Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description Number T6316000 and is part of the MD 175th ANG, National Guard.
This is an indefinite position that may become permanent without further competition. This is a career ladder position with promotion potential up to the GS-07 level. See "Additional Information" section of the announcement for further details.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Clarification from the agency
US Citizens and Veterans
Duties
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and crash-rescue operations and assist in reducing and/or eliminating potential fire hazards. This position performs the following duties:
Performs crash-rescue and firefighting duties involving air traffic or support operations where hazardous conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great. Performs work at airfields handling aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger) 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. Support operations involve extensive flightline repair work, hot pit refueling, or the storage or movement of large quantities of gasoline and other fuels.
Performs structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes. Performs prefire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems. May
assist in the development of special protective services for structures imposing extreme hazards. As a crew member, participates in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.
Performs 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. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.
Engages in hazardous materials containment and control as a first responder. Detects the presence of potentially hazardous materials; protects self and others by establishing a safe perimeter around the incident; advises the fire chief to notify responsible agencies and to call for assistance from qualified personnel; controls access to the area until the arrival of law enforcement; and uses, maintains, and decontaminates common hazardous materials response equipment and supplies including protective clothing, breathing apparatus, dry and extinguishing chemicals, and decontamination agents and equipment, and replaces expended chemical and elements.
Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs functional tests and inspections. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance within one year of appoinrment.
1. Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
2. Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
3. 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.
4. This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing.
5. This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
6. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
7. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
8. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
9. May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
10. Employee is required to be certified by the DoD or Pro Board Firefighter Certification System as Firefighter I, II, HAZMAT Operations, and Emergency Medical Responder (or higher).
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-0081-04 level. Experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such duties may include
(1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade;
(2) rescue operations;
(3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards;
(4) operation of fire communications equipment;
(5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or
(6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
Mechanical Equipment Operator Qualifications: For those positions requiring the operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools, applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate the specific equipment to which they will be assigned, or similar related types of hydraulic equipment.
Medical Requirements: Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. 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.
- 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; nonreducible 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.
Maximum Entry Age: 37
Education
If you are using Education to qualify for this position:
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study is qualifying for GS-5.
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.
Additional information
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 (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 180 days of the closing date.
- This position MAY be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives, pending availability of funding and management request.
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service.
- This position is indefinite with the potential to become permanent without further competition.
- This is a career ladder position. Employees may be non-competitively promoted to the GS-06 and subsequently GS-07 level under a new position description upon attainment of experience and satisfaction of Individual Development Plan (IDP).
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.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
- Fire Suppression
- Fire Prevention, Inspection, and Code Compliance
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents: DoD or Pro Board Firefighter Certification System as Firefighter I, II, HAZMAT Operations, and Emergency Medical Responder (or higher). If you are a current Federal Employee, please submit your most current non-award SF-50 when applying. If selected, failure to submit this documentation may affect your pay and/or delay your appointment.
Veterans' Preference:
If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference.
- 10-Point Veterans' Preference: You MUST submit a signed SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof as required by the SF-15.
- 5-Point Veterans' Preference: You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 which includes Character of Service (usually Member-4 copy). If you are currently active duty, you may submit written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should also include when your terminal leave will begin, your rank and dates of active duty service.
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
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12943670
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.