SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN-OUT) - Selective Placement Factors (SPF) have been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are the required accredited certifications listed below. Copies of your current/valid certifications must be submitted with your application to receive credit.
- National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter I
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter II
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- Hazardous Materials Incident Commander
- Fire Officer I
- Fire Officer II
- Fire Inspector I
- Fire Inspector II-(Newly appointed firefighters must obtain Fire Inspector II within 24 months of employment.)
- Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator pumper.
- All certifications must be accredited (IFSAC/Pro-Board)
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- a Valid State Driver's License. (We cannot accept pictures. Do NOT provide a copy of driver's license. This will be verified if you are contacted for an interview.
In addition to the SPFs above, to qualify for this position at the GS-9 level, you must meet the following:
Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8) in the federal service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Firefighter (Paramedic). 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; and
(7) leading/directing a team of Firefighters.
NOTE: 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.
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English Language Proficiency: 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 perform the duties of this position.
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Maximum Age Requirement (Screen Out): 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 a 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 firefighter service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57. Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age.
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Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operation - Driver's License (Screen Out): Applicants must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind. 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 valid state-issued driver's license.
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Physical Requirements: Applicants will be given a physical examination including a treadmill and agility test. Failure to pass these tests may be justification for disqualification. Periodic medical examinations following appointment may be required to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.
Medical and Physical Requirements: Prior to employment and annually thereafter, all VA firefighters (GS-0081) must be certified by a qualified physician as meeting the following:- Medical and physical requirements for performing their assigned duties;- Requirements of NFPA 1582;- Requirements of NFPA 1583; and- Requirements of NFPA 1500, Chapter 10
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Fire Management
- First Response
- Industrial Equipment Operation
- Managing Human Resources
- Patient Care
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.
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.
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/.