Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job in Kodiak, AK

Vacancy No. 20250528-29010-042905-CE-DE Department U.S. Coast Guard
Salary $40,760.00 to $66,083.00 Grade 4 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/3/2025 Close Date 6/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Kodiak, AK


Summary

This vacancy is for a GS - 0081 - 4/5/6, Firefighter (Basic Life Support) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, BASE KODIAK FIRE SAFETY DIVISION -FF.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to the Public

Duties

You will serve as a Firefighter (Basic Life Support) and be responsible for immediate response to fire alarms, and the control and extinguishment of fires as well as the maintenance and use of firefighting apparatus and equipment. Fights fires aboard ships, cutters, boats, aircraft, hangars, and buildings containing small compartments that aggravate the hazards and danger of the situation. The incumbent performs firefighting driver operator duties and performs predominately non-invasive emergency care in the assessment, treatment, and transportation of patients to higher level medical providers commonly in the form of a clinic or hospital.

Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include:

  • Responding to fire alarms, and the control and extinguishment of fires aboard ships, cutters boats, aircraft, hangars, and buildings containing small compartments that aggravate the hazards and danger of the situation.
  • Performing driver operator duties i.e. maintain and make minor repairs to areal, crash, and structural apparatus, assigned vehicles, and firefighting rescue equipment.
  • Performing predominately non-invasive emergency care in the assessment and treatment and transportation of patients to higher level medical providers.
  • Conducting annual housing fire prevention inspections, annual fire hydrant maintenance, including but not limited to painting (as necessary), flow test, and record data collection in accordance with department directives and standards.
  • Utilizing specialized communication equipment to consult with physicians and/or hospitals of patient's condition.

Mandatory training is required which must be successfully completed and other training may occur as necessary for success in the position.

MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION: This position meets the definition for "primary/rigorous position" contained in 5 CFR 842.802 and is subject to a maximum entry age of 37. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for initial appointment. This does not apply to preference eligible veterans or to applicants who previously served in a covered position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: During emergencies, the incumbent may be required to perform strenuous work under physically/mentally stressful conditions in a dangerous environment. He/she must be able to perform and function under conditions of heavy exertion while wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus and be capable of carrying heavy loads.

Incumbent shall meet the entrance and retention requirements of NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1500 and pass an annual physical exam in accordance with NFPA 1582. Incumbent is expected to actively participate in a department approved physical fitness/wellness program.


The incumbent will maintain Alaska State Emergency Medical Certification.

The incumbent will maintain a valid Alaska State vehicle operator's license.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume:

  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Date of Birth (DOB)
  • Photos of yourself (if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position)
  • Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Key Requirements:
  1. Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  2. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
  3. A one-year probationary period may be required.
  4. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
  5. This is a Bargaining Unit position.
  6. Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license and safe driving record.
  7. Selectee subject to successful completion of pre-employment medical exam.
  8. This is a drug testing designated position.
  9. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
  10. Max 37 years of age entry restriction (see questions for more information)

NOTE:
  • This position has been designated as a key position. If selected for this position, the incumbent will be screened for Ready Reserve status and appropriate action will be taken to remove the incumbent from the Ready Reserves, if a member.
  • This position is designated as a key position. In the event of a crisis situation, war, or mobilization, the incumbent must continue to perform the duties to support mission requirements. A member of the Ready Reserve may not fill the position on a permanent basis. If filled by a member of the Ready Reserve, appropriate action must be undertaken to change the incumbent's reserve status to a status other than that of Ready Reserve.

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-4 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-3 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

Specialized experience must include the following:

  • Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade;
  • Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards;
OR

2 years above high school with related course work. Successful completion of a 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or other related fields of study is qualifying for GS-4.

NOTE: Education can be substituted for experience at this grade level.

NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application.

To qualify at the GS-5 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Specialized experience must include the following:

  • Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade;
  • Rescue operations;
  • Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards;
  • Operation of fire communications equipment;
OR

4- year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree. 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.

NOTE: Education can be substituted for experience at this grade level. Transcripts must be submitted with your application.

To qualify at the GS-6 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Examples of specialized experience:
  • Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade;
  • Rescue operations;
  • Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards;
  • Operation of fire communications equipment;
  • Controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or
  • Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.

NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

In addition to the requirements above, possession of the following qualifications and certifications are highly desired.

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification or equivalent Firefighter I & II

Airport Firefighter

Driver/Operator Pumper

Driver/Operator ARFF

Driver/Operator Aerial

Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)

HazMat Awareness

HazMat Operations

Hazardous Materials Technician

Fire Officer I

Fire Instructor I

Fire Inspector I

EMT Basic (Alaska, National, or other state equivalent)

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.

College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.

Transcripts--If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Please ensure that all documentation is legible.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Student Loan

Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent or term position may be eligible for student loan repayment up to $10,000 (pre-tax) for one calendar year. More than one loan may be repaid if the combined repayments do not exceed $10,000. Receipt of this incentive will require a three-year service agreement.

Additional information

Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

E-Verify
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Fair Chance Act
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to charles.l.edwards@uscg.mil.

Suitability Statement
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Shared Certificates Statement
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Special Employment Consideration
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Promotion Potential: If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s).

Recruitment incentives may be authorized.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please contact charles.l.edwards@uscg.mil. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using the on-line assessment to place you in one of three categories. The necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to perform this job are:

  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Fire Management
  • First Response
  • Technical Competence
  • Vehicle Operator


If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
  1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
  2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
  3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12742832.

Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position is not considered scientific/professional.). Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

CTAP and ICTAP Eligibles: CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. Individuals must be well-qualified by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf

Required Documents

  • Your resume - showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education, and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/date/year to month/date/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered.
  • Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12742832-
  • Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.

Are you claiming veterans' preference, please submit the following documents. Please see Feds Hire Vets for detail.

a. Veterans claiming 5-point veterans' preference must submit legible Member 4 Copy DD214(s) indicating Character of Service. 5-point preference will not be granted if appropriate documentation is not submitted with your application.

b. 30% Disabled Veterans must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and VA Disability Letter with percentage of disability OR documentation of disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces which reflects a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.

c. Other 10-point Preference Eligibles must submit applicable Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and provide documentation of your other 10-point preference. If claiming 10-point preference, you must provide required documentation described on the back of the SF-15 which proves that you are entitled to such preference. 10-point preference will not be granted if appropriate documentation is not submitted with your application.
d. If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD214 and is claiming eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating you will be discharged/released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date you submit your certification as part of your application for this announcement. See the "How to Apply" section of this announcement for information on specific requirements for VOW certifications.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation.

CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your RIF separation notice, a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating, a copy of your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your RIF separation notice, a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating, a copy of your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.


Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

  • Position title
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment

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 begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on 06/12/2025.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your 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/.

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.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Charles Edwards at charles.l.edwards@uscg.mil to obtain an alternative application.

Agency contact information

Charles Edwards

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Recruitment Incentive

Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent position are authorized to receive a one-time recruitment incentive of 25% of the salary, including locality for this position. Receipt of the bonus will require a 12-month service agreement.

"Newly appointed" refers to the first appointment (regardless of tenure) as an employee of the Federal Government, an appointment following a break in service of at least 90 days from a previous appointment as an employee of the Federal Government, or, in certain cases, an appointment following a break in service of less than 90 days from a previous appointment as an employee of the Federal Government.

Relocation Incentive

Selectee(s) for this position who are current federal employees on permanent appointments and will be moving outside of the current commuting area of their current position to accept this position are authorized to receive a one-time relocation incentive of 25% of the salary including locality for this position. Receipt of the bonus will require a 12-month service agreement. The employee must establish a residence in the new geographic area prior to payment.


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


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