Clarification from the agency

This job announcement is open to current, permanent Department of Veteran Affairs facility employees of the VA Maryland Health Care System and Veteran Affairs employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Duties Include but not limited to:
Fire Suppression/First Responder 60%

• Assists the Assistant Chief in the daily operations of the Fire Protection Section
• Assigning firefighters to riding positions on fire apparatus, directing, and performing inspection and training activities and ensuring the conduct of daily station and equipment inspection and maintenance
• Perform duties in the absence of the Assistant Chief
• Responsible for adhering to the established Standard Operating Guidelines of the Fire Protection Section as established by the Fire Chief
• Responds to fire alarms or other emergencies and calls for assistance
• Performs the duties of nozzleman, hoseman, hydrantman or fire apparatus driver/operator
• Serves as overall incident commander, responsible for issuing orders and directing firefighters and Medical Center employees in the Assistant Chief and Fire Chief absences
• Receives daily assignments and provides directions to the crew during station/equipment maintenance activities and while performing safety/fire protection systems inspections
• Responsible for selecting, placing and raising ladders, ventilating the involved structure to release gas and control the fire
• May function as the driver/operator and responsible for efficient and safe operation of fire and rescue apparatus

Emergency Medical Technician (Basic Life Support) 25%

• Employs all sources of information to determine the nature of the person's illness or extent of injury.
• Performs initial / on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination to determine priority of patient care based upon the assessment findings.
• Takes, records and monitors patient's baseline vital signs including temperature, blood pressure and pulse.
• Interviews the patient to identify preexisting medical conditions and obtain a comprehensive drug history.
• Controls external bleeding with direct pressure and treats the patient for shock and shock-like symptoms.
• Splints and immobilizes fractures and dislocations for transport. Utilizes various established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport as soon as possible.
• Establishes communication with the receiving facility, providing patient information and estimated time of arrival.
• Utilizes various established emergency medical techniques and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport
• Assists Advanced Life Support (ALS) staff including Paramedics, Doctors, Nurses, etc.
• Completes patient care documentation required to ensure medical requirements are met and accurately reported.
• Uses and maintains emergency medical equipment such as backboards, suction devices, AED's, splints, oxygen delivery systems, stretchers, etc. Properly disposes of biohazard materials and replenishes medical and expendable supplies.

Fire Safety Inspector 10%

• Performs fire safety inspections of the Medical Center on a quarterly basis to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards.
• Inspect fire extinguishers for proper type, placement and operating condition, and inspection of fire detection and suppression systems.
• Performs fire safety inspections to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards
• Maintains all reports and computerized databases relating to fire safety and fire prevention inspections
• Administers the fire protection systems inspection, testing and maintenance program for an assigned shift
• Develops lesson plans, schedules, and conducts firefighter proficiency training classes and operational drills

Hazardous Materials Operations 5%

• Performs as a team member in determining the materials/chemicals involved, and the degree of life hazard and potential environmental impact
• Responds with the appropriate equipment to hazardous materials incidents in the surrounding communities.

Work Schedule: 48-hour shifts, 72-hour work week; including weekends and holidays.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support)/PD23263A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Medical Requirements- Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. Since individual positions may not include all such duties, a physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position to be filled.

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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may 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.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/24/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-08 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

This position includes Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.

The Selective Placement Factors for this position are as follows: Certification Requirements:

• Firefighter II certification, in accordance with NFPA 1001
• Operations Level Responders, in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472
• Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification, in accordance with NFPA 1002
• Fire Officer I certification in accordance with NFPA 1021
• Fire Inspector II certification, in accordance with NFPA 1031
• Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of Maryland or National Registry. (For the State of Maryland - Meet and maintain requirements per MIEMSS for EMT Basic)

Copies of certifications (IFSAC or Pro Board) MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement; failure to submit any required certifications will result in the non-referral of the applicant.

Maximum Age Requirement: This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in the covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57.

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the following Minimum qualification:

• Specialized Experience Requirements: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level of GS 7 and 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 and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.

Driver's License Requirement; A Valid State motor vehicle operator's license is required. Applicant may be required to provide their license at the time of interview. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current and valid state-issued driver's license.

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.

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; religions; 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required when reaching, bending, climbing, turning, or moving hands, arms, and feet in the performance of firefighting duties. Incumbent is required to participate in a physical fitness program. 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. (See 5 CFR 339.

Performance Test. Agencies may require candidates to demonstrate satisfactory performance of the minimum physical abilities necessary to perform safely and efficiently the essential tasks of a particular position. Abilities may be demonstrated through prior satisfactory performance in the same or a similar position, or agencies may choose to use a task demonstration. A task demonstration must be directly related to the essential job tasks, and thus, must consist of a sample of operations or steps that reflect a reasonably faithful representation of those selected job tasks. Any demonstration required must be uniformly applied to all similarly qualified candidates; the level of proficiency required cannot exceed that which is required in actual job performance; and reasonable accommodation must be provided where necessary.

Work Environment. Incumbent is required to work both inside and outside, frequently being exposed to adverse weather conditions and extreme heat while performing firefighting duties. Incumbent may be called upon to work in environments that are classified as immediately dangerous to life or health and, in some cases, may be required to work long hours under severe, stressful conditions.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

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), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Attention to Detail
• Communications
• Compliance Inspection
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Fire Management
• Flexibility
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork
• Vehicle Operation

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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; religions; 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.

Referral Method:This announcement uses the set number method under 5 CFR § 332.402. If set number: All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred.]We will provide the selecting official with a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least three candidates per vacancy. If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, we will expand the group in accordance with our pre-announced supplement strategy and OPM policy.

Simultaneous Listing: Candidates may be referred simultaneously on multiple certificates for which they are interested, eligible, and within reach.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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

• Fire Officer I certification in accordance with NFPA 1021 AND Fire Inspector II certification in accordance with NFPA 1031
• Firefighter II certification in accordance with NFPA 1001 AND Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification, in accordance with MFPA 1002
• Operations Level Responders certification in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472 AND Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of Maryland or National Registry
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• License
• Fire Officer I certification in accordance with NFPA 1021 AND Fire Inspector II certification in accordance with NFPA 1031
• Firefighter II certification in accordance with NFPA 1001 AND Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification, in accordance with MFPA 1002
• Operations Level Responders certification in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472 AND Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of Maryland or National Registry
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: Veteran preference does not apply to current VA employees.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

Next steps