FIREFIGHTER (HAZORDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN) – DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: The applicant must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position that has given me the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically, we would find this experience in work within this field that is closely related. To be creditable, one year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06), pay band or equivalent. Specialized experience is described as (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-6 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-6 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of basic and specialized structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures; and of basic and specialized building design, construction, and occupancy. Knowledge of hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions. Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; and safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders. Skill in operating communications equipment. Ability to maintain good working relations; to communicate orally and in writing; and to lift and carry heavy loads. Ability to conduct complete HAZMAT incident analysis; and to apply emergency first aid techniques. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. The date immediately preceding an individual’s 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a Firefighter. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR qualified veteran preference eligible covered by title 5 U.S.C. 3307. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: *PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Perform strenuous physical activities such as lifting heavy firefight equipment, climbing standard and aerial ladders, and lifting and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL. *WORK ENVIRONMENT: Firefighters are regularly exposed to a variety of dangerous situations such as fires that are out of control, toxic spills, or possible explosions. Hazards include: Burns, dehydration, and other effects of heat, smoke inhalation, falling materials, or explosions; Exposure to toxic materials and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents; Physical injury and sensory damage from firefighting activities and noise levels; Dealing with victims in varying stages of fright, panic and injury; Operating or riding on fire truck under adverse conditions or flying in aircraft to reach crash sites of fires in outlying areas. *Special Retirement Provisions Authority: – FERS Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004. – CSRS Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in structural firefighting, rescue, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technician and to respond to the presence or potential releases of hazardous materials for the purpose of stopping or controlling the release. This job announcement may close at any time – apply now!