Duties
1. Leads a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-07 or military equivalent) 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. Approves leave for a few hours or for emergencies. Resolves simple informal complaints, referring the more serious problems to the supervisor. Informs supervisor on performance, progress, and training needs of crew members, and on disciplinary problems. Makes suggestions to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of exemplary performance, and personnel needs. Instructs employees on specific tasks and firefighting techniques and provides written instructions and/or reference materials and supplies. Directs and participates in practice drills and training classes for assigned crew in all phases of firefighting techniques and equipment maintenance and use. Answers questions of employees on procedures, policies, directives, available services, employee activities, etc., and obtains directions from supervisor on problems. Prepares reports for the supervisor concerning fire runs, training, maintenance, inspections, or other topics. Performs special assignments/projects as required by the supervisor. Directs and participates in the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter Certification System for the assigned crew.
2. 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. Leads a crew in the operation of pumps, extended waterways, turrets, boom, and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment. Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the booster pumper. 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.
3. 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. Hazardous airfield conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great. Applies constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to direct rescue and firefighting operations. Support operations involve extensive flight line repair work, hot pit refueling, or the storage or movement of large quantities of gasoline and other fuels. 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 an up-to-date knowledge 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, extended waterways, and handlines to cool weapons and ammunition during rescue. Operates or deactivates specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems. Sometimes uses special tools developed for the particular mechanism. 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. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.
DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION:
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Information Assurance Certification is a condition of employment. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties.
Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance
Qualifications
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such duties may include (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.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Must have at least 18 months experience, education, or training in one or more of the following areas: 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. Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention; Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. Planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or performing emergency medical services.
Education
DUTIES CONTINUED:
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.
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 to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
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/.
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.