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.



Education cannot be substituted for experience.



Probationary Periods: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing an online application, you may request an alternative application. Please send an email to the following address for information on how to obtain an alternative application:

Reemployed Annuitants: Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants (DODI 1400.25, volume 300).

Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.