Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazmat Tech)

Air Education and Training Command • Holloman AFB, NM

2d

About The Position

The Lead Firefighter serves as the lead for a crew of three or more firefighters assigned to a major piece of firefighting equipment. The crew conducts airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and works to detect, reduce, or eliminate potential fire hazards. The position involves operating and directing the use of complex firefighting vehicles and equipment, responding to aircraft and structural emergencies, performing hazardous materials response and Basic Life Support, and maintaining equipment and fire station facilities. The role is designated Mission Essential and requires work under adverse environmental conditions, participation in a mandatory physical fitness program, and use of assigned safety equipment and clothing. The employee works a 72-hour week on a 24-hour-on, 24-hour-off schedule that includes weekends and holidays, and may be subject to recall. Occasional travel may be required.

The position requires at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent, along with specified firefighter, emergency response, and equipment certifications. It is covered by federal firefighter special retirement provisions and has a maximum initial appointment age of 37, subject to the stated exceptions. A pre-employment physical, valid driver’s license, and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance are required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent, including experience controlling or extinguishing fires as part of an organized fire department or brigade, conducting rescue operations, detecting or reducing fire hazards, and operating fire communications.
• For applicable merit promotion applicants, one year at GS-07 to meet the GS-08 time-in-grade requirement.
• Required certifications: Fire Officer I; Fire Instructor I; Fire Inspector I; HAZMAT Awareness, Operations, and Technician; Airport Firefighter (including Firefighter I and II); Apparatus Driver Operator—Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting; Apparatus Driver Operator—Pumper; Basic Life Support (EMT-B); and current National Registry EMT-B (NREMT-B).
• Must list current firefighter-related licenses and certifications and provide copies or an accepted certification transcript with the application.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Must have an appropriate, valid driver’s license and be able to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• Must use safety equipment and clothing provided by management and work under adverse environmental conditions, including under 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 be able to lift and carry heavy loads and provide leadership, communicate orally and in writing, maintain good working relations, and integrate a crew’s actions under emergency conditions.
• Must meet the stated maximum entry age for initial appointment: applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by appointment, subject to the exceptions described in the posting.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be required to travel occasionally.
• Depending on appointment type, must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period; continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Lead a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one GS-07 firefighter or military equivalent, during firefighting and rescue operations using major motorized equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or ARFF vehicle.
• Direct crew members in operating firefighting vehicles and equipment; direct the driver-operator or drive to the emergency scene, select or follow a route, and position the vehicle with consideration for wind, water sources, and hazards.
• Direct the crew in aircraft crash/rescue and firefighting operations at airfields handling complex aircraft, structural firefighting at varied facilities, HAZMAT containment and control, and/or Basic Life Support duties.
• Lead emergency rescues and perform first aid to prevent further injury and prepare victims for transport to a medical facility.
• Assign crew members to maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and perform work in a manner that enhances workplace safety.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Federal firefighter special retirement coverage under FERS or CSRS, as applicable.
• PCS relocation may be paid if authorized, subject to applicable rules and requirements.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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