FIREFIGHTER (CREW CHIEF-DRIVER OPERATOR) (Title 32) Job in Peoria, IL

Vacancy No. IL-12698052-AF-25-006 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $44,959.00 to $58,445.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/21/2025 Close Date 2/20/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Peoria, IL


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER (CREW CHIEF-DRIVER OPERATOR) (Title 32), Position Description Number T6315000 and is part of the IL 182 AW, National Guard.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement. Initial cutoff will be 7 MARCH 2025. Recruitment will continue through the announcement closing date until the position is filled.

Duties

As a FIREFIGHTER (CREW CHIEF-DRIVER OPERATOR) (Title 32), GS-0081-6, you will serve as a firefighter assigned to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity and lead the regularly assigned crew of less than three firefighters engaged in structural and airfield firefighting and crash/rescue operations and assist in the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.

Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:

  • Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, mobile water supply apparatus, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles.
  • Operate emergency vehicles in a Federal Aviation Administration controlled civilian airport environment with experience operating in and around controlled movement areas on an airfield. Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the booster pumper.
  • Operate or deactivate specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, oxygen supply systems, emergency aircraft shut down procedures, and egress components for civilian and military aircraft.
  • Maintain constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty.
  • Perform and direct assigned crew in functional tests and inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.
  • Perform standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding, and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling, or other special circumstances.
  • Maintain constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to determine how they affect the difficulty of rescue and firefighting.
  • Perform pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems.
  • Comply with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.
  • Perform and direct assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling large or complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger).
  • Perform and lead assigned crew in the 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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old. For reentry requirements and exceptions to the maximum entry age, see DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 336, January 22, 2015, Incorporating Change 1, December 1, 2017, Enclosure 3, Sec 3.
  • Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System or equivalent IFSAC and Pro Board certifications. See list under Specialized Experience.
  • 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. Will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
  • IAW The Fair Chance Act, Agency employees may not request criminal history information at the point of initial application, upon receipt of an application, or prior to, during or after a job interview.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available for this position. PCS expenses may be authorized.
  • Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System (See Specialized Experience).
  • This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
  • Must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
  • Must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
  • 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 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.
  • Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply: FERS or CSRS.
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.

Qualifications

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE REQUIREMENT: The maximum entry age for DoD firefighters is 37. An individual not appointed by the last day of the month in which the individual becomes age 37 will not be originally appointed or assigned to these positions. For reentry requirements and exceptions to the maximum entry age, see DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 336, January 22, 2015, Incorporating Change 1, December 1, 2017, Enclosure 3, Sections 2 and 3.

REENTRY INTO A COVERED POSITION (excerpt from DoDI 1400.25)
Individuals who are past the maximum entry age limit of 37 but who previously served in a covered primary position may be reinstated to a covered primary position only if they:
  • Meet the applicable qualification requirements for the position.
  • Will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as a firefighter or law enforcement officer by the last day of the month in which they become age 57.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-06 Level - MUST possess at least 12 months experience, education or training in one or more of the following areas: (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. (6) Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention (7) Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. (9) Planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) Performing emergency medical services.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Firefighter I, II
  • Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness)
  • Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
  • Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper
  • Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply
Individuals must be DoD Certified at the appropriate level before being eligible to permanently fill Firefighter position(s); applicant(s) may be hired without having all DoD certification levels. MUST HAVE at a minimum, Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Awareness to be considered. If you are found qualified without all DoD certifications, you will be brought on-board as an Indefinite appointment. Upon certification as a DoD Firefighter, you may be non-competitively converted to permanent tenure.


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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted for this occupational series and grade.

Additional information

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.

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):

  • Emergency Response
  • Fire Prevention, Inspection, and Code Compliance
  • Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
  • Vehicle Operation

Required Documents

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • Your resume that clearly demonstrates experience that meets the requirements of this position. Your resume must contain identifiable information such as your name, address, and phone number. It should also show your work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  • The following certifications from the DoD Firefighter Certification System:
    • Firefighter I, II
    • Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness)
    • Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
    • Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper
    • Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply

Other supporting documents (as applicable):
  • Certifications
  • DD-214
  • SF-50
  • Official Transcript (Copy)

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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

Documents that support Veterans' Preference:
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • SF-15

If claiming eligibility under the VOW Act: The VOW Act requires Federal agencies to treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligibles, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD214. In order to be considered under the VOW Act, the certification must specify that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package for this job announcement. The certification must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters. Agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment.

Documents NOT accepted: photographs, copies of position descriptions, training certificates, performance ratings, awards, and letters of appreciation.

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/12698052

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/.

Agency contact information

Ashley Jackson
Address
IL 182 AW
2416 S Falcon Blvd
Peoria, IL 61607
US

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.


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


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