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Posted: February 9, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

U.S. Coast Guard

Department of Homeland Security

Fresh

Salary

$46,060 - $74,173

per year

Closes

February 18, 2026More DHS jobs →

GS-5 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $33,878 - $44,042

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience. Bachelor's degree.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a firefighter for the U.S.

Coast Guard in Kodiak, Alaska, where you'll respond to fires, perform rescues, handle hazardous materials, and provide basic emergency medical care.

It's a hands-on role in a remote, rugged environment, ideal for someone with prior firefighting experience who thrives in team-based, high-pressure situations and is willing to get certified in medical and safety skills.

Good fits include motivated individuals from military, volunteer, or industrial fire backgrounds who enjoy outdoor and emergency work.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized firefighting experience equivalent to GS-4 for GS-5 level, including fire control, rescue operations, hazard detection, and communications equipment operation
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field can substitute for experience at GS-5
  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 for GS-6 level, including hazardous materials control and fire protection training
  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6 for GS-7 level, including confined space rescue and patient care documentation
  • EMT-Basic certification required within one year of employment and maintained thereafter
  • Obtain IFSAC or ProBoard accredited certifications in Firefighter I & II, ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within one year
  • Ability to work in an organized fire department or brigade setting, such as military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental

Full Job Description

This vacancy is for a GS - 0081 - 5/6/7, Firefighter (Basic Life Support) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, BASE KODIAK FIRE SAFETY DIVISION -FF in KODIAK, Alaska.

To qualify at the GS-5 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the federal sector.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Specialized experience must include the following: Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; Rescue operations; Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; Operation of fire communications equipment; OR 4- year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree.

Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study is qualifying for GS-5.

NOTE: Education can be substituted for experience at this grade level. Transcripts must be submitted with your application.

To qualify at the GS-6 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the federal sector.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Examples of specialized experience: Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; Rescue operations; Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; Operation of fire communications equipment; Controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.

NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

To qualify at the GS-7 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the federal sector.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Examples of specialized experience: Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; Confined Space Rescue operations; Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; Operation of fire communications equipment; Controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.

Prepares appropriate and relevant patient care documentation and reports. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

Note: In addition to the requirements above, possession of the following qualifications and certifications are highly desired upon application.

These qualifications/certifications must be obtained within one year of employment and maintained: EMT - Basic Life Support - EMT certification shall be in accordance with the State or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requirements.

ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 Certifications in the following areas shall be accredited through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or ProBoard.

Firefighter I & II Airport Firefighter Driver Operator ARFF Driver Operator Pumper Driver Operator Aerial Hazmat Technician Hazmat Incident Command Fire Officer II Fire Instructor II Fire Inspector II National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

You will serve as a Firefighter (Basic Life Support) and be responsible for immediate response to fire alarms, and the control and extinguishment of fires as well as the maintenance and use of firefighting apparatus and equipment.

Fights fires aboard ships, cutters, boats, aircraft, hangars, and buildings containing small compartments that aggravate the hazards and danger of the situation.

The incumbent performs firefighting driver operator duties and performs predominately non-invasive emergency care in the assessment, treatment, and transportation of patients to higher level medical providers commonly in the form of a clinic or hospital.

Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team.

Typical work assignments include: Responding to fire alarms, and the control and extinguishment of fires aboard ships, cutters boats, aircraft, hangars, and buildings containing small compartments that aggravate the hazards and danger of the situation.

Performing driver operator duties i.e. maintain and make minor repairs to areal, crash, and structural apparatus, assigned vehicles, and firefighting rescue equipment.

Performing predominately non-invasive emergency care in the assessment and treatment and transportation of patients to higher level medical providers.

Conducting annual housing fire prevention inspections, annual fire hydrant maintenance, including but not limited to painting (as necessary), flow test, and record data collection in accordance with department directives and standards.

Utilizing specialized communication equipment to consult with physicians and/or hospitals of patient's condition.

Mandatory training is required which must be successfully completed and other training may occur as necessary for success in the position.

MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION: This position meets the definition for "primary/rigorous position" contained in 5 CFR 842.802 and is subject to a maximum entry age of 37.

The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for initial appointment.

This does not apply to preference eligible veterans or to applicants who previously served in a covered position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: During emergencies, the incumbent may be required to perform strenuous work under physically/mentally stressful conditions in a dangerous environment.

He/she must be able to perform and function under conditions of heavy exertion while wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus and be capable of carrying heavy loads.

Incumbent shall meet the entrance and retention requirements of NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1500 and pass an annual physical exam in accordance with NFPA 1582.

Incumbent is expected to actively participate in a department approved physical fitness/wellness program. The incumbent will maintain Alaska State Emergency Medical Certification.

The incumbent will maintain a valid Alaska State vehicle operator's license.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.

You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-12873687-WE-CE-DE-5/6/7