FIREFIGHTER (HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TECHNICIAN)

Description:

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician), GS-0081-05 potential GS-0081-07, is to serve as a Firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in airfield/structural firefighting, crash-rescue, and HAZMAT Technician/Driver Operator and to respond to the presence or potential releases of hazardous materials for the purpose of stopping or controlling the release.

Requirements:

This is an open continuous announcement and will be used to fill vacancies as openings occur. To receive consideration for vacancies, applicants must submit complete applications prior to the established cut-off date(s). Application initial cut-off date is 22 Feb 2024, applications received after this date will be considered only if needed for future vacancies. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. This announcement will remain open until the closing date indicated; however, those who apply after the cut-off date will be considered for referral to the hiring manager only if no selection is made from the initial group or if additional vacancies occur and the initial referral list yielded an insufficient number of candidates. If you make corrections and resubmit your application, the date the application is last submitted will be used to determine those who are considered to have met the cut-off date.

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

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.

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 of 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 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.
2. Knowledge of hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions.
3. Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
4. Ability to maintain good working relations; to communicate orally and in writing; to lift and carry heavy loads; and to apply emergency first aid techniques.
5. Ability to conduct complete Hazmat incident analysis.

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.

Employee is required to be certified by the Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Certification System as Firefighter II (includes Firefighter I), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT). NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATIONS WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

This position has been designated as Key. In the event of a crisis, selectee must perform the Key duties until relieved. This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization. Requires the incumbent be removed from military recall status.

*PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift and move heavy objects, such as charged fire hoses, fire extinguishers, equipment, and incapacitated
persons. Must be able to wear protective clothing, such as encapsulated suits weighing 50-60 pounds. Climbs ladders and works at various heights. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL.

*WORK ENVIRONMENT: Employee is exposed to out-of-control fires, HAZMAT spills, or possible explosions. May suffer from burns, dehydration, and other effects of heat, smoke inhalation, heavy protective clothing, falling materials, or explosions. Subject to physical injury and sensory damage from firefighting activities, exposure to HAZMAT, and high noise levels. Must deal with victims in emergency situations who may be in varying stages of fright, panic, injury, and shock. There may be hazards while operating or riding fire trucks at high speeds under adverse conditions. The employee works outside in all types of weather conditions. The work requires the use of protective clothing or gear, such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and/or shields.

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.