Firefighter

Summary If you have firefighting experience and are a knowledgeable, dedicated, and motivated individual, consider joining the Division of Fire and Rescue Services as a firefighter. This position requires a high degree of public trust and confidence. Under the Assistant Fire Chief, you will respond to all fire alarms, incidents involving hazardous materials (hazmat), requests for emergency medical assistance, and rescue victims from all types of structures and motor vehicles. Learn more about this agency Duties If selected for this position as a GS-0081-07 Firefighter your duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Serves as a firefighter, responds to fire alarms for all classes of fires, including those involving radioactive and/or hazardous materials, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents. Assess fire ground conditions for safety. Incumbent will be assigned as equipment driver-operator of motorized apparatus; as such incumbent is required to drive apparatus to the scene, position apparatus as required by the nature and extent of the emergency, lay hose lines as directed, hook up hose lines to be used, calculate pressures required for individual lines depending on size and length of line and pressure required to maintain constant pressure with regard to size and type nozzles to be used, closely observe the operation of pump, and regulates pressures to maintain a continuous flow of water at the volume and pressure required to effectively control and extinguish fire. The driver/operator of the aerial tower is also responsible for truck company operations to include, laddering, overhaul, ventilation, forcible entry, rescue, searching for victims, checking for extension, lighting, utility control, elevated streams, and salvage. Incumbent is responsible for driving equipment and personnel to the scene without creating an undue hazard. Incumbent also operates auxiliary equipment at the scene. Incumbent maintains the fire apparatus and auxiliary equipment carried thereon in first class condition and in a state of readiness to respond immediately to any emergency call. Other duties include inspection and protection of valuable property and research. Work involves operating and maintaining fire, rescue and emergency medical services apparatus and equipment. Performs the full range of fire suppression activities such as confinement, extinguishment, overhaul, salvage, etc., as required to mitigate the emergency. The incumbent is responsible for radio and telephone communications and the proper receiving and relaying of information. Performs fire prevention inspections, and tests equipment such as hydrants, fire extinguishers, and fire detection, suppression and alarm systems. Performs maintenance and recharge work on fire extinguishers and related equipment. As an Emergency Medical Technician with Basic Life Support training, responds to all medical emergencies; at times working under severe conditions and circumstances in providing emergency treatment and stabilization of the critically ill or injured. As a qualified Hazardous Materials Technician, the incumbent is responsible for responding to complex hazardous materials releases (i.e., chemical, biological, radiological). Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period. If selected, must pass a pre-employment physical examination which requires an high degree of physical fitness/agility/and dexterity for sustained periods. Immunizations are required. If selected, you cannot have reached your 37th birthday prior to an initial Federal Firefighter appointment. If selected, you will be covered by a bargaining unit (union). You must be able to lift heavy items weighing over 50 lbs or more. If selected, you will be required to work weekend hours, night shifts, regular or rotational shifts, holiday hours. This position has on-call or call-back requirements during emergencies. If selected, you will be required to wear a uniform and may be required to use heavy, cumbersome, restrictive personal protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, shields, body armor, encapsulating suits, etc. You must be able to stand for prolonged periods on concrete floors and walk over rough and uneven terrain. The selectee must be able to bend, stoop, walk, stand, and climb, and work in cramped positions. The selectee must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions. You may work in hazardous environments or handle hazardous substances. If selected, you are required to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license covering the apparatus currently utilized by the DFRS and be able to obtain and maintain a class B driver’s license or valid license to drive large fire apparatus. If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security investigation. If selected, you maybe subject to random urinalysis testing. If selected, you must obtain and maintain the following Licenses/Certifications: Hazmat Technician meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120. If selected, you must obtain and maintain certification by the University of Maryland or the National Certification Review Board at the Fire Fighter I and II level. If selected, you must obtain and maintain certification by the University of Maryland or another certified training agency in Confined Space Rescue meeting the requirements of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146. SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION BELOW FOR THE REST OF THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Qualifications Conditions of Employment Continued: If selected, you must obtain and maintain Automatic External Defibrillator certification. Must possess a current certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, meeting AHA standards. If selected, you will be expected to complete the following courses: Pumps and Hydraulics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and Aerial Apparatus Operator and successfully pass each course. If selected, you will be expected to complete the following courses: Advanced chemical, radiological, biological response training, advanced chemical, and radiological biological agents' behavior and toxicology training and successfully pass each course. If selected, you will be expected to complete the following course: Radiation Safety for Firefighters training sponsored by the NIH Division of Radiation Safety, Office of Research Services and successfully pass. If selected, you must successfully complete an annual Job Performance test. If selected, you must participate in the department's cardiovascular physical fitness program to include a physical exercise program and annual physical examination. If selected, you must possess a current certification by the State of Maryland or the National registry as an Emergency Medical Technician. Incumbent who possess National Registry certification, must obtain certification from the State of Maryland within six months of appointment. QUALIFICATIONS: You qualify at the GS-07 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) combating fires requiring the operation of firefighter equipment. 2) rescuing people under difficult and dangerous situations; 3) driving, operating, and positioning on scene firefighting apparatuses of significant complexity. 4) performing initial incident analyses involving hazardous materials. 5) providing pre-hospital basic life support and emergency care that is non-invasive. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. In addition to the previous requirements, you must demonstrate possession of the following selective factor to qualify for the position: Current certification by the State of Maryland or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12934108 Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage. NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations. This position may be assigned to work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, and is subject to the terms of the NIH, Biological Surety Program (BSP). For more information about NIH BSP please visit http://www.selectagents.gov/index.html. A complete list of Select Agents and Toxins can be found at http://www.selectagents.gov/SelectAgentsandToxinsList.html Visit our Applying page for helpful information on the application process. 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.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information. We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions. If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment. Expand Hide  additional information 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. 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.