Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support / Hazmat Technician)

Summary

Summary

About the Position: 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)

Learn more about this agency

Duties

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• Directs a crew engaged in all-hazards response functions.
• Drives and operates firefighting/rescue vehicles and equipment.
• Instructs and trains employees on policies, procedures, and specifictasks and job techniques.
• Performs firefighting and rescue operations.
• Provides medical care at the emergency medical technician (EMT) level.
• Prepares reports for supervisory review regarding emergency responses, training, maintenance, and daily activities.

Requirements

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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 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
• The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. Detection of the presence of drugs is warranted.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• 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.
• Incumbent must wear a uniform and safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis; 48-hour rotating shifts with a work schedule of 144 hours per pay period.
• 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 the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment.
• Incumbent is required to report for duty during Natural Disasters and other emergency situations as directed by the Fire Chief.
• Incumbent must maintain a functioning telephone to aid in contact during recall situations.
• The work requires the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate government driver's license is required.
• New hires must pass the record Physical Ability Test (PAT) and must pass the PAT annually thereafter. (A minimum of four months must pass between calendar years for annual PATs).
• This position requires the incumbent to pass a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Fit Test.
• Incumbent must participate in the department's wellness program to include a structured physical exercise program.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year trial period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11.
• Incumbent must participate in a cardiovascular physical fitness program.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Reinstatement

In order to qualify, you must meet the 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.

Specialized Experience Statement: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Driving and operating firefighting apparatus and equipment. 2) Operating as a member of a hazardous material response team at the technician level. 3) Performing emergency medical care at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level. 4) Performing aircraft rescue and firefighting operations. 5) Conducting inspections of firefighting equipment to maintain proper serviceability. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

Selective Placement Factors: In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also possess the following certificates 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 upon entry into this position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your certifications for verification.)

• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Airport Firefighter
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• Fire Officer I
• Fire Instructor I
• Fire Inspector I (NOTE: An accredited First Responder Inspector certification IAW Chapter 7 of NFPA Standard 1030, 2024 Edition is acceptable for this requirement).
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification or state EMT certification from a state with National Registry reciprocity.

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.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07).

Term Appointment NTE - Position may be filled as a Term Appointment NTE 3 years. Term appointments may be extended beyond six (6) years, up to eight (8) years. With DoW approval, Term appointments may be extended beyond eight (8) years.

Current permanent Federal employees (to include permanent Army employees) applying for a Term appointment will be appointed/converted into a Term appointment with no statutory return rights back to a permanent position.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.
• This position requires a 1 year trial period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• 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.
• 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.
• The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
  
  
  • Recruitment Incentives
  • Relocation Incentives
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • 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.

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:

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.



Help

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.

Job Description

Summary

About the Position: 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)

Learn more about this agency

Duties

Help

• Directs a crew engaged in all-hazards response functions.
• Drives and operates firefighting/rescue vehicles and equipment.
• Instructs and trains employees on policies, procedures, and specifictasks and job techniques.
• Performs firefighting and rescue operations.
• Provides medical care at the emergency medical technician (EMT) level.
• Prepares reports for supervisory review regarding emergency responses, training, maintenance, and daily activities.

Requirements

Help

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 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
• The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. Detection of the presence of drugs is warranted.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• 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.
• Incumbent must wear a uniform and safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis; 48-hour rotating shifts with a work schedule of 144 hours per pay period.
• 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 the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment.
• Incumbent is required to report for duty during Natural Disasters and other emergency situations as directed by the Fire Chief.
• Incumbent must maintain a functioning telephone to aid in contact during recall situations.
• The work requires the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate government driver's license is required.
• New hires must pass the record Physical Ability Test (PAT) and must pass the PAT annually thereafter. (A minimum of four months must pass between calendar years for annual PATs).
• This position requires the incumbent to pass a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Fit Test.
• Incumbent must participate in the department's wellness program to include a structured physical exercise program.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year trial period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11.
• Incumbent must participate in a cardiovascular physical fitness program.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Reinstatement

In order to qualify, you must meet the 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.

Specialized Experience Statement: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Driving and operating firefighting apparatus and equipment. 2) Operating as a member of a hazardous material response team at the technician level. 3) Performing emergency medical care at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level. 4) Performing aircraft rescue and firefighting operations. 5) Conducting inspections of firefighting equipment to maintain proper serviceability. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

Selective Placement Factors: In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also possess the following certificates 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 upon entry into this position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your certifications for verification.)

• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Airport Firefighter
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• Fire Officer I
• Fire Instructor I
• Fire Inspector I (NOTE: An accredited First Responder Inspector certification IAW Chapter 7 of NFPA Standard 1030, 2024 Edition is acceptable for this requirement).
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification or state EMT certification from a state with National Registry reciprocity.

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.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07).

Term Appointment NTE - Position may be filled as a Term Appointment NTE 3 years. Term appointments may be extended beyond six (6) years, up to eight (8) years. With DoW approval, Term appointments may be extended beyond eight (8) years.

Current permanent Federal employees (to include permanent Army employees) applying for a Term appointment will be appointed/converted into a Term appointment with no statutory return rights back to a permanent position.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.
• This position requires a 1 year trial period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• 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.
• 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.
• The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
  
  
  • Recruitment Incentives
  • Relocation Incentives
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • 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.

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:

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.



Help

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.