Assistant Fire Chief Job in Bath, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12759530-25-GT Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $67,297.00 to $87,482.00 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/7/2025 Close Date 7/14/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Bath, NY


Summary

As Deputy Chief, the incumbent fully shares with the manager the direction of all phases of the organization's program and work or is assigned continuing responsibility for managing a major part of the manager's program . The incumbent has administrative responsibility, coordinates, and implements programs, policies, regulations, and procedures and serves as technical advisor to management on all matters pertaining to fire protection and promotion.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is only open to all current, permanent employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) located at the Finger Lakes, NY.

Duties

  • Plans fire inspection, fire alarm testing & maintenance for the Medical Center, as well as the 3 Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's) in, Elmira, Wellsboro, and Wellsville.
  • Assists in the negotiation of Mutual Aid Agreements and renews these agreements on an annual basis and provides training for volunteer firefighters that would assist the VA.
  • Reviews plans and conducts on-site inspection of new construction and renovations to assure compliance with accepted practice and current applicable codes; and assists the community on hazardous material incidents and confined space situations, when requested.
  • Conducts fire prevention and procedure training orientation for new employees & patients.
  • Serves as one of 2 Supervisory Firefighters. Incumbent is responsible for supervising (4) GS 0081-07 Firefighters/EMT-B and (6) GS 0081-09 Firefighter Paramedics per shift at 72 hours per week.
  • Makes assignments for the shift and ensures all assignments are accomplished within the given parameters.
  • Maintains excellent communication with the other supervisory firefighters.
  • The fire department operates a full Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service averaging 1500 calls a year.
  • Responsible as the alternate Emergency Manager in the absence of the Fire Chief, managing the medical centers Comprehensive Emergency Management Program.
  • Responsible for managing mutual aid responses in the community. The Bath VA Fire Department has entered a mutual aid agreement with Steuben County to provide fire and rescue operations. On average the department responds to 30-40 responses a year in the community mostly residential structure fires.
  • Revises work schedules to maintain required minimum manning of section. Approves leave for his crew; initiates disciplinary action and provides counseling of his subordinate firefighters/EMTB/P's.
  • Performs administrative duties as required in the operation of the section (end of month reports), reviews blueprints, and assigns tasks as required to assure proper operation of the section. Incumbent is responsible to assure an accurate log and current files necessary to the operation at the Fire Station. Coordinates fire drills on a quarterly basis on all shifts. Personally, conducts some of the drills.
  • Coordinates the operation of crew, assures operation and testing of all fire alarm systems and devices.
  • Responds to all alarms and assumes full responsibility for fire protection. In case of fire, incumbent makes specific assignments to his crew to handle hose line, ladders, nozzles, SCBA, extinguishers, and other equipment as required, directing the hook-up and layout of hose and the operation of the pumps.
  • Incumbent may be required to operate charged lines, place, and raise ladders, operate portable and stationary firefighting apparatus, ventilate buildings, evacuate, and rescue occupants, use firefighting agents (foam), axes, bars, hooks, self-contained breathing apparatus and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires and protect life and property.
  • Trains for and is proficient in Hazardous Materials response to the technician level.

Work Schedule: M-F
Telework: Ad hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: PD # 38057-O-Assistant Fire Chief

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/14/2025.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

AND

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN-OUT) - A Selective Placement Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.

SPF for this position is: A valid state driver's license is required for this position. For those positions requiring employees to drive motorized firefighting equipment and rescue apparatus, applicants must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs. Therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your driver's license at that time.

Additional SPFs Required: Note: Certifications must be by an accredited agency such as International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board. Copies of current/valid certifications must be submitted with your application to receive credit. Please do not submit expired certifications as these would not be valid.
  • National or New York State certification as a Fire Officer II. Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
  • National or New York State certification as a Fire Instructor I. Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
  • National or New York State certification as a Fire Inspector II. Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
AND

MAXIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in a covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57.

In addition to all the above, applicants must meet the specialized experience requirement.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: 1) Provides immediate supervision of shift operations and carries out policies/instructions of the Fire Chief, 2) Reviews work performed by subordinates for the accomplishment of the objectives, work methods used, and adherence to established policies and procedures, 3) Assist the Fire Chief with Estimating budget requirements and departmental capabilities and 4) Manages the deployment of vehicles with specialized equipment which includes hazardous material response, confined space rescue, high angle rope rescue, and hazmat decontamination equipment.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the job range from sedentary paperwork to extreme exertion. The incumbent is expected to be able to accomplish work that involves high level of strength and endurance. The incumbent is required to participate in the physical fitness training program, to meet performance standards on an annual basis, and annual physical examination in accordance with NFPA 1582, NFPA 1583.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
  • Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
  • An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
  • Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
  • Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
    • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
    • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
    • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/14/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12759530.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Agency contact information

Girolamo Tavolante
Address
Bath VA Medical Center
76 Veterans Avenue
Bath, NY 14810
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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