Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Firefighter assigned to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity engaged in airfield, structural firefighting, crash-rescue, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations and assist in reducing and/or eliminating potential fire hazards and reacting to the presence or potential releases of hazardous materials as a first responder to protect persons, property, or the environment. Responsibilities Survey the incident to identify materials involved, determine whether hazardous materials have been released, evaluate surrounding conditions and predicting the likely behavior of a material and/or container. Drive to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate route when necessary and position vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament on aircraft, etc. Perform crash-rescue and structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities and where hazardous conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great. Perform rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility. Operate pumps, foam generators, boom and grounds sweep nozzles and other similar equipment. Maintain constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty. Assist hazardous material technicians and other hazardous materials response personnel as needed. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications These positions will be filled at the GS-4 or GS-5 level with promotion potential to the GS-6 or at the GS-6 level. The individual selected for this position may be promoted to the target level without further competition upon meeting any legal and regulatory requirements. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements for Fire Protection and Prevention series, 0081 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-4: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-03 level in federal service which equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position of Firefighter. Specialized experience is experience which may have been gained while (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: Successful completion of a 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or other related fields of study. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AT THE TIME YOU APPLY. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESUME IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. 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 percent. To combine education and experience, determine the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level. Then determine the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level. Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AT THE TIME YOU APPLY. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESUME IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-5: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in federal service which equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position of Firefighter. Specialized experience is experience which may have been gained while (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: Successful completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from 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 TRANSCRIPTS AT THE TIME YOU APPLY. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESUME IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-6: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level (or other equivalent pay systems) in federal service which equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is experience which may have been gained while driving and operating firefighting vehicles of significant complexity engaged in airfield, structural firefighting, crash-rescue and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations and assist in reducing and/or eliminating potential fire hazards and reacting to the presence or potential releases of hazardous materials as a first responder to protect persons, property, or the environment. Candidates have up to 52 weeks from date of hire to obtain the below nationally recognized firefighter certifications: GS-04 Level: Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II) HAZMAT Awareness HAZMAT Operations GS-05 Level: Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II) HAZMAT Awareness HAZMAT Operations Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper Apparatus Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) GS-06 Level: Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II) HAZMAT Awareness HAZMAT Operations Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper Apparatus Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Apparatus Driver Operator - Aerial* Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply (MWS)* NOTE- Apparatus Driver Operator- Aerial, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS) To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education, click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/ 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 hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment, and identification. 2. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity; of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.; and of basic and specialized airfield and structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures. 3. Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems. 4. Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders. 5. Skill in operating communications equipment. 6. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. 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. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information 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. For initial appointments, applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by date of appointment. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs. This position is designated as a Key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.