FIREFIGHTER (CREW CHIEF DRIVER OPERATOR) (Title 5) Job in Ellington AFB, TX

Vacancy No. TX-12755991-T5 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $51,849.00 to $67,401.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/23/2025 Close Date 8/1/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Ellington AFB, TX


Summary

This position is part of the 147 ATKW at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. To 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.


Texas is one of 9 states with NO state income tax.

Duties

As a FIREFIGHTER (CREW CHIEF DRIVER OPERATOR) (Title 5) with the Texas National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to:

  • Drives and operates firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. 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, hazards from falling structures, location of armament on aircraft. Leads a crew in the operation of pumps, foam generators, extended waterways, ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment. Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the booster pumper. When operating a crash truck, maneuvers vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash or flashover will not occur. Maintains constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty. Assists in training other firefighters on driving vehicles and operating equipment. Participates as a member of the base HAZMAT Response Team. Participates in the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter Certification System.
  • Performs and directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling large or complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger). Aircraft carry large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, and/or highly flammable or explosive cargo. Performs 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. Maintains 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. Directs water through turrets and handlines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue. Operates or deactivates specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems. Sometimes uses special tools developed for the particular mechanism.
  • Performs and leads assigned crew in structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes. Performs pre-fire 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. Controls and extinguishes fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants.
  • Performs and leads 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. Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance. Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs and directs assigned crew in functional tests and inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.
  • Leads a crew of one or two firefighters, GS-04 or GS-05, assigned to man the major piece of motorized firefighting equipment 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 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, reassignments, 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 and participates in practice drills and training classes for assigned crew in all phases of firefighting techniques and equipment maintenance and use.
  • Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures federal, state, and local protection/prevention ordinances and building codes concerning health, safety, and the environment are strictly adhered to. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Appointment Factor(s): This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position.

Area(s) of Consideration: Open to public (Nationwide) - US citizens, US nationals or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.

Remarks:

  • This is a Bargaining Unit position.
  • Direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance within one year of appointment.
  • Shift Firefighter will be working 72 hour work week, 144 hours per pay period.
  • The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old.

Qualifications

In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made.
To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following:

Specialized Experience Required
I 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.

Firefighter, HazMat Operations Driver or Operator (D/O)
  • The incumbent of this position must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), DoD Firefighter Certification system as HAZMAT Operations, Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS).

Only experience gained by closing date of this position will be considered.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:

1. Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
2. Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
3. Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
4. 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.
5. This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
6. This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
7. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
8. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
9. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
10. May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
11. May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
12. Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Aerial*, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS)*.*NOTE- Required if Aerial and/or MWS is assigned.
13. Employee is required to be certified National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR).
14. 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.

Note: Special retirement coverage is effective retroactive to the date of the personnel action of this SCPD.

14. The work may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
15. 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.
16. The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old.

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.

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):

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Building Construction, Emergency Medical Care, Emergency Response, Fire Prevention, Inspection, and Code Compliance, Physical Security, and Preventative Maintenance

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to

determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. BASIS OF RATING: The assessments for this job will also measure

  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) as listed under Qualifications are based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements.

Your application will be rated in the appropriate numeric value group and ranked according to preference eligibility and non-preference eligibility. Veterans' preference points, as prescribed, are added to each veteran applicant's final numeric value score. All qualified preference eligibles are placed ahead of non-preference eligibles Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Highly Qualified Group ranges from 90-100 points: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Well Qualified Group ranges from 80-89 points: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Qualified Group ranges from 70-79 points: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Required Documents

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

1. Your resume should include the following for related positions held:

  • Work schedule (ex. Full-time, part-time, intermittent)
  • Hours worked per week
  • To and From dates (ex. MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY)
  • Duties performed
2. Other REQUIRED supporting documents:
  • Memorandum of current employment by state TMD.
  • Certification by the DoD Firefighter Certification system as the following:
    • HAZMAT Awareness
    • HAZMAT Operations
    • Airport Fire Fighter (includes Firefighter I, II)
    • Apparatus Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
    • Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper
    • Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply (MWS)
    • Employee is required to be certified National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR).
  • Current/last SF-50 for current employees, if applicable.
  • The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
Veterans Information: Veterans' preference must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility prior to the close date of the job announcement. Acceptable documentation may be:
  1. A copy of your DD-214 Member-4 Copy, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions.
  2. A "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is 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 signed.
  3. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or visiting their website.
  4. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form, SF-15, "Application for 10-point 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

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/12755991

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

Yesenia Gonzalez
Address
TX 147th Attack Wing
14657 Sneider St
Houston, TX 77034
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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