Firefighter

National Institutes of Health • Montgomery County, MD

4d

About The Position

The Firefighter serves in the Division of Fire and Rescue Services under the Assistant Fire Chief. The position responds to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical requests, and rescue situations involving structures and motor vehicles. It requires public trust and readiness to provide emergency coverage under a range of circumstances.

The incumbent performs fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, fire prevention, inspection, equipment testing, maintenance, and communications duties. The role includes serving as a driver-operator of motorized firefighting apparatus and, when assigned to an aerial tower, performing truck company operations. The employee also responds as an Emergency Medical Technician with Basic Life Support training and as a qualified Hazardous Materials Technician. The position is designated emergency essential and requires availability for 24-hour, 365-day coverage, including emergencies and government closures.

Requirements

• At least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-06 level, performing firefighting equipment operations, rescues in dangerous situations, operation and positioning of complex firefighting apparatus, initial hazardous-material incident analysis, and non-invasive pre-hospital basic life support.
• Current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician by the State of Maryland or the National Registry; National Registry-certified employees must obtain Maryland certification within six months of appointment.
• Meet U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status requirements by the closing date.
• Meet the age requirement: must not have reached the 37th birthday before an initial Federal Firefighter appointment.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination requiring high physical fitness, agility, and dexterity; be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Be able to lift items weighing over 50 pounds; stand for prolonged periods, walk on rough or uneven terrain, bend, stoop, climb, work in cramped positions, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license and, within six months of entry on duty, a valid CDL or Class B non-commercial driver's license or equivalent.
• Obtain and maintain a public trust security clearance and required Hazmat Technician, Fire Fighter I and II, Confined Space Rescue, Automatic External Defibrillator, and CPR certifications.
• Complete and pass required courses in Pumps and Hydraulics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Aerial Apparatus Operator, advanced chemical/radiological/biological response and agent behavior/toxicology, and Radiation Safety for Firefighters.
• Submit to and pass pre-employment urinalysis drug screening and be subject to unannounced random drug testing.
• Meet applicable background investigation, qualification verification, onboarding, documentation, and other job-related requirements; a trial or probationary period may apply.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Be willing to work weekends, nights, regular or rotational shifts, holidays, and on-call or call-back duty during emergencies; wear a uniform and potentially restrictive protective equipment.
• Maintain required licenses and certifications and successfully complete annual job performance testing and required fitness program participation.
• Meet all qualifications requirements, including time-in-grade requirements, within 30 calendar days of the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire alarms involving fires of all classes, including radioactive or hazardous materials, medical emergencies, and hazardous-material incidents.
• Assess fireground conditions for safety and perform fire suppression activities including confinement, extinguishment, overhaul, and salvage.
• Drive, position, and operate firefighting apparatus; lay and connect hose lines; calculate and regulate pump pressures; and operate auxiliary equipment at emergency scenes.
• Perform aerial and truck company operations, including laddering, overhaul, ventilation, forcible entry, rescue, victim searches, checking for fire extension, lighting, utility control, elevated streams, and salvage.
• Transport equipment and personnel to emergency scenes without creating undue hazards.
• Maintain fire apparatus and onboard auxiliary equipment in serviceable, ready-to-respond condition.
• Inspect and protect valuable property and research; perform fire prevention inspections; and test hydrants, fire extinguishers, and fire detection, suppression, and alarm systems.
• Maintain and recharge fire extinguishers and related equipment.
• Receive and relay information using radio and telephone communications.
• Respond to medical emergencies and provide non-invasive pre-hospital basic life support, emergency treatment, and stabilization of critically ill or injured people.
• Respond as a qualified Hazardous Materials Technician to complex chemical, biological, and radiological releases.
• Complete required training courses and annual job performance testing, and participate in the department's cardiovascular fitness program and annual physical examination.
• Remain available to report for duty under all circumstances as an emergency-essential employee.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Possible repayment of certain outstanding federally insured student loans, determined case by case according to organizational need, justification, and budget limitations.

What This Job Offers

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