Firefighter/EMT Job in Elizabeth City, NC

Vacancy No. 20250108-177341-NE-KA-ST Department U.S. Coast Guard
Salary $40,931.00 to $65,917.00 Grade 5 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/28/2025 Close Date 6/9/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Elizabeth City, NC


Summary

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, Fire & Emergency Services Division, Facilities Engineering Department, Base Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP/ICTAP, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Individuals with Disabilities, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Peace Corps, Americorps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, Land Management and the public View common definitions of terms found in this announcement (http://dhsconnect.dhs.gov/org/comp/mgmt/dhshr/hr/Documents/JOA_Common_Definitions.pdf).

Duties

The primary purpose of this position is to perform firefighting and a variety of rescue/emerency response and fire prevention duties in the protection of personnel, property and equipment.

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

  • Performing various tasks such as: fire fighting, laying hose lines, placing and raising ladders, applying water, foam agents and chemicals on fires.
  • Performing pre-fire surveys and planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, nature and location of particular hazards.
  • Rendering emergency medical services as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Performing patient assessments and monitoring of vital signs.
  • Responding to HAZMAT incidents as a Hazardous Materials Technician as a member of a Hazardous Materials Response Team.
  • Driving and operating firefighting and special purpose vehicles of significant complexity.

GS-05 and 06 Levels are developmental positions with less complex duties and will be performed under closer supervision. Training requirements include progressively more complex certifications to perform at the full performance level at GS-07.

KEY POSITION: 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.

This position is identified as Essential Personnel to support the operation of BASE Elizabeth City, NC.

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. You must complete a pre-employment physical prior to employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Working conditions include such factors as extreme heat; thick and potentially toxic smoke, heights, enclosed and/or smoke filled spaces, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus while carrying heavy loads, which may exceed 100 pounds

Applicants are required to meet the physical requirements of the position in accordance with NFPA 1582 and must participate in a daily physical fitness program to effectively perform the rigorous tasks required of the position.

IMPORTANT: 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. If submitting multiple certifications, please combine into a single file for upload.

Please upload certificate file or certificate transcript under the "Transcripts/Certifications" under Required Document attachments."

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. This includes Time-In-Grade requirements for current status employees applying through merit promotion procedures. Status applicants applying for a promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade.

Must meet the entrance and retention requirements of NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.

Expected to actively participate in a department approved physical fitness exercise and wellness program designed to maximize job performance on guidance from NFPA 1500, Fire department Occupational Safety and Health Program, NFPA 1582, and NFPA 1583, Health Related Fitness for Firefighters. Fitness program will include fitness assessments as outlined in NFPA 1582 and NFPA 1583.Required to wear all PPE issued or made available in the workcenter.

KEY POSITION: 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

This position is identified as Essential Personnel to support the operation of BASE Elizabeth City, NC.

Key Requirements:
  1. U.S. Citizenship is required.
  2. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  3. Applicant is required to meet the physical requirements of the position.
  4. The applicant is subject to pre-appointment and random drug testing.
  5. Maximum entry age restriction (37).
  6. The position requires a valid state driver's license.
  7. Subject to recall and off-duty status as emergency operations necessitate.
  8. Essential Personnel to support the operation of BASE Elizabeth City, NC

Qualifications

At the GS-05 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing firefighting duties for a range of structures. Duties included: responding to alarms; extinguishing fires; performing rescues; administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to victims; testing and maintaining fire apparatuses and equipment carried on the apparatuses; and making minor repairs to extinguishing systems, fire alarms, extinguishers and other related fire equipment.

OR

Successfully completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with a major in Fire Science or Fire Training or a related field.

OR

Combination of post-high school education and specialized experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. Note: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e. beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the required experience. Once you have met this aspect of the requirement (i.e. 60 semester hours), then each additional 30 semester hours may be converted to 6 months of the required experience.

In addition to the requirements above, applicants must possess (or obtain within one year of employment) and maintain (i.e. re-certification) (IAW DODM-6055.06 as required by CIM 5100.47D, Chapt. 18):

  1. Apparatus Driver-Operator for:
    1. Pumper
  2. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
  3. Firefighter I & II
  4. Airport Firefighter
  5. Confined Space Rescue (when resources allow)
  6. HAZMAT Operations (Awareness and Operations).
  7. EMT - Basic Life Support (mandatory selection requirement) EMT certification/license shall be in accordance with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requirements or the State of North Carolina.
  8. ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 (or equivalent as updated by FEMA)

At the GS-06 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: responding to alarms; extinguishing fires; performing rescues; administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to victims; testing and maintaining fire apparatuses and equipment carried on the apparatuses; making minor repairs of extinguishing systems, fire alarms, extinguishers and other related fire equipment; using turrets or hand-lines to combat fires on aircraft; performing fire protection inspections for fire hazards and safety violations of recognized codes; and driving and operating crash and structural fire apparatus.

In addition to the requirements above, applicants must possess (or obtain within one year of employment) and maintain (i.e. re-certification) (IAW DODM-6055.06 as required by CIM 5100.47D, Chapt. 18):

  1. Apparatus Driver-Operator for:
    1. Pumper
    2. ARFF
  2. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
  3. Firefighter I & II
  4. Airport Firefighter
  5. Confined Space Rescue (when resources allow)
  6. HAZMAT Technician (awareness, operations and technician).
  7. EMT - Basic Life Support (mandatory selection requirement) EMT certification/license shall be in accordance with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requirements or the State of North Carolina) ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 (or equivalent as updated by FEMA)
  8. ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 (or equivalent as updated by FEMA)

At the GS-07 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: responding to alarms; extinguishing fires; performing rescues; administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to victims; testing and maintaining fire apparatuses and equipment carried on the apparatuses; making minor repairs of extinguishing systems, fire alarms, extinguishers and other related fire equipment; using turrets or hand-lines to combat fires on aircraft; performing fire protection inspections for fire hazards and safety violations of recognized codes; driving and operating crash and structural fire apparatus; and respond and work as an emergency medical technician.

In addition to the requirements above, applicants must possess (or obtain within one year of employment) and maintain (i.e. re-certification) (IAW DODM-6055.06 as required by CIM 5100.47D, Chapt. 18):

  1. Apparatus Driver-Operator for:
    1. Pumper
    2. ARFF
    3. Aerial
  2. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
  3. Firefighter I & II
  4. Fire Officer I
  5. Fire Instructor I
  6. Fire Inspector I
  7. Airport Firefighter
  8. Confined Space Rescue (when resources allow)
  9. HAZMAT Technician (awareness, operations and technician).
  10. EMT - Basic Life Support (mandatory selection requirement) EMT certification/license shall be in accordance with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requirements or the State of North Carolina)
  11. ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 (or equivalent as updated by FEMA)

IMPORTANT: 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. If submitting multiple certifications, please combine into a single file for upload.

Please upload certificate file or certificate transcript under the "Certification/Transcript" under Required Document attachments.

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.

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.

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.

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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage.

Additional information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a Top Secret/ SCI clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

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 Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change

Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We will review your résumé 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 self assessment questions that are based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  1. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of firefighting, fire prevention and emergency response occupations.
  2. Knowledge of modern firefighting and rescue practices and a knowledge of how to use the tools and equipment associated with the work.
  3. Knowledge of and skill in performing basic life support procedures and techniques; and knowledge/ability to inspect, test and maintain emergency medical response equipment.
  4. Knowledge of hazardous substances and modern practices and procedures used in emergencies involving and/or caused by the release of HAZMAT.
  5. Ability to communicate clearly and precisely, especially during emergency operations/high stress situations.

Your resume and responses to the self-assessment questions are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. Therefore, you must support your responses to the self-assessment questions by providing examples of past and present experience in your resume.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience; no points will be assigned.


To preview the job questionnaire and application, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12742336

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you will be removed from consideration or your score will be lowered.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles:If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View information on VEOA in OPM's Vet Guide).

Veterans, Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers, and people 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 and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Required Documents

  1. Your resume
  2. Your responses to the job questionnaire
  3. Are you a current or former federal employee? Must Submit: Your most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure; (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. NOTE: Performance award, Realignment, and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure. With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year) to support meeting time in grade requirements. (NOTE: You may need to submit more than one SF-50.)
  4. College Transcript(s): Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. 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. If applicable.
  5. Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service connected disability. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
  6. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your: - Agency notice - Most recent performance rating - Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location
  7. 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
  8. Are you applying under special hiring authorities as a military spouse? Provide a copy of your: - Marriage certificate, and - Your spouse's PCS or A completed SF-15 with supporting documentation.
  9. Are you applying under Schedule A hiring authority for persons with severe disabilities? Provide: Evidence of your intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefit.
  10. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/09/2025.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted. If you cannot apply online, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact DHSHQSeniorExecutiveServicesTeam@hq.dhs.gov.

Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.

Agency contact information

Kimberley Alston
Address
BASE E-CITY FIRE SAFETY DIVISION -FF
DO NOT MAIL
ELIZABETH CITY, NC 27909
US

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.

For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.


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


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