To qualify for a Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Materials Technician), your qualifications must include:
A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly related to the position. To qualify at the GS-08 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:
- Ability to lead lower graded employees
- Performing a full range of firefighting duties such as combating fires, operating hose lines, making forced entries, and search and rescue
- Performing or assisting in rescue operations
- Performing basic life support to include emergency medical technician
- Conducting hazardous materials offensive operations and decontamination operations
B. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS (SPF): Failure to provide copies of ALL certifications and licenses will result in you being rated ineligible.
- The certifications listed below are the minimum mandatory certification requirements for this position. Department of Defense (DoD) 6055.06-M, "Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program" identifies the level of performance required for all DoD Fire and Emergency Services personnel. DoD Incumbents shall possess DoD Certifications, or equivalent accredited certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Professional Qualifications System (Pro-Board):
- International Fire Service Accredited Certifications: Fire Officer I, Inspector I, Instructor I
- OR National Registry or State equivalent Certifications: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
- If you do not possess a certification for the state in which you are applying, you MUST have National Registry certification and be eligible for reciprocity requirements.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Age Requirement: Applicant must be less than 37 years of age at the time of appointment OR will be 37 years of age or older at the time of appointment, but meet the following:
- Previously served in a DoD Firefighter position that was approved for Special Retirement Coverage
- After appointment, must be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as a Firefighter by the last day of the month in which I reach age 57.
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.
Physical Demands - The work involves extended periods of heavy moving and lifting. Generally, the work requires recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and positioning of patients, victims, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, and other equipment. Must be able to wear protective clothing and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, while working in extreme heat and cold under adverse conditions, such as fire and smoke.
Work Environment - The employee works outside in all types of weather conditions. Employee is exposed to out-of-control fires, emergency medical scenes, and other dangerous situations. Is also exposed to the possibility of burns and other effects of smoke inhalation, heat, falling materials, explosions, toxic materials, infections, and contagious diseases, and other dangerous substances.