Emergency Management Specialist Job in Hamilton, MT

Vacancy No. NIH-ORS-DE-25-12789382 Department National Institutes of Health
Salary $73,939.00 to $115,213.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/2/2025 Close Date 9/8/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Hamilton, MT


Summary

The Division of Fire and Rescue Services provides response capabilities for all fire, rescue, and technological emergencies on the NIH campus. The Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) is the second-largest off-campus intramural research facility within NIH, located on 33 acres in Hamilton, Montana. The facility comprises more than 30 buildings and employs a diverse workforce across a variety of occupations. RML also operates a state-of-the-art Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) Integrated Research Facility.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. This job is also open to USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers and Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates.

Duties

If selected for this position as a GS-0089-11/12 Emergency Management Specialist your duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Participates and assists in the development of emergency plans for all RML facilities including those relating to fire as well as other major emergencies under the "All Hazards" umbrella that could occur within such facilities.
  • Attends relevant meetings, conferences, and working groups with external partners to relay information related to RML resources for emergency management.
  • Remains alert for communications pertaining to any emergency that may be of vital interest to RML components. Evaluates such information, provides information and updates to senior management and suggests actions to be taken to ensure the safety of personnel, property, research animals, and projects.
  • Acts as a first responder for all RML fire alarms, odor investigations and fires based on DFRS SOPs.
  • Provides first responder personalized care of the sick and injured based on DFRS SOPs and local medical direction. Coordinates the treatment and transportation of patients with mutual aid units.
  • Responds to HazMat emergencies as part of the RML HazMat Response Team. Implements the DFRS Emergency Response Plan, perform the classification, identification, and verification on known and unknown materials by using advanced survey instruments and equipment.
  • Select and use proper specialized chemical personal protective suits, perform in-depth hazard and risk assessment of hazardous materials, and perform specialized control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available.
  • Determines and implements decontamination procedures and understands chemical, radiological, and toxicological terminology and behavior.
  • Inspects, test, and maintains fire extinguishers on the RML campus and apparatus; maintains and checks for the readiness of all emergency response apparatus; conducts fire protection and prevention activities and receives/relays emergency management information as required; inspects, test, and calibrates personal/chemical protective equipment, technical rescue equipment, hazardous materials analytical equipment and inspects, test, and maintains supplies for various suppression and emergency medical equipment utilized by the Division of Fire Rescue Services in accordance with DFRS Standard Operating Procedures and local medical direction.
  • Operates within the National Incident Management System while functioning as the Incident Commander on incidents involving chemicals, biological agents, radiological agents, and specialized rescue emergencies.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
  • If selected, incumbent will be required travel to the NIH Bethesda Campus and will be subject to other duties as assigned.
  • If selected, incumbent will perform a variety of duties that require a high degree of public trust and confidence which requires the incumbent to be able to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 (SECRET) background investigation.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position. The incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. You will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a certification by the State of Montana or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician within 6 months of appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a current certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, meeting American Heart Association standards within the first 6 months of appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a current Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) certification with the first 6 months of appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must possess a valid state driver's license and must be able to obtain a government driver's license covering the apparatus currently utilized by the DFRS at RML.
  • If selected, incumbent must complete an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course within 6 months from appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a current certification as a Hazmat Technician meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the first year of your appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must successfully complete the annual Radiation Safety in the Laboratory training sponsored by the NIH Division of Safety, Office of Research Services within 6 months from your appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must successfully complete the annual Radiation Safety for Firefighters training sponsored by the NIH Division of Safety, Office of Research Services within 6 months from your appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able obtain and maintain NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 certifications within 6 months from your appointment effective date.
  • The position requires a high degree of physical fitness, agility, and dexterity. The incumbent is subject to a pre-employment physical and annual medical examination to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position

Qualifications

You qualify at the GS-11 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:

1) providing initial support as a first responder, such as assisting with patient care, decontamination procedures, or hazardous materials assessments under direction of senior team members.
2) reviewing and updating emergency response and contingency plans (e.g., fire, hazardous materials, continuity of operations, and all-hazard plans) to ensure preparedness and compliance.
3) participate in emergency response activities by applying standard operating procedures, policies, and directives under supervision. Responses may have included fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, or odor investigations.

OR

Completed a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M., if related.

OR

A combination of post baccalaureate education related to the position and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:

1) assist with the development of emergency management plans (e.g., fire, hazardous materials, continuity of operations, or all-hazards plans) for facilities or organizations.
2) monitoring and evaluating emergency communications and alerts, assessing potential impacts, and providing timely recommendations and updates to senior leadership.
3) serving as a first responder to incidents involving fire, hazardous materials, or medical emergencies; by coordinating on-scene operations with mutual aid units; making decisions on containment, control, and decontamination procedures.
4) performing technical hazard assessments of chemical, biological, radiological, and other materials, using specialized detection equipment and protective gear to identify risks and determine appropriate mitigation strategies.
5) performing inspections, testing, calibrations, and maintenance of emergency response equipment, protective clothing, fire suppression systems, hazardous materials instruments, and medical supplies to ensure operational readiness.


You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application.? We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12789382

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education

Additional information

  • This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
  • NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
  • This position may be assigned to work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, and is subject to the terms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biological Surety Program (BSP).
  • The NIH BSP requires successful completion of the following:
    • A Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment: https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/bioterrorism-security-risk-assessment-form
    • Initial and annual medical qualification assessments held by the NIH Occupational Medical Services.
    • Initial and annual behavioral health screenings, including qualification assessments held by the NIH Behavioral Health Screening Official.
    • A deemed export review per 15CFR 734.8(c).
    • An annual Collective Foreign Threats Screening.
    • Initial and recurrent safety and biological safety training provided on the job.
    • This is a Tier 3 noncritical sensitive National Security position and an Access National Agency Check Inquiry (ANACI), background investigation is required.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
  • We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
  • If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.
  • Visit our Total Compensationpage and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

  • 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 the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.


If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
  • Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
  • Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Applicants determined to be Best Qualified will be referred for further consideration. Preference eligibles in the Best Qualified category are referred before all other applicants.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

Required Documents

Required for All Applicants
RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:

  1. Job title
  2. Name of employer
  3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
  4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
  6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website, USAJOBS Resource Center, and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, career transition selection priority, Schedule A or military spouse eligibility, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
  • Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
  • Visit our sites on Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information and required documentation.
  • Visit our site on the Appointment of Certain Military Spouses for more information and required documentation to verify eligibility.
  • Schedule A Eligibility (Applicants with Disabilities) Applicants who are eligible to be considered under Schedule A must submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation must be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. Veterans' preference takes precedence in these appointments.


The Schedule A and military spouse hiring authorities do not guarantee employment or give an individual preference in the hiring process.

Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official(s).

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


Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete and submit all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. Click Apply Online button.
  2. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required.
  3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Veteran, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package.
  4. Complete the application questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12789382
  5. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
  6. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  7. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  8. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  9. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
  10. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
  11. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application.

Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.

We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.

For reasonable accommodations not related to USA Hire, please contact Lori Palmer at palmerlom@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.

Visit our site for information on NIH's EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

Agency contact information

Lori Palmer
Address
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US

Next steps

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgment email with the status of your application. To track or update your application or supporting documentation, during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. The Additional Application Information page provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application, including the invitation to take the USA Hire assessment.

At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.


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


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