Federal
Firefighter (HazMat Tech/Basic LS)
Washington Headquarters Services ยท Department of Defense
About This Position
This position serves as a Firefighter (HazMat Tech/Basic LS) with the Fire and Emergency Services located at the Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC). The incumbent will serve as a fully trained member of a firefighting crew engaged in the protection of life and property to the installation serviced, and to provide first response fire protection. Incumbent independently performs firefighter duties and performs as a driver/operator of motorized firefighting equipment.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below. You may qualify at the GS-07 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to: Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; Participating in rescue operations; Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; Operating fire communications equipment; Controlling hazardous materials incidents; and Performing patient assessments, administering CPR, and utilizing an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). In addition to the meeting the specialized experience notated above, the following requirements must be met (**Certifications must be included with application): The selectee must currently possess and maintain ProBoard, IFSAC, or DoD-recognized certifications in the following: Firefighter I Firefighter II HazMat Awareness HazMat Operations HazMat Technician Driver/Operator-Pumper This position requires you to currently possess and to maintain the following certifications: CPR and AED. Selectee must currently possess EMT certification and must obtain and maintain Pennsylvania EMT or Paramedic certification within (1) year of entry into the position. In addition, selectee must obtain and maintain required certifications within (2) years of entry into the position. Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may result in removal from federal service. Required Firefighter Certifications: The selectee must successfully obtain and maintain ProBoard, IFSAC, or DoD-approved certifications in the following areas: Public Telecommunicator I Public Telecommunicator II Driver/Operator - Mobile Water Supply Airport Firefighter Driver/Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Additional Required Training (Non-ProBoard/IFSAC/DoD) Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) - Must successfully complete and maintain EVOC certification through an approved provider. EVOC is required in addition to any driver/operator certifications listed above. Confined Space Rescue Awareness Confined Space Rescue Operations MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Employees hired for the first time ("originally hired") into GS-0081 positions must not exceed the established Maximum Entry Age (MEA) at the time of appointment. The MEA for Firefighters (FFs) is 37. An employee originally hired into a covered FF position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37 unless a waiver from the Washington Headquarters Services is approved prior to appointment. Firefighter Special Retirement Coverage (Primary/Rigorous): This position has been identified as a covered primary, rigorous position for special retirement coverage as identified in 5 CFR 831 Subpart I for CSRS Retirement coverage and 5 CFR 842 Subpart H for FERS retirement coverage. The individual hired is subject to Special Retirement provisions to include additional contributions to the retirement fund, mandatory separation/retirement at age 57 with 20 years of approved special retirement provisions service, options for early retirement at any age after 25 years of approved special retirement provisions service, or at age 50 with 20 years of approved special retirement provisions service. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration. Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission.. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.
Major Duties
This is a Direct Hire Public Notice, under this recruitment, applications will be accepted for each location and/or installation identified in this Public Notice and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application. This Public Notice is to gather applications which may or may not result in a referral or selection. This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain DoD Personnel, P.L. 118-31, Sec 1250 B(i)(2), dated 12/22/2023. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration. Incumbents typical work assignments may include the following: Drives and operates motorized firefighting equipment including 1250 GPM pumpers, tankers, rescue vehicles, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles, exercising thorough knowledge of equipment capabilities and Installation physical characteristics. Responds to the presence or potential release of hazardous materials, taking an aggressive approach in controlling the hazardous substance using specialized protective clothing and control equipment to plug, patch or otherwise stop the release. Responds to medical emergencies, performing initial and on-going patient assessment, determines priority of patient care, and takes, records, and monitors patients vital signs, injuries, while obtaining background medical history. Looks for life threatening and potentially hazardous violations and prepares reports of unsafe conditions, when found. In the absence of a lead firefighter, on approximately twenty-five percent of the shifts, performs the duties associated with that position.
Education
Education cannot be substituted for experience.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Note: This position is being filled under the DoD Direct Hire Authority (DHA). As such, veterans' preference, competitive rating and ranking, and category rating procedures do not apply. This position is being filled under the Department of Defense Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel of the DoD, which allows the agency to appoint any qualified candidate without regard to competitive rating and ranking procedures. Veterans' Preference does not apply, and rating and raking assessments are not utilize in evaluating applications. Selection will be made from among all applicants determined to meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Applicants will be evaluated based on their experience, education, and training as reflected in their resume and supporting documentation, with emphasis on the following critical competencies: Emergency Communication Emergency Medical Care Fire Suppression Preventive Maintenance Only applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be referred to the selection official for consideration.
Additional Information
Probationary Periods: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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 an online application, you may request an alternative application. Please send an email to the following address for information on how to obtain an alternative application: [email protected] Reemployed Annuitants: Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. /www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/ Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative. Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. Your resume cannot exceed two pages. See the Required Documents section above for more information. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process, and it is your responsibility to ensure that they do so successfully. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Read the Eligibility questions carefully. Your responses will affect your consideration for the position. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. You will only be considered under the options you have selected. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility questions, you will not be considered for this position. To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12883205 Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.
Required Documents
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further. 1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you will not be considered for this vacancy. 2. Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees. We will use the employment date and grade on your resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to help determine initial eligibility, but may require additional information to confirm at the job offer stage if needed. DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities DoD Priority Placement Program applicant supporting documentation - See the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) Other Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE? You are strongly encouraged to provide a copy of your license or certificate in your application package. It is also acceptable to document your license number and the name of the licensing authority in your resume. ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE? 1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation. 2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired). ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE? 1. Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans? ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: . Position title; . Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); . Agency; and, . Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Firefighter (HazMat Tech/Basic LS) position at Washington Headquarters Services?
The salary range for this position is $57,164 - $74,318/yr. This is a GS-7 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Firefighter (HazMat Tech/Basic LS) job located?
This position is located in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below. You may qualify at the GS-07 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates y...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 24, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-7 mean?
GS-7 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.