LEAD FIREFIGHTER (Title 5)

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.

Leads a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-07 or military equivalent) assigned to man a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations. Studies field maps to become familiar with ground areas, specific locations, etc. Ensures that workload is balanced at the fire/rescue scene or in the station. Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, makes day-to-day adjustments, and obtains assistance from supervisor on problems that arise. Approves leave for a few hours or for emergencies. Resolves simple informal complaints, referring the more serious problems to the supervisor. Informs supervisor on performance, progress, and training needs of crew members, and on disciplinary problems. Makes suggestions to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of exemplary performance, and personnel needs. Instructs employees on specific tasks and firefighting techniques and provides written instructions and/or reference materials and supplies.

Directs firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Directs driver-operator or drives to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary, and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, and hazards from falling structures. Ensures vehicle is maneuvered to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash or flashover will not occur. When arriving first at the scene, takes charge of all firefighting activities until relieved by a more senior firefighter.

Directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex (e.g., bombers, cargo, and passenger) aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous material (HAZMAT) containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties. Performs firefighting duties at airfields handling aircraft carrying large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, or highly flammable or explosive cargo; or handling a large number of air moves, or a moderate number involving pilot training, or other air moves with high crash or fire potential. Hazardous airfield conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great. Applies constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to direct rescue and firefighting operations. Support operations involve extensive flight line repair work, hot pit refueling, or the storage or movement of large quantities of gasoline and other fuels.

Leads assigned crew and performs emergency rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility. Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance. Frequently serves as the prime rescuer in rescue operations. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.

Assigns crew members to perform maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs functional tests and inspections. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.

• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
• Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
• Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• The employee is required to work a 72-hour week on a 24 hour on/24 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall.
• This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
• This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
• The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
• Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
• May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
• May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance designated at the State through the use of the Position Designation Tool.
• This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
• This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
• The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE : Experience, education or training that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : Must possess at least 1 year equivalent to at least GS-07 experience in managing the function of the work to be performed; and, experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel. Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade. Have experience in rescue operations; experience in detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; experience in operation of fire communications equipment; experience in controlling hazardous materials incidents; and, developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.

-Knowledge of the operation of firefighting vehicles and associated equipment of significant complexity.

-Knowledge of HAZMAT containment and control.

-Thorough knowledge of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.

-Thorough knowledge of the physical configuration of a variety of aircraft and the operation characteristics of associated systems and mechanisms.

-Detailed knowledge of design, construction, utilization, and contents of aircraft.

-Specialized knowledge of firefighting techniques for fire hazards peculiar to airfields, such as aircraft, special weapons, hazardous materials, etc.

-Thorough knowledge of facility layouts (including research and/or industrial complexes) and the location and operation of alarm/suppression control panels, hydrants, utility shutoffs, and suppression systems (including special extinguishing agents and systems).

-Practical knowledge of emergency first aid techniques.

-Practical knowledge of hydraulic principles as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.

-Working knowledge of pumping equipment to maintain and correct mechanical problems.

-Knowledge of Basic Life Support procedures.

-Ability to direct the operation of firefighting vehicles and associated equipment of significant complexity.

-Ability to determine route, approach, and position of vehicle in relation to the fire scene.

Medical Requirements - Applicants who apply for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. Since individual positions may not include all such duties, a physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position to be filled. Military medical requirements are strictly adhered to reach fully qualified status. Employees in positions, involving firefighting duties or other duties involving arduous physical exertion, may be subject to periodic (e.g., annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position. Any serious deviation from sound medical condition may be grounds for rejection of an applicant regardless of whether the condition is named below. Remediable defects or curable diseases will not exclude a person from consideration, but proof that such defects have been remedied or the disease cured must be received during the life of the eligible register before persons otherwise qualified may be considered for appointment under civil service rules.

Specific Medical Requirements:

Eyes: Corrected distant vision must be at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye. Uncorrected distant vision is required only if it is likely that corrective lenses may be lost or broken. If so, uncorrected distant vision must be at least 20/100 binocular. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Applicants must be free from acute or chronic eye disease.

Ears: Using an audiometer for measurement, there should be no loss of 30 or more decibels in the unaided worst ear at the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz levels.

Nose, Mouth, and Throat: Applicants must be free from conditions that interfere with distinct speech, free breathing, or with the use of breathing apparatuses or protective equipment.

Lungs: Applicants must be free from any pulmonary or chest wall disease or condition that results in not being able to perform the duties of the position.Heart and Blood Vessels: The following conditions may be cause for rejection: organic heart disease, valvular or vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, recurrent syncope, or history of myocardial infarction.

Abdomen: Acute or chronic disease or inflammation of the abdominal viscera, hernia, or significant enlargement of the liver or spleen that interferes with the performance of the duties of the position will be cause for rejection.

Spine, Pelvic, Sacroiliac and Lumbo-Sacral Joints: Applicants must have free movement of spine and pelvic joints.

Neurological System: Degenerative neurological disease or disorder that results in documented evidence of neurological impairment that renders the applicant unable to perform the duties of the position will be cause for rejection. A history of serious mental disease may be disqualifying.

Extremities: Individuals cannot have anomalies in the number, form, proportion, and movement of the extremities that interfere with function. This includes non-united fractures; non-reducible dislocations; united fractures and reduced dislocations with incomplete restoration of function; amputation of arm, hand, leg, or foot; loss of any skeletal portion of the thumb of either hand; loss of more than the two distal phalanges of the ring or little fingers of either hand; any lose joints; pes cavus, weak foot, or clubfoot; flatfoot with symptoms unresponsive to orthotics; loss or deformity of great toe or any two toes on the same foot; torn cartilage or loose foreign bodies within the knee joint; instability of the knee joint; or inadequately healed surgical procedure.



Employee Must be accredited by DoD Firefighter Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or he Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (Pro Board) as a:
Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II)
Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness)
Fire Instructor I
Fire Officer I
Incident Safety Officer

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.



If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ).

Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply:
- FERS Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.

- CSRS Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.

This position may be eligible for Union Membership