Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Operations)

Air Education and Training Command • Lackland AFB, TX

1d

About The Position

The Firefighter serves as an operator of firefighting vehicles of significant complexity and responds to airfield and structural fires, crash-rescue incidents, and hazardous materials emergencies. The position also helps reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards and responds to actual or potential hazardous-material releases to protect people, property, and the environment.

The firefighter assesses hazards and risks during initial incident analysis, identifies materials involved, determines whether hazardous materials have been released, evaluates surrounding conditions, and predicts the likely behavior of materials or containers. The role involves driving and operating pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles; conducting crash-rescue and structural firefighting; rescuing personnel and providing first aid; and maintaining firefighting equipment and fire-station facilities. Employees follow applicable health, safety, and environmental procedures and use management-provided safety equipment.

This is a mission-essential, key position. The employee works a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off schedule, including weekends and holidays, and may be subject to recall. The role requires participation in a mandatory physical fitness program, driving a motor vehicle with a valid license, and working under adverse environmental conditions. The employee is subject to random drug testing and respiratory-protection and hearing-conservation programs, and may be required to work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center.

Applicants must meet the specialized experience requirements for the GS-06 level, including one year of qualifying experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent. Required certifications include Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter, HAZMAT Awareness and Operations, and current CPR and Basic Life Support certification as a National Registry Emergency Medical Responder or Emergency Medical Technician. The position has no education qualification requirement. Federal firefighter special retirement provisions apply; initial appointees generally must be under age 37 by appointment, subject to stated exceptions.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, such as firefighting, rescue, fire-hazard detection or reduction, fire communications equipment operation, hazardous-materials incident control, or fire-protection training.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements; one year at GS-05 is required for GS-06.
• Current firefighter-related licenses and certificates must be listed on the resume, and copies must be submitted.
• Certifications required: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter, HAZMAT Awareness, and HAZMAT Operations.
• Must maintain current CPR and Basic Life Support certification as a National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• Must have an appropriate, valid driver's license and the ability 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, communicate orally and in writing, and maintain good working relations.
• Must participate in random drug testing and comply with respiratory-protection and hearing-conservation programs.
• 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 safety equipment and clothing provided by management and participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• For initial appointments to a primary and rigorous firefighter position, applicants generally must not have reached their 37th birthday by the appointment date, subject to stated exceptions and waivers.
• A security clearance may be required.
• A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period may apply, depending on appointment type.

Responsibilities

• Assess hazards and risks during initial incident analysis; identify materials involved, determine whether hazardous materials have been released, evaluate conditions, and predict material or container behavior.
• Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, including pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles.
• Conduct crash-rescue and structural firefighting at facilities where hazardous conditions create a high likelihood of fire and potential for severe damage.
• Rescue personnel and provide first aid to prevent further injury and prepare victims for transport to a medical facility.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire-station facilities.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures, and use required safety equipment.
• Participate in the mandatory physical fitness program and remain available for recall as required.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Student loan repayment may be authorized.
• Recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• Relocation incentive may be authorized.
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request.
• Authorized permanent change of station (PCS) expenses may be paid in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Federal firefighter special retirement provisions apply.

What This Job Offers

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