Duties
These are Career Seasonal positions and will be in non-pay status one pay period (two weeks) in January each year. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis.
These Lead Health Technician (Paramedic) positions are located at Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah, and will help oversee the Search & Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs.
- Response Readiness and Operational Preparedness- Makes recommendations to update park ambulances and response bags for equipment, supply, and organization improvements, and performs periodic ambulance, inventory, and pharmaceutical checks and ensures compliance with the established policy.
- Emergency Operations- Incumbent maintains certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) at the Paramedic level and provides emergency medical assistance in the field. Incumbent provides EMS assistance to local agencies pursuant to current mutual aid agreements.
- Training and Quality Assurance- The incumbent plans and executes EMS training targeted at maintaining the certificates and credentials of EMS providers (>40 persons) in the park. Trainings are based on findings of regular and ongoing quality assurance reviews and continuing assessment of EMS provider's training needs, skill proficiency needs, standards of medical care, and emerging research.
- Communications- Communicates orally and in writing with medical and public safety personnel, using extensive skill in emergency communication techniques and operating communication equipment. Orally reports in a clear and concise manner patient assessment and treatment administered.
- All Hazard Response- As qualified may serve as part of the structure fire brigade, search and rescue team, and other all hazard response teams including command positions. May provide public outreach on preventative SAR, community health, and paramedicine.
Physical Demands: The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as climbing, hiking, and lifting heavy objects. Work may be performed on uneven, steep, rough, slippery, and/or rugged terrain. EMS, search and rescue, and structural fire activities involve walking long distances over rough terrain, carrying heavy loads, and using technical rescue equipment. Going without sleep for long periods of time is a common occurrence. The paramedic role often requires the lifting of patients and heavy firefighting equipment (in excess of 100 pounds) and can be within a confined working environment, including making access to a patient.
Work Environment: Incumbent is often subject to arduous and hazardous conditions such as working in remote and rugged terrain, working in inclement weather, consecutive work shifts exceeding 16 hours, frequent travel, smoke and dust, extreme changes in temperature and elevation. Nature of work requires use of protective clothing and equipment. Work is performed in an office setting, classroom, in the field, roadways, on trails, and in remote backcountry settings. Rescues and EMS work involves frequent exposure to hazardous environments, hazards of working in and around aircraft, extremes in temperature, and exposure to communicable diseases. During Structure Firefighting activities, the incumbent will be subject to intense heat, smoke, volatile and explosive gases, toxic fumes, falling trees, collapsing structures, rolling rocks, and other life safety hazards that may cause serious injury or death.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
- DIRECT DEPOSIT: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- Complete the initial online assessment AND USA Hire Assessment, if required.
- NREMT-PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION: Current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic certification (NREMT-P) or equivalent.
- ACLS CERTIFICATION: Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION: Current Pro Board or International Fire Service Accreditation (IFAC) accredited certification at the levels of Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2.
- DRUG TESTING: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- DRIVER'S LICENSE: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
- UNIFORM: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- WORK SCHEDULE: You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work. Callback overtime response to emergency incidents is a requirement of this position.
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: If you are a new employee in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
- TRAVEL: You may be required to travel occasionally for training or detail purposes. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
** REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED IN "QUALIFICATIONS" SECTION BELOW **
Qualifications
** CONTINUED FROM "REQUIREMENTS" SECTION ABOVE **
- TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG): Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year, as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments. Time-in-grade does not apply to new excepted service appointments. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
- RESPIRATOR FIT TEST
- ROCK CLIMBING / CANYONEERING / MOUNTAINEERING: This position required experience in rock climbing, canyoneering, and/or mountaineering. Ability to conduct special purpose climbs in technical, high angle terrain for the purpose of search and rescue. Independently determine climbing and/or climbing routes for self-and/or others and prepare climbs/canyoneering routes accounting for the specific needs, topography, and requirements of each climb, canyon, or route. Ability to lead climbing and canyoneering routes using traditional climbing methods and techniques rated at grade IV, 5.9, A2 or higher.
- SAFETY EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING: Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management. Will be required to participate in wilderness Search & Rescue activities during emergencies; these duties required heavy lifting and physical exertion. This position required the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the hearing conservation programs. This position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
- PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY BATTERY (PEB): Incumbents must be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The PEB is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measure body fat. Probationary employment is subject to termination for failure to meet the 25th percentile in each of the identified components being measured.
- ARDUOUS WORK CAPACITY "PACK TEST": Incumbents are required to pass a Pack Test, a job-related test of the capacity for arduous work. It consists of a 3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack over level terrain. A time of 45 minutes (passing score for test) approximates an aerobic fitness score of 45, the established standard for firefighters. Applicants shall be disqualified for appointment if they fail to meet any physical requirement.
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QUALIFICATIONS:
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 09/10/2025 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/10/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
IMPORTANT: Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted.
An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees,
your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
You MUST limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You can only submit one resume; only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes.
For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
To qualify for this position, you must meet all of the selective factors and the specialized experience listed below. Candidates who do not meet these requirements by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration.
SELECTIVE FACTORS: These positions provide emergency medical services and candidates must meet ALL of the selective placement factors listed below. NOTE: Please upload copies of your certifications with your application.
- Current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic certification (NREMT-P) or equivalent.
-AND-
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
-AND-
- Current Pro Board or International Fire Service Accreditation (IFAC) accredited certification at the levels of Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2.
- AND -
In addition to meeting all of the Selective Factors listed above, to qualify for this position at the GS-08 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equips the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of least the GS-07 grade level.
You must include hours per week worked on your resume (i.e. Full-time/40 hours per week).
This experience includes activities such as:
- Providing medical care at the advanced EMS level;
- Responding to medical calls to identify and treat trauma and emergencies;
- Leading or training others in preforming EMS work.
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.
Volunteer work should be in the same resume format as paid work experience including to/from dates and hours worked per week.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level of this announcement.
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.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You can only submit one resume; Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Only one resume will be used to evaluate your qualifications. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.
Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Decision Making
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Team Work
The USA Hire assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process.
If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please
submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
Required Documents
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on close date of announcement.
- Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You can only submit one resume; Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Only one resume will be used to evaluate your qualifications. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
- Complete All Required Assessments
- Performance Appraisals and Awards:
- ALL APPLICANTS must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor. If submitting a performance appraisal not dated within the last18 months, a statement as to why it is the most recent must be submitted. If no performance appraisal is available, applicants must submit a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
- Documentation that you meet all Selective Factors.
- Merit Promotion Eligibility Documentation such as:
- Federal employees must submit copy of their latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" reflecting career or career-conditional status in competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2), position title, series, grade and additional SF-50 showing highest permanent grade ever held if not reflected on latest SF-50. Examples of acceptable SF-50s include: Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment SF-50s. Do not submit an Award SF-50 as it does not provide needed information. Time in grade will be determined by reviewing your resume and required SF-50s.
- Former federal employees separated from Federal Government over a year ago must submit separation Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) that reflects career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) and shows position title, series, grade. Please do not submit an Award SF-50 as it does not provide the needed information. Your last Federal performance appraisal plan for your last position must reflect a rating of Fully Successful or equivalent.
- If the SF-50 showing highest permanent grade ever held has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the one-year time-in-grade as required by this announcement. In this instance, your resume must clearly show that you held that grade for one-year.
- Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. See "Additional Information" section.
6. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
- Veterans Preference Documentation:
- If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
- If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
- If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
- Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan - See "Additional Information" section above.
- Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority. Applicants who are eligible to be considered based on a Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority (i.e. Schedule A, VRA, Peace Corps, Americorp Vista, former PLC member, certain Military Spouses, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, etc.) must submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.
The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12771411
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at
https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click
Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this:
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended,
that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:
https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.