Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Operations)

Air Education and Training Command • Lackland AFB, TX

1d

About The Position

Serves as a firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in airfield and structural firefighting, crash-rescue, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) operations. Helps reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards and responds to potential hazardous-material releases as a first responder to protect people, property, and the environment. The role includes assessing hazards and risks, responding to aircraft and structural fire incidents, conducting rescues and first aid, maintaining equipment and fire station facilities, and following health, safety, and environmental procedures.

This is a mission-essential, key position that must continue during emergencies. The employee participates in a mandatory physical fitness program, works under adverse environmental conditions, and is subject to respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs. The position requires a 72-hour workweek on a 24-hours-on/24-hours-off basis, including weekends and holidays, and may involve recall. The employee may also be required to work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center and to obtain specialized certifications when required by the agency.

Applicants must meet the specialized experience requirements for the GS Fire Protection and Prevention Series 0081, including one year of qualifying experience equivalent to GS-05. Required certifications include Airport Firefighter (including Firefighter I and II), HAZMAT Awareness and Operations, and current CPR and Basic Life Support certification as a National Registry Emergency Medical Responder or Emergency Medical Technician. A valid driver's license is required. Initial appointments are subject to a maximum entry age of 37, subject to the stated provisions for prior federal firefighter experience. No education qualification requirement is specified.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 in the Federal service, demonstrating experience in one or more qualifying areas: firefighting in an organized fire department or brigade; rescue operations; fire-hazard detection, reduction, or elimination; operating fire communications equipment; controlling hazardous-material incidents; or developing, implementing, 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, when applicable.
• Required certifications: Airport Firefighter (including Firefighter I and II), HAZMAT Awareness, and HAZMAT Operations; maintain current CPR and Basic Life Support certification as a National Registry Emergency Medical Responder or Emergency Medical Technician.
• Must pass an initial pre-employment physical examination and medical examination, periodic medical examinations, and required physical fitness or agility tests; must meet hearing standards and 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 an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Must use management-provided safety equipment and clothing and participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• Must be able to work a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off schedule, including weekends and holidays; may be subject to recall.
• Must meet a maximum entry age of 37 at the time of initial appointment, subject to the stated provisions for prior covered federal civilian firefighter experience.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if male, as applicable.
• Must participate in random drug testing.
• Must be able to work under adverse environmental conditions and comply with respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs.
• Must provide copies of applicable firefighter licenses and certifications with the application; applicants with a DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program transcript should provide the most recent transcript.
• Must meet applicable Ready Reserve restrictions for this key position.

Responsibilities

• Assess hazards and risks and perform initial incident analysis.
• Perform crash-rescue and firefighting duties involving air traffic or support operations where fire risk and potential destructive consequences are high.
• Perform structural firefighting at facilities including multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities.
• Rescue personnel and provide first aid to limit further injury and prepare victims for transport to a medical facility.
• Help detect, reduce, or eliminate potential fire hazards and respond to hazardous-material incidents.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Operate fire communications equipment as required.
• Comply with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and work in a manner that promotes workplace safety.
• Participate in the required physical fitness program and use safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• Drive a motor vehicle as required.
• Work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center if required.
• Obtain and maintain specialized certifications, such as Swiftwater Rescue, wildland Red Card, or Technical Rope Rescue team membership, when required and provided by the agency.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other applicable conditions.
• Federal firefighter special retirement provisions under FERS and CSRS.
• Authorized permanent change of station (PCS) expenses may be paid in accordance with applicable regulations.

What This Job Offers

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