Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Direct Deposit participation required.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
- You will be required to operate a government motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required upon onboarding.
- This is a Test Designated Position. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Fire Program Management (FPM) positions.
- Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and pass a medical examination given by an authorized government physician.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- Less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary firefighting or law enforcement position. -OR- A veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement. -OR- Under age 37
- The duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
- All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time or part-time, hours must be included). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed. If an applicant's resume is incomplete or does not support the requirements for minimum qualifications or specialized experience a rating of "ineligible" or "not qualified" will be applied and no consideration for employment will be granted.
This position has been identified a Structural Fire position, requiring IFSAC/Pro board certifications. This position requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards prior to being placed into the position. For this Structural Firefighter position, you must meet the following requirements:
Successfully completed the IFSAC or Pro Board certification requirements of:
-
- GS-5: Firefighter 1/2 HAZMAT Awareness/Operations. (Within one year: Wildland Firefighter Type 2)
- GS-6: Firefighter1/2 HAZMAT Awareness/Operations, Wildland Firefighter Type 2, Driver Operator Pumper. (Within one year: Rope Rescue (Low/high Angle))
- GS-7: Firefighter 1/2 HAZMAT Awareness/Operations, Wildland Firefighter Type 2. Driver Operator Pumper, Washington State or National EMT/B. (Within one year: Rope Rescue (Confined Space), Fire Office 1, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Inspector 1, HAZMAT IC.)
AND
- Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements:
- Less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary firefighting or law enforcement position. -OR-
- A veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement. -OR-
- Under age 37
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your IFSAC/Proboard certifications. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
In addition to the above, the following experience and/or education is required to qualify for the position:
To qualify for GS-05:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 in the following areas:
- Structural firefighting and rescue operations.
- Emergency medical response (CPR, bleeding control, patient care).
- HAZMAT Awareness/Operations response.
- Experience using the Incident Command System at the scene of an emergency.
OR 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.
OR Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for grade levels for which both
education and experience are acceptable.
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study (e.g.: Forestry, Range Management, Agriculture, Fire suppression and Prevention). Transcripts must be attached to application package if qualifying based on education.
To qualify for GS-06:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 in the following areas:
- Operating and driving complex structural fire apparatus during emergency response.
- Performing structural firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical tasks.
- Conducting HAZMAT response actions, containment, and incident documentation.
- Maintaining firefighting equipment, apparatus, and station readiness.
*There is no education substitution for this grade level.
To qualify for the GS-07:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 in the following areas:
- Operating and driving complex structural fire apparatus in emergency situations.
- Performing structural firefighting, rescue, and HAZMAT response tasks.
- Providing EMT-B level emergency medical assessment, treatment, and victim extrication.
- Maintaining fire apparatus, equipment, and station readiness for all-hazard response.
*There is no education substitution for this grade level.
This position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA). The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims. This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age, but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement. These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Two exceptions are allowed: 1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; or 2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.
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. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification
Additional information
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Firefighters: This position participates in firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a "condition of employment." The Arduous fitness (Pack) test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work involves extended periods of heavy moving and lifting. Generally, the work requires
recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and positioning of patients, victims, fire hoses fire extinguishers, and other equipment. Must wear protective clothing and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, while working in extreme heat and cold under adverse conditions, such as fire
and smoke. Must maintain alertness, self-control, and emotional stability to work in conditions of stress, confusion, panic, and physical injury and even death that frequently occurs at major disasters. Climbs ladders and works at various heights. Must pass the firefighter physical examination and successfully participate in the ongoing Firefighter Physical Fitness Program. The incumbent is exposed to fires, emergency medical scenes, and other dangerous situations, including exposure to possible burns and other effects of smoke inhalation, heat, falling materials, explosions, toxic materials, infections, contagious diseases, and other dangerous substances. Subject to injury while dealing with frightened fire/medical victims. Hazards may
exist while operating or riding fire or medical vehicles under adverse conditions.
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.
Additional Information Continued:
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will 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.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of any additional assessment(s) required for this position.
Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category.
You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
- Occupational Judgement Assessment-Decision Making
- Occupational Reading Assessmeng-Reading Comprehension
In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment, if required.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.