Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician)

United States Space Force • Vandenberg AFB, CA

1d

About The Position

Serves as a firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in airfield, structural, and crash-rescue firefighting and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response. Drives and operates complex firefighting vehicles and responds to hazardous-material releases to stop or control them. Conducts hazard and risk assessments and complete incident analyses.

Duties include crash-rescue firefighting in airfield operations where hazardous conditions make fire likely and potentially destructive, and structural firefighting in facilities such as multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities. Rescues personnel and provides first aid to prevent further injury and prepare victims for transport, including controlling bleeding, checking airways, performing CPR, and providing other appropriate assistance. Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station facilities and follows health, safety, and environmental procedures.

The position works a 72-hour week on a 24-hours-on/24-hours-off schedule, including weekends and holidays, and may be subject to recall. Employees must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program, use provided safety equipment and clothing, pass a pre-employment physical, and obtain and maintain a secret security clearance. Work may involve adverse environmental conditions and participation in respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs. The employee must drive a motor vehicle and hold a valid driver's license; the position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth. The employee may be required to work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center. This is a mission-essential, key position.

Applicants need at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent, along with required DoD firefighter certifications. No education qualification is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent, covering relevant firefighting, rescue, fire-hazard prevention, fire communications, HAZMAT response, or fire-protection training duties.
• Meet applicable federal time-in-grade requirements, including one year at GS-06 for GS-07 consideration when applicable.
• Must not have reached the 37th birthday by appointment for an initial appointment, subject to stated exceptions and waivers.
• Required DoD certifications: Airport Firefighter (including Firefighter I and II), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator—Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator—ARFF, and Apparatus Driver Operator—Mobile Water Supply (MWS).
• Provide copies of firefighter certifications or a current DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program transcript with the application.
• Must obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• Must pass initial and periodic short-notice drug testing.
• Must hold 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 be able to operate communications equipment and communicate orally and in writing.
• Must work a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off basis, including weekends and holidays; may be subject to recall.
• Must use management-provided safety equipment and clothing and work under adverse environmental conditions, including requirements of respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, depending on appointment type.

Responsibilities

• Assess hazards and risks and conduct complete incident analyses, including HAZMAT incidents.
• Drive and operate complex firefighting vehicles, including pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
• Perform airfield, crash-rescue, and structural firefighting operations.
• Respond to hazardous-material incidents and stop or control releases.
• Rescue personnel and provide emergency first aid, including controlling bleeding, checking airways, performing CPR, and preparing victims for transport.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental requirements and use required safety equipment.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• FERS or CSRS special retirement coverage for federal firefighters in rigorous positions.
• Possible relocation expenses if authorized.

What This Job Offers

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