Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Operations)

Air Force District of Washington • Andrews AFB, MD

3d

About The Position

Serves as a firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in structural firefighting, rescue, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) operations. Helps reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards and responds to actual or potential hazardous-material releases as a first responder to protect people, property, and the environment. This is a term position not to exceed 36 months; it may be extended without further competition.

The role involves assessing incident hazards and risks, surveying incidents to identify materials and possible releases, evaluating surrounding conditions, and predicting how materials or containers may behave. The firefighter performs structural firefighting at varied facilities, including large multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities; rescues personnel and provides first aid to prepare victims for transport; and maintains and tests firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. The employee must comply with health, safety, and environmental procedures and help maintain a safe work environment.

The position is mission essential and designated as a key position. It 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. Work can take place under adverse environmental conditions and is covered by respiratory-protection and hearing-conservation programs. The employee must drive a motor vehicle and hold an appropriate valid driver's license.

The position requires U.S. citizenship, a Secret security clearance, medical examinations, physical fitness and agility testing, compliance with a mandatory fitness program, and the ability to meet hearing and color, contrast, and depth perception standards. Applicants generally must not have reached age 37 by appointment unless applicable prior federal firefighter service affects the age limit. No education qualification is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 in the Federal service, involving one or more of: firefighting in an organized department or brigade; rescue operations; detecting, reducing, or eliminating fire hazards; operating fire communications equipment; controlling hazardous-material incidents; or developing, implementing, or providing fire-protection and prevention training.
• For merit promotion applicants, one year at GS-05 is required for GS-06 time-in-grade eligibility when TIG rules apply.
• Firefighter II certification, including Firefighter I; HAZMAT Awareness; and HAZMAT Operations certifications. Applicants must list related licenses and certificates and provide copies or a transcript with the application.
• Must obtain National Register Emergency Medical Responder certification within 120 days of employment.
• Must pass initial and periodic medical examinations and required physical fitness and physical agility tests, meet hearing standards, and be able to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy loads and apply emergency first-aid techniques.
• Skill in operating communications equipment; ability to communicate orally and in writing and maintain good working relations.
• Knowledge of structural firefighting equipment, techniques, procedures, and building design, construction, and occupancy; hazardous-material response procedures, equipment, and identification; emergency first aid; and applicable safety requirements.
• Must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program and use safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• Must hold an appropriate, valid driver's license and be able to drive a motor vehicle.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Must refrain from illegal drug use and submit to urinalysis testing if required as a condition of the Testing Designated Position.
• Must be available for a 72-hour workweek on a 24-hour-on/24-hour-off basis, including weekends and holidays; may be subject to recall.
• Must be able to work under adverse environmental conditions and comply with respiratory-protection and hearing-conservation programs.
• Initial appointees generally must not have reached their 37th birthday by appointment; exceptions or age-waiver considerations may apply for qualifying prior federal firefighter service.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must comply with any required probationary or trial period and applicable federal employment conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assess hazards and risks during initial incident analysis.
• Survey incidents to identify materials involved and determine whether hazardous materials have been released.
• Evaluate surrounding conditions and predict the likely behavior of materials and containers.
• Perform structural firefighting at facilities such as multistory buildings, industrial areas, and base storage facilities.
• Rescue personnel and provide first aid to alleviate further injury and prepare victims for transport to a medical facility.
• Help detect, reduce, or eliminate potential fire hazards.
• Respond as a first responder to actual or potential hazardous-material releases.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Perform functional tests and inspections of equipment.
• Operate fire communications equipment and, if required, work in the Fire Alarm and Communications Center.
• Comply with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and perform work in a manner that enhances workplace safety.
• Drive a motor vehicle as required.
• Participate in the mandatory physical fitness program and complete required physical fitness and agility tests.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with benefits for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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