FIREFIGHTER (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN)

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position, FIREFIGHTER GS-0081-07, is to engage in airfield, structural firefighting, crash-rescue, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technician; to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, and to respond to the presence or potential releases of hazardous materials for the purpose of stopping/controlling the release.

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, or will have one year within 120 days of closing of this announcement, of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position that has given them 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-06 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

Due to the use of 120 day rosters, applicants within 120 days of completion of TIG requirements are encouraged to apply.

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: 1.

Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, and the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to waterflow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.

2.

Knowledge of basic and specialized airfield and 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.

3. Knowledge of hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions. 4.

Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders. 5.

Ability to maintain good working relations; to communicate orally and in writing; to lift and carry heavy loads; and to apply emergency first aid techniques; and to conduct complete HAZMAT incident analysis.

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: *Employee is required to be certified by the Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II) HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator-Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Apparatus Driver Operator-Mobile Water Supply (MWS), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aerial* and possess National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR) certification.

Please include copies of certifications with application. *NOTE- Must obtain Apparatus Driver Operator-Aerial within one year of start date.

*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. Major Duties:

-Perform hazard and risk assessment and conduct a complete incident analysis.

-Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.

-Perform crash-rescue and firefighting duties involving air traffic or support operations where hazardous conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great.

-Perform structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities, which may include large multistoried buildings, industrial areas, and/or base storage facilities.

-Perform rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility.