FIREFIGHTER (Title 5) Job in Ellington AFB, TX

Vacancy No. TX-13020738-T5 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $52,368.00 to $68,078.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/5/2026 Close Date 8/15/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Ellington AFB, TX


FIREFIGHTER (Title 5)

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units

Summary

This position is part of the 147 ATKW at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. The primary purpose of this position is to provide fire-fighting support and/or crash rescue to the facility and airfield where located.

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

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

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

Category 1 - Open to Public (Nationwide) - US Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.

Duties

As a FIREFIGHTER (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, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (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, etc. Operates equipment such as: pumps, foam generators, boom and 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 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. Operates portable and stationary firefighting apparatus. Performs maintenance tasks on apparatus, equipment, and facilities. Operates alarm equipment, including radio and fire reporting facilities.
  • Responds to alarms and fires which may involve crashed and burning aircraft, equipment, structure and facility fires, fuel, chemical, or brush fires Uses chemicals, axes, bars, hooks, saws, gas masks and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires. Participates in regular training and exercises as required. Performs maintenance, operational, housekeeping, emergency, and stand-by duty. Evacuates and/or rescues occupants; administers first aid and artificial respiration. Incumbent is capable of recovering injured personnel from structures, aircraft and vehicle and carrying them to a safe haven. For those located at ARNG airfields, performs crash/rescue and firefighting duties handling complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger, and helicopters), which may carry large volumes of fuel, conventional weapons, and/or highly flammable or explosive cargo. Coordinates the implementation of crash rescue and firefighting plans. 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 hand lines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue.
  • Performs structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities. Performs pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems. Assists 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
  • Performs fire protection inspections of maintenance shops; Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) storage and dispensing areas; combustible material storage areas; and impeded stairways and exits. Performs visual checks and mechanical tests of fire alarm systems to ensure operability. Prepares reports of unsafe conditions and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure satisfactory corrections. Positions equipment so that maximum utilization may be made of its facilities. Conducts training of military and technician personnel of the facility in fire prevention and protection procedures using lecture and demonstration techniques. Incumbent has the knowledge to brief soldiers, civilians, and neighbors of the installation on specific hazards and situations that could result in bodily and property damage. Instructs safety and fire prevention to both firefighting and non-firefighting employees.
  • Detects the presence of potentially hazardous materials. Protects self and others by establishing a safe perimeter around the incident. Advises 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.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

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

Area(s) of Consideration: Category 1 - Open to Public (Nationwide) - US Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.

Remarks:

  • Trial period required (see additional information)
  • Direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Veterans' preference is applicable to this position.
  • Security Clearance and Drug Testing: All positions require a security clearance and drug testing. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain the appropriate clearance within one year of appointment. Applicants must pass a drug test prior to appointment.
    Periodic Medical Examinations: 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.
    Service Affiliation: Other conditions of employment may be directed by Service affiliation or military membership, consult with the appropriate staff.

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:

At least 12 months experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-05) 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.


Quality of Experience: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

At the GS-06 firefighter level the employee is responsible to drive and operate firefighting apparatus of significant complexity, e.g., pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and crash rescue trucks. The firefighter will drive a vehicle to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route, or selects an alternate route when necessary; positions the vehicle, considering factors such as wind direction, water sources, hazards from falling structures, location of armaments on aircraft, etc.; operate pumps, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment; determines proper pressure for the distances to be pumped and the number of lines being used; and applies principles of hydraulics to water flow friction and friction loss. When operating a crash truck, the firefighter maneuvers the vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash will not occur. The firefighter maintains a constant awareness of water levels in self-contained tanks and warns handline and rescue personnel when tanks are close to running dry; and they will assist in training other firefighters in the skills of driving and operating the equipment.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
  • Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
  • Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
  • 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.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
  • 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.
  • Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
  • May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
  • May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
  • May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

Education

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)*.

Additional information

Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR)

  • National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible

  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement

  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade

Trial Period:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- 2 trial year period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

- your performance and conduct;

- the needs and interests of the agency;

- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

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):

Fire Suppression

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. 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 In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Assumptions will not be made regarding your experience.
2. REQUIRED supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • OF-306
  • 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- Mobile Water Supply (MWS)
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible must submit the following documentation:

  • Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-3)

  • Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility

  • Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement must submit the following documentation:

  • Military Reserve and Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-2)

  • Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility

  • Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.

Applicants claiming DOD Military Spouse preference must submit the following documentation:

  • Marriage Certificate

  • Spouses PCS Orders

  • Military Spouse PPP Self Certification Checklist

Applicants claiming DoD Retained Grade preference must submit the following documentation:

  • Retained Grade PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD3145-1)

  • SF-50 effecting the placement in retained grade status, and

  • A copy of the notification letter received (RIF or classification downgrade)



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".

    Click the following link to determine your eligibility for Veterans' Preference. https:// webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.ht

    Vet Tool https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm

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/13020738

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

Rashay Liedecke
Phone
512-782-5000
Email
rashay.g.liedecke.civ@army.mil
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.

Air National Guard Units

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT

DUTY:
Bear true faith and allegiance to the state and nation; cultivate an environment for all to excel; prepare mentally, physically and spiritually to deploy at home and abroad.

HONOR: Hold the public trust in the highest regard; exceed standards and expectations; act with understanding, innovation, resourcefulness, flexibility and urgency. Do all you can, where you are, with what you have and always place the welfare of those you lead first.

TEXAS: Embrace the courageous spirit of our people, history and culture.

Agency contact information

Rashay Liedecke
Phone
512-782-5000
Email
rashay.g.liedecke.civ@army.mil
Address
TX 147th Attack Wing
14657 Sneider St
Houston, TX 77034
US

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