Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Operations)

Air Force District of Washington • Andrews AFB, MD

2d

About The Position

The Firefighter serves on a crew engaged in structural firefighting, rescue, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) operations. The position responds as a first responder to hazardous materials incidents and potential releases, and helps reduce or eliminate fire hazards to protect people, property, and the environment. Duties may involve a variety of facilities, including large multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities. The position is mission essential and designated as a key position, requiring uninterrupted service during emergencies and contingency operations. Employees may be required to work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center and may be subject to recall.

The position requires a 72-hour workweek on a 24-hours-on/24-hours-off schedule, including weekends and holidays. Work is performed under adverse environmental conditions and is subject to respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs. The employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program, use required safety equipment and clothing, and drive a motor vehicle. This is a rigorous firefighter position covered by special federal firefighter retirement provisions. The job has no education qualification requirement.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must meet the specialized experience requirements for the GS Fire Protection and Prevention Series 0081, including one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05. Qualifying experience includes firefighting, rescue, fire hazard detection or reduction, operating fire communications equipment, controlling hazardous materials incidents, and/or developing or providing fire protection and prevention training.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable federal time-in-grade requirements; one year at GS-05 is required for GS-06 consideration when applicable.
• Must be under age 37 at initial appointment, subject to the stated provisions for applicants with prior qualifying federal civilian firefighter experience.
• Must hold Firefighter II certification (including Firefighter I), HAZMAT Awareness, and HAZMAT Operations certifications.
• Must obtain National Register Emergency Medical Responder certification within 120 days of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
• Must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program and use safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• Must work a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off basis, including weekends and holidays, and may be subject to recall.
• Must comply with the Air Force civilian drug-testing program for this Testing Designated Position, including refraining from illegal drug use and submitting to urinalysis testing if required.
• Must be able to work under adverse environmental conditions and comply with respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs.
• Must have an appropriate, valid driver's license and be able to drive a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads and apply emergency first aid techniques.
• Must have knowledge of structural firefighting equipment, techniques, procedures, and building design, construction, and occupancy; HAZMAT response procedures, equipment, and identification; emergency first aid; and applicable safety requirements.
• Must have skill operating communications equipment and the ability to communicate orally and in writing and maintain good working relations.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if male, as applicable.
• Must provide current firefighter-related licenses and certificates with the application and attach copies or a certification transcript as instructed.

Responsibilities

• Perform hazard and risk assessments as part of initial incident analysis.
• Perform structural firefighting at facilities such as multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities.
• Conduct rescue operations and provide first aid to reduce further injury and prepare victims for transport to a medical facility.
• Respond to hazardous materials incidents and potential releases as a first responder.
• Help detect, reduce, or eliminate potential fire hazards.
• Operate fire communications equipment and potentially work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures to support a safe work environment.
• Work as required during emergencies and contingency operations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families, subject to position and eligibility.
• Special federal firefighter retirement provisions under FERS and CSRS for qualifying rigorous firefighter positions.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible federal employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed