Clarification from the agency

On Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards. This position performs the following duties:

Leads a crew of three or more firefighters assigned to man a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations. Studies field maps to become familiar with ground areas, specific locations, etc. Ensures that workload is balanced at the fire/rescue scene or in the station. Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, makes day-to-day adjustments, and obtains assistance from supervisor on problems that arise.

Directs firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Directs driver-operator or 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, and hazards from falling structures. Ensures vehicle is maneuvered to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash or flashover will not occur. When arriving first at the scene, takes charge of all firefighting activities until relieved by a more senior firefighter.

Directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex (e.g., bombers, cargo, and passenger) aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous material (HAZMAT) containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties. Performs firefighting duties at airfields handling aircraft carrying large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, or highly flammable or explosive cargo; or handling a large number of air moves, or a moderate number involving pilot training, or other air moves with high crash or fire potential.

Leads assigned crew and performs emergency 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. Frequently serves as the prime rescuer in rescue operations. Participates in regular training and exercises as required. Assigns crew members to perform maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs functional tests and inspections. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures federal, state, and local protection/prevention ordinances and building codes concerning health, safety, and the environment are strictly adhered to. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a trial period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Work may require access to classified information. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position within one year of appointment.

1. Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
2. Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
3. Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
4. This position will serve as Lead Firefighter working a 144 hour pay period on a 48/72 schedule. May be subject to recall.
5. This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing
6. This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
7. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
8. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
9. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
10. May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
11. May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
12. Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Aerial, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS), as applicable.
15. 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.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least one year of on-the-job experience at the GS-0081-07 level. Experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, as well as to lead others to perform duties such as:

(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 and/or
(6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.

Mechanical Equipment Operator Qualifications: For those positions requiring the operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools, applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate the specific equipment to which they will be assigned, or similar related types of hydraulic equipment.

Medical Requirements: Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. 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. Any serious deviation from sound medical condition may be grounds for rejection of an applicant regardless of whether the condition is named below. Remediable defects or curable diseases will not exclude a person from consideration, but proof that such defects have been remedied or the disease cured must be received during the life of the eligible register before persons otherwise qualified may be considered for appointment under civil service rules.

• Eyes: Corrected distant vision must be at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye. Uncorrected distant vision is required only if it is likely that corrective lenses may be lost or broken. If so, uncorrected distant vision must be at least 20/100 binocular. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Applicants must be free from acute or chronic eye disease.
• Ears: Using an audiometer for measurement, there should be no loss of 30 or more decibels in the unaided worst ear at the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz levels.
• Nose, Mouth, and Throat: Applicants must be free from conditions that interfere with distinct speech, free breathing, or with the use of breathing apparatuses or protective equipment.
• Lungs: Applicants must be free from any pulmonary or chest wall disease or condition that results in not being able to perform the duties of the position.
• Heart and Blood Vessels: The following conditions may be cause for rejection: organic heart disease, valvular or vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, recurrent syncope, or history of myocardial infarction.
• Abdomen: Acute or chronic disease or inflammation of the abdominal viscera, hernia, or significant enlargement of the liver or spleen that interferes with the performance of the duties of the position will be cause for rejection.
• Spine, Pelvic, Sacroiliac and Lumbo-Sacral Joints: Applicants must have free movement of spine and pelvic joints.
• Neurological System: Degenerative neurological disease or disorder that results in documented evidence of neurological impairment that renders the applicant unable to perform the duties of the position will be cause for rejection. A history of serious mental disease may be disqualifying.
• Extremities: Individuals cannot have anomalies in the number, form, proportion, and movement of the extremities that interfere with function. This includes non-united fractures; nonreducible dislocations; united fractures and reduced dislocations with incomplete restoration of function; amputation of arm, hand, leg, or foot; loss of any skeletal portion of the thumb of either hand; loss of more than the two distal phalanges of the ring or little fingers of either hand; any lose joints; pes cavus, weak foot, or clubfoot; flatfoot with symptoms unresponsive to orthotics; loss or deformity of great toe or any two toes on the same foot; torn cartilage or loose foreign bodies within the knee joint; instability of the knee joint; or inadequately healed surgical procedure.

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 and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Leadership; Firefighting Equipment

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing:

• Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
• Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
• Education, certifications or licensures.

2. Other supporting documents: This position is open to On-Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard only. Applicants must submit current copies of their SF-50 to verify eligibility. Please submit certificates as applicable: Airport Firefighter Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Aerial, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS).

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