Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo

Air Force Special Operations Command•Cannon AFB, NM

About The Position

The Firefighter serves on a crew engaged in airfield, structural, and crash-rescue firefighting; responds to hazardous materials incidents to stop or control releases; operates complex firefighting vehicles; and performs noninvasive emergency medical procedures to provide Basic Life Support (BLS). The position supports airfield and structural firefighting operations and may involve wildland fire suppression, fire alarm and communications center duties, and mission-essential emergency operations. The employee works a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off basis, including weekends and holidays, and may be subject to recall. Work is performed under adverse environmental conditions and is covered by respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs. A pre-employment physical, participation in a mandatory physical fitness program, use of provided safety equipment and clothing, and a valid driver’s license are required. The role is designated as a key, mission-essential position and requires an appropriate Secret security clearance. This is a rigorous firefighter position covered by special federal retirement provisions. Applicants must meet the specialized experience requirements for the GS-0081 Fire Protection and Prevention Series, including at least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to GS-06. Required certifications include Airport Firefighter (including Firefighter I and II), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator-Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator-ARFF, and CPR. Apparatus Driver Operator-Mobile Water Supply and State or National Registry EMT-B certification must be obtained within 12 months of hire. There is a maximum entry age of 37 for initial appointments, subject to stated exceptions.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level, such as firefighting, rescue, fire-hazard reduction, operation of fire communications equipment, hazardous-materials incident control, or fire-protection training.
Knowledge of operating complex firefighting vehicles and hydraulics, including waterflow, pressure, levels, and friction losses.
Knowledge of airfield and structural firefighting equipment, techniques, and procedures, and of building design, construction, and occupancy.
Knowledge of hazardous-materials emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions.
Knowledge of Basic Life Support techniques and protocols and applicable safety requirements.
Skill in operating communications equipment.
Ability to maintain good working relationships, communicate orally and in writing, lift and carry heavy loads, apply BLS techniques and protocols, and conduct complete HAZMAT incident analyses.
U.S. citizenship.
A valid, appropriate driver’s license and ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
Ability to meet pre-employment physical requirements and participate in a mandatory physical fitness program; must use safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
Ability to work a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off schedule, including weekends and holidays, and potentially be subject to recall.
Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions and comply with respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs.
Must obtain and maintain an appropriate Secret security clearance.
Must hold Airport Firefighter (including Firefighter I and II), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator-Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator-ARFF, and CPR certifications.
Must obtain Apparatus Driver Operator-Mobile Water Supply certification and State or National Registry EMT-B certification within 12 months of hire.
Must meet applicable federal time-in-grade requirements if applying under merit promotion; one year at GS-06 is required for GS-07.
For initial appointment to a primary and rigorous firefighter position, applicants generally must not have reached age 37 by the date of appointment, subject to specified exceptions.
Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males.
Must serve the applicable one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as determined by appointment type.

Nice To Haves

IFSAC Telecommunicator I and II certification may be required if assigned to the Fire Alarm and Communications Center.
IFSAC Wildland Firefighter I and II and other applicable NWCG certifications may be required for wildland fire suppression duties.

Responsibilities

Assess hazards and risks and conduct complete incident analyses.
Perform Basic Life Support using applicable techniques and protocols.
Drive and operate complex firefighting vehicles, including pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
Perform crash-rescue and firefighting duties involving air traffic or support operations where fire hazards and the potential for destructive fires are high.
Perform structural firefighting at facilities such as multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities.
Respond to hazardous materials incidents and take actions to stop or control releases, including incident analysis and mitigation.
Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
Follow health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and work in a manner that enhances workplace safety.
As required, work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center and perform wildland fire suppression duties.