Qualifications
This a developmental position to full performance GS-07. This position may be filled at GS-05 or at GS-06 with promotion to the GS-07 or at the GS-07. The individual selected for this position may be promoted to the target level without further competition upon meeting any legal and regulatory requirements.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-0081-05 (DEVELOPMENTAL): Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service which includes knowledge of basic and specialized firefighting equipment (Fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation etc.), techniques, and procedures; and of basic hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment and identification.
OR
Education: Applicants must have successfully completed four years of education above the high school level in an accredited collage or university leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training or other related fields of study. Note: A copy of your transcripts is required.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPIRENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 36. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify). Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-0081-06 (DEVELOPMENTAL): Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the particular knowledge of hazard and risk assessment techniques to complete initial incident analysis; establishes communication with responsible agencies to gain qualified assistance and additional technical guidance; plans, initiates, and implements the initial response; evaluates the success of the ongoing response actions; assists hazardous materials technicians and other hazardous materials personnel; and maintains and decontaminates common hazardous materials response equipment and supplies.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-0081-07 (FULLY QUALIFIED): Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service which demonstrates knowledge of initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination; determining priority of patient care based on assessment of findings; taking, recording, and monitoring patient's baseline vital signs; managing respiratory and cardiac emergencies to include performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automatic external defibrillation.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-05 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-06 level. One year at the GS-06 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
GS-0081-05/06:
1. Knowledge of basic principles of the classified Firefighter - Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support field.
2. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing.
3. Ability to learn basic techniques of the classified Firefighter - Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support title.
4. Ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
5. Ability to plan and organize work and consult effectively with co-workers.
GS-0081-07:
1. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, and the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to waterflow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.
2. Knowledge of basic and specialized airfield and structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures; and of basic and specialized building design, construction, and occupancy.
3. Knowledge of HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions.
4. Knowledge of basic life support techniques and protocols; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
5. Skill in operating communications equipment.
6. Ability to apply basic life support techniques and protocols; conduct complete HAZMAT incident analysis; maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. For initial appointments, applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by date of appointment. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR to qualified veteran preference eligibles who may be eligible for waivers in accordance with section 3 of DoDI 1400.25-V336. NOTE: Applicants who are past the maximum entry age, are re-entering into a primary/rigorous position and have previous special retirement coverage service - may be eligible to be rehired or reinstated to a primary/rigorous covered position without requiring a maximum entry age waiver if he/she will be able to complete 20 years of covered service by age 57.
Effective 1 Jun 00, all DoD firefighters and contract fire and emergency service personnel must be certified at the next higher level before being eligible for promotion to that level. Applicants must list their current firefighter related licenses and certificates on their resumes. Please attach copies of certifications when you submit the resume to verify qualification requirements for the position. Certification requirements for this position are:
GS-05: Airport Firefighter (includes FF I and II), HAZMAT Awareness and HAZMAT Operations.
GS-06: Airport Firefighter (includes FF I and II), Driver Operator-ARFF, Driver Operator-Pumper, HAZMAT Awareness and HAZMAT Operations.
GS-07: Airport Firefighter (includes FF I and II), Driver Operator-ARFF, Driver Operator-Pumper, HAZMAT Awareness and HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician and possess a State of Virginia or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic Life Support (EMT-B) certification.
Must have and/must maintain current National Registry Emergency Medical Technical-Basic (EMT-B) certification and/or Virginia State EMT-B Certification.
Education
Qualifications continued
IMPORTANT: Please upload copies of your FF certs. If you have received a Student ID# for the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program website (https://go.usa.gov/xdsTR) please provide a copy of your most recent certification transcript. Note: If you do not know your Student ID, you may contact the AFCEC Reachback center at afcec.rbc@us.af.mil. If you do not have a Student ID and/or cannot access the Certificate Program site, you must upload a copy of your individual certifications or transcript at the time of your application or you will be removed from consideration.
Special Retirement Provisions Authority: 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]. 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].
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
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.
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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.