Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support)

Summary This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Position located with the DES - Fire Protection & Prevention Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Learn more about this agency Duties Connect hose lines to hydrants, lay and extend hose lines, operate charged hose, place and raise ladders, operate portable, mobile and stationary firefighting equipment, use forcible entry equipment, and conduct salvage and overhaul operations. Perform firefighting tasks involving structures, equipment, crashes and burning aircraft, wildland fires, vehicle fires, and spilled or burning hazardous materials such as fuels and chemicals. Ventilate buildings, vehicles and aircraft of products of incomplete combustion, and smoke and gases as well as potential hazardous materials. Respond to emergencies involving traumatic injury or medical illness which may be life threatening. Respond to emergencies involving the rescue of victims from confined spaces. Function as a Department of Defense certified Hazardous Materials Technician. Collect and interpret hazard and response information from printed resources, technical resources, computer databases, and monitoring equipment. Analyze hazardous materials incidents to determine the magnitude of the problem in terms of outcome, survey the hazardous materials incident to identify special containers involved, and identify or classify unknown materials. Perform emergency fuel and engine system shut down procedures on all types of aircraft. Ensure site protection during and after firefighting operations for fire investigation and assist in determining origin and cause of fire. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position requires the completion of pre-employment and periodic subsequent medical examination in accordance with DoDM 6055.06 to ensure continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. This position has a requirement to lift up to 45 lbs. in the regular performance of duties. This is a drug testing designated position (TDP) under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program. Signing of a DA Form 5019 acknowledging periodic random drug testing requirements is mandatory prior to being placed into this position. This position has been designated Mission Essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations. This position requires the incumbent to wear the prescribed uniform and/or personal protective equipment while on duty. This position requires you to work 72 hours per week (144 hours per pay period) which includes at least one 24-hours shift, nights, weekends and holidays. The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles. This position requires successful completion of an annual Job Performance Test. This position requires participation in a cardiovascular physical fitness program. Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. An appropriate, valid state and government driver's license is required as well as the appropriate Emergency Vehicle Operator’s certification to operate vehicles assigned to the Fire Protection and Prevention Division. The incumbent must successfully complete an annual emergency vehicle operator’s course. Incumbent must maintain a functioning telephone at their residence to aid in contact during recall/emergency situations. Inclement weather position, required to report for duty during Natural Disasters, and other emergency situations as directed and may be required to remain on duty after the official shift ends, i.e., mandatory overtime; subject to recall to duty. Qualifications This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date. Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous) Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. To Qualify at the GS-03 Level: General Experience: Six months of general experience which included work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position. OR Education/Training: One year of education above the high school level related to fire protection and/or prevention OR six months of appropriate firefighter training. OR Combination of Education/Training and Experience: A combination of education/training and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 6. Then divide your semester hours of education by 30 and/or months of firefighter training by 6. Add the two percentages. To Qualify at the GS-04 Level: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: Following detailed instructions to assist with basic firefighting duties, such as using and/or maintaining basic firefighting equipment; or maintaining a clean environment in the department facilities.This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-03). OR Education: Two years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or other related fields of study. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 60. Add the two percentages. To Qualify at the GS-05 Level: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: Assisting with controlling and extinguishing fires to prevent loss of life and/or property; or assisting with performing rescue operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04). OR Education: Four years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 120. Add the two percentages. To Qualify at the GS-06 Level: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Assisting with controlling and extinguishing fires to prevent loss of life and/or property; 2) Assisting with performing rescue operations; and 3) Assisting with operating or equipping emergency vehicles for fire and emergency response. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this GS-06 job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted. To Qualify at the GS-07 Level: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Participating in controlling and extinguishing fires to prevent loss of life and/or property; performing rescue operations; 2) Participating in controlling hazardous materials incidents; assisting with patient examinations to provide basic first aid; and 3) Driving emergency vehicles such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, crash rescue trucks. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this GS-07 job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENT SPECIAL PLACEMENT FACTORS: In addition to meeting the education/experience requirement above, applicants must also possess the following below certified through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board) in accordance with DoD 6055.06-M AND a State or National Registry EMT Certification indicating a future expiration date when applicable. To occupy this position at the GS-04, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification: Firefighter I To occupy this position at the GS-05, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification: Firefighter I Firefighter II To occupy this position at the GS-06, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification: Firefighter I Firefighter II Airport Firefighter Driver Operator - Pumper Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply Driver Operator - Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) To occupy this position at the GS-07, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification: Firefighter I Firefighter II HAZMAT Technician Airport Firefighter Emergency Medical Technician (must meet state EMT certification requirements) Driver Operator - Pumper Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) You MUST submit a copy of your certifications with your application package. Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA for Firefighters is 37. An employee originally hired into a covered position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37. Maximum Reentry Age An employee who previously served on a covered position may be rehired past the MEA as long as he/she is able to complete 20 years of covered service by his/her mandatory retirement age. The maximum re-entry age for the individual is calculated by determining the total amount of time he/she has served on a covered position and subtracting that from age 57 if a firefighter. The employee's current age is compared to the calculated maximum re-entry age to determine if he/she can be rehired into the covered position. Waivers to Maximum Entry Age MEA may be waived, but only under specific circumstances and only if approved by the authorized entity: Waivers to MEA for firefighters must be approved by local Command. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a(n) Installations Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized. Student loan repayment may be authorized. Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized. Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for Determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate may be authorized. 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.