LEAD FIREFIGHTER

Duties

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and it's regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting, and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards. You will also:

 - Lead a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-07 or military equivalent) assigned to man a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations.

 - Direct firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment.

 - Direct assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex (e.g., bombers, cargo, and passenger) aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous material (HAZMAT) containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties.

 - Lead assigned crew and perform emergency 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.

 - Assign crew members to perform maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. AND

 - Comply with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and perform work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.  

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience (52 weeks of full time experience) at a level close to the work of this position that has given you 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, the specialized experience must have been equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07), pay band or equivalent. Specialized experience is described as

such duties may include (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 Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position:http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0000/0081.htm

Federal Time-In-Grade (TIG) Requirement for General Schedule (GS) Positions: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-07 or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. 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 to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity; of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses; etc.; and of basic and specialized firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures.

Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; and HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, and identification.

Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.

Skill in detecting and recognizing fire hazards (potential and immediate), and operating communications equipment.

Ability to provide leadership and integrate the actions of a crew under emergency conditions.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

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.

Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Education