Duties
The purpose of this position is to serve as a Station Chief responsible for oversight and direction of the day-to-day operations of a fire station with crews that who drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, fight airfield and structural fires, perform crash and rescue operations, and assist in reducing and/or eliminating potential fire hazards. This position performs the following duties:
As the Station Chief, provides immediate oversight and direction of day-to-day operations at a fire station for an assigned shift. Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by subordinates based on priorities and deadlines, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Coordinates with chiefs on other shifts and at other stations concerning matters of work accomplishment, training, priorities, and procedures. Provides recommendations to higher levels of supervision for appointment, promotion, retention, and reassignment of employees. Counsels' employees on work and basic terms of employment and benefits. Identifies developmental and training needs of station personnel and makes arrangements to meet those needs. Hears and resolves employee complaints and refers the more serious complaints and group grievances to supervisor for resolution.
Directs the operation of firefighting vehicles such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and crash-rescue trucks. Directs crew(s) to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary. Supervises positioning of firefighting vehicle(s) considering factors such as wind direction, rescue, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, and location of armament on aircraft. Takes charge of all firefighting activities at the scene in the absence of the Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Chief. Directs the operation of pumps, turrets, extended waterways, ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment.
Supervises the performance of crash-rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger). Aircraft carry large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, and/or highly flammable or explosive cargo. Maintains constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordinance placement, and cabin layouts to determine how they affect the difficulty of rescue and firefighting.
Supervises the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; hazardous materials (HAZMAT) containment and control duties; and/or Basic Life Support duties. Performs pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems.
Supervises the rescue of personnel and immediate 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. Directs and participates in regular training and exercises as required. Supervises the maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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.
This position will serve as a Supervisory Firefighter working a 144 hour pay period on a 48/72 schedule.
Additional Conditions of Employment:
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 is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. Pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing is a condition of employment.
5. Ability to implement firefighting/emergency response plans, as well as manage and direct fire suppression personnel and equipment under stressful and dangerous conditions.
6. Ability to plan, organize, direct functions, and to mentor, motivate, appraise, and supervise the staff of an organization.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
8. This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
9. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
10. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
11. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
12. May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
13. May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
(Conditions of Employment continued in the "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement).
Qualifications
Areas of Consideration:
- On-Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard
- Current or Former Members of the Maryland National Guard
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least one year of on-the-job experience at the GS-0081-08 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.
Conditions of Employment (con't)
14. Employee must possess DoD and/or National Pro Board Certifications: Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Inspector 1, Airport Firefighter (includes FFI and FFII), Hazmat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator ARFF, Apparatus Driver/Operator Pumper, Apparatus Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply, and National Registry or Maryland Emergency Medical Technician or higher
15. Incumbent is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless TDY or on leave.
16. The incumbent may work a minimum of a 72 hour week.
17. 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.
Education
If you are using Education to qualify for this position, you must have a completed undergraduate or graduate degree in one of, or a combination of, the following required disciplines:
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 180 days of the closing date.
- This position MAY be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives, pending availability of funding and management request.
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Required Documents
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 and/or Current and Former Members of the Maryland National Guard. Applicants must submit either current copies of their SF-50 OR documentation to prove current or former MDNG membership to verify eligibility.
As applicable, DoD and/or National Pro Board Certifications: Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Inspector 1, Airport Firefighter (includes FFI and FFII), Hazmat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator ARFF, Apparatus Driver/Operator Pumper, Apparatus Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply, and National Registry or Maryland Emergency Medical Technician or higher
If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference.
- 10-Point Veterans' Preference: You MUST submit a signed SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof as required by the SF-15.
- 5-Point Veterans' Preference: You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 which includes Character of Service (usually Member-4 copy). If you are currently active duty, you may submit written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should also include when your terminal leave will begin, your rank and dates of active duty service.
https://www.vaforvets.va.gov/vaforvets/hr/Pages/Federal-Hiring-Process.asp#veteranspreference
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.