FIREFIGHTER (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECH/BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series.

ONLY EXPERIENCE OBTAINED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: The applicant must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position that has given them the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically, we would find this experience in work within this field that is closely related. To be creditable, one year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04), pay band or equivalent. Specialized experience is described 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.

OR EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION: Successfully completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

OR A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, and the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to waterflow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.
2. Knowledge of basic and specialized airfield and structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures; and of basic and specialized building design, construction, and occupancy.
3. Knowledge of HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions.
4. Knowledge of basic life support techniques and protocols; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
5. Ability to apply basic life support techniques and protocols; conduct complete HAZMAT incident analysis; maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
*Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Firefighter II (includes Firefighter I), HAZMAT Awareness, and HAZMAT Operations. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATIONS WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

*PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Perform strenuous physical activities such as lifting heavy firefight equipment, climbing standard and aerial ladders, and lifting and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL.

*WORK ENVIRONMENT: Firefighters are regularly exposed to a variety of dangerous situations such as fires that are out of control, toxic spills, or possible explosions. Hazards include: Burns, dehydration, and other effects of heat, smoke inhalation, falling materials, or explosions; Exposure to toxic materials and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents; Physical injury and sensory damage from firefighting activities and noise levels; Dealing with victims in varying stages of fright, panic and injury; Operating or riding on fire truck under adverse conditions or flying in aircraft to reach crash sites of fires in outlying areas.

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a Firefighter. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR qualified veteran preference eligible covered by title 5 U.S.C. 3307.

*Special Retirement Provisions Authority:
- FERS: Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.
- CSRS: Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.