Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
About This Position
This position serves as Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians in the Fire Protection Section of the Safety and Occupational Health Service working a 48-hour, 72-hour week. Primarily, fire protection responsibility includes a 450-bed Medical Center that is part of the VA Maryland Health Care System, consisting of three medical centers and several outreach centers. Responsible for fire prevention, fire protection and fire suppression activities for the partially wooded 400-acre at Perry Point.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/17/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-6.
The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.
In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. The Selective Placement Factors for this position are as follows: Certification Requirements: Firefighter II certification, in accordance with NFPA 1001 Operations Level Responders, in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472 Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification, in accordance with NFPA 1002 Fire Inspector II certification, in accordance with NFPA 1031 - Must obtained this certification within 24 months of employment Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of Maryland or National Registry. (For the State of Maryland - Meet and maintain requirements per MIEMSS for EMT Basic) Copies of certifications (IFSAC or Pro Board) MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement; failure to submit any required certifications will result in the non-referral of the applicant. Maximum Age Requirement: This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment.
Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in the covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of
57.
You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:(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) responding to hazardous materials incidents, including identification, containment, mitigation, and decontamination operations under established hazmat protocols. (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection; (7) providing basic life support (BLS) care during medical emergencies and inter-facility transports, including patient assessment, airway management, bleeding control, CPR, AED operation, and stabilization prior to EMS transport. Driver's License Requirement; A Valid State motor vehicle operator's license is required.
Applicant may be required to provide their license at the time of interview.
NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current and valid state-issued driver's license.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Communications Compliance Inspection Customer Service Decision Making Fire Management First Response Flexibility Hazardous Materials Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Vehicle Operation 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; religions; 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.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Preferred Experience: Firefighter II per NFPA 1001 Hazardous Materials Operations Level Responder per NFPA 472 Maryland or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Driver/Operator of Fire Apparatus Equipped with a Fire Pump per NFPA 1002 Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required when reaching, bending, climbing, turning, or moving hands, arms, and feet in the performance of firefighting duties. Incumbent is required to participate in a physical fitness program. Work Environment: Required to work both inside and outside, frequently being exposed to adverse weather conditions and extreme heat while performing firefighting duties.
Incumbent may be called upon to work in environments that are classified as immediately dangerous to life or health and, in some cases, may be required to work long hours under severe, stressful conditions. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Major Duties
Duties Include but not limited to: Fire Suppression/First Responder 60% Responds to fire alarms or other emergencies and calls for assistance from both the Medical Center and the surrounding communities. Performs the duties of nozzleman, hoseman, hydrantman or fire apparatus driver/operator as assigned by the shift supervisor. Operating as a member of a team during fire response, the incumbent selects the proper supply or attack hose lines, places these lines in service, selects appropriate tools, dons self-contained breathing apparatus, affects forcible entry into structures, advances a hose line to the seat of the fire, effects extinguishment, and performs search and rescue operations.
Additional firefighting responsibility includes selecting, placing, and raising ground ladders, ventilating the involved structure to release gases and control the fire, performing salvage duties to protect property not currently affected by the fire and performing overhaul functions to ensure that visible and concealed fire has been extinguished. Responsible for adhering to the established Standard Operating Guidelines of the Fire Protection Section as established by the Fire Chief. Functions as driver/operator and is responsible for the efficient and safe operation of fire and rescue apparatus.
Performs the daily inspection, testing and maintenance of two Medical Center owned fire apparatus, one rescue vehicle, one rescue boat, motor, and trailer, two ambulances and all associated equipment. This includes operational inspections and testing to ensure fire pumps, breathing apparatus and emergency generators are in a state of operational readiness. Responds with the appropriate apparatus to the scene of fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies.
Will position the apparatus as directed by the officer in charge, connect supply lines to the pump and supply water at the appropriate water pressure to attack lines, sprinkler lines and standpipe lines. Emergency Medical Technician (Basic Life Support) 25% Employs all sources of information to determine the nature of the person's illness or extent of injury. Performs initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination to determine priority of patient care based upon the assessment findings.
Takes, records and monitors patient's baseline vital signs including temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Interviews the patient to identify preexisting medical conditions and obtain a comprehensive drug history. Controls external bleeding with direct pressure and treats the patient for shock and shock-like symptoms.
Splints and immobilizes fractures and dislocations for transport. Utilizes various established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport as soon as possible. Establishes communication with the receiving facility, providing patient information and estimated time of arrival.
Utilizes various established emergency medical techniques and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport to the receiving facility. Assists Advanced Life Support (ALS) staff including Paramedics, Doctors, Nurses, etc. Completes patient care documentation required to ensure medical requirements are met and accurately reported.
Uses and maintains emergency medical equipment such as backboards, suction devices, AED's, splints, oxygen delivery systems, stretchers, etc. Properly disposes of biohazard materials and replenishes medical and expendable supplies Hazardous Materials Operations 5% Is a first responder to hazardous materials incidents occurring on station and performs as a team member in determining the materials/chemicals involved, the degree of life hazard and potential environmental impact. Responds with the appropriate equipment to hazardous materials incidents in the surrounding communities.
Fire Safety Inspector 10% Performs fire safety inspections of the Medical Center on a quarterly basis to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards. Conducts fire drills as assigned by the shift supervisor to evaluate employee knowledge of the fire plan and to identify those areas in need of improvement. Assists Police Service with unruly or combative patients.
Operate an ambulance or passenger vehicle to transport patients between units. Work Schedule: 72 hour weeks/144 bi-weekly Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Firefighter (Basic Life Support)/PD23264A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.
Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Narrative responses are not required at this time.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.
Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.
Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Additional Information
Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/17/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12980415. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job.
Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX).
We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.
Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: Prioritize most relevant and recent experience Use concise, results focused language Align language from the job announcement Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies Remove outdated or unrelated experience Use the USAJOBS resume builder Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Firefighter II certification in accordance with NFPA 1001 AND Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification, in accordance with NFPA 1002 Operations Level Responders certification in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472 AND Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of Maryland or National Registry Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter License Fire Inspector II certification in accordance with NFPA 1031 Firefighter II certification in accordance with NFPA 1001 AND Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification, in accordance with NFPA 1002 Operations Level Responders certification in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472 AND Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of Maryland or National Registry Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.
In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.