Social Security Administration Logo
Position Title
Fire Protection Engineer
Agency
Social Security Administration
Announcement Number
SH-12657461 Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, January 13, 2025 to Friday, January 24, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? Select yes if you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; your permanent grade is equivalent to or above the grade level of the vacancy; AND your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. (Note: You must submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. Please review the Required Documents section of the announcement for more information.) (limit characters)
2. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces?

-OR-

Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

-OR-

Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources..
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3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? Select yes if you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; your permanent grade is equivalent to or above the grade level of the vacancy; AND your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. (Note: You must submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. Please review the Required Documents section of the announcement for more information.) (limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former Federal employee applying for reassignment, change to lower grade, or repromotion to a grade you previously held on a permanent basis? Select yes if you currently hold or previously held a permanent position at or above the grade level(s) posted in this vacancy announcement. (NOTE: If this position has higher promotion potential than you have held on a permanent basis, you must apply for promotion to receive consideration.)
OR
Are you a current Federal employee serving on a noncompetitive appointment? Select yes if you are currently serving under one of the following appointment types:  Schedule A 213.3102(u) for individuals with disabilities; Temporary/term appointment for 30% or more disabled veterans; Veterans Recruitment Appointment (Note: Employees serving on VRA appointments are only eligible for non-competitive consideration for positions at GS-11 or below).
 
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5. Are you a current or former Federal employee applying for promotion?  Select yes if you have 52 weeks at the next lower grade AND the grade level or promotion potential of this position is higher than you have held on a permanent basis. (limit characters)
6. Are you applying for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA)? Select yes if you are a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
  • are entitled to veterans' preference
To support your claim, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. 

Note: If you are also a Federal employee, you must submit documentation of time-in-grade and successful performance to receive consideration.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
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Assessment 1
CONFIRM YOUR ELIGIBILITY ON THE PREVIOUS SCREEN. If you choose incorrectly (or not at all) you will lose consideration for this vacancy. READ EACH OPTION CAREFULLY. Use the following to assist you in making the proper choice. (limit characters)
It is recommended (not required) that you use a computer to apply for this position -- applicants using a phone often miss key information. (limit characters)
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "APPLICATION ISSUE SH-1265 7461" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed. (limit characters)
1. FEDERAL STATUS: SF-50s are used to verify multiple eligibility requirements (Grade / Time-in-Grade / Tenure / Appointment Type) and are required to document federal status for all current and former federal employees. Multiple SF-50s may be required to demonstrate each of the four eligibility requirements shown above.

If your current SF-50 does not demonstrate grade / time-in-grade, additional SF-50s must be submitted to demonstrate those requirements. Use blocks 24 and 34 of your recent SF-50 to determine tenure and type of service.

Before you choose, READ THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS CAREFULLY.
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2. FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Performance Appraisals are required for current federal employees. They must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. DO NOT submit a mid-year review or other 'Performance Discussion.'

If an SF-50 is allowed (see options below), it must provide the required information. For some options, the required SF-50 will be the same as that used to support your federal status, but other options may require an additional/different SF-50. DO NOT submit a WIGI action in lieu of a full performance appraisal.

Before you choose, READ THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS CAREFULLY.
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3. I understand this position involves specific physical efforts, working conditions, shift requirements and/or protective gear requirements and agree to perform the functions of this position in accordance with these conditions. See QUALIFICATIONS section of the announcement for more information.
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for this GS-13 Fire Protection Engineer position are based on an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal 0804 series AND at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience. (limit characters)
4. Indicate how you meet the IOR for this position. (See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections of the announcement for more information.)
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5. If you chose Option C under Question #3 above, indicate the combination of education and experience you are using to meet the requirements for this position. (See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections of announcement for more information.)
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SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position and/or experience is in another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-12. (limit characters)
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of (1) assessment and prediction of fire hazards or risks; (2) mitigation of fire damage; (3) development or testing of fire protection technologies; (4) inspection, testing and operation of fire detection or suppression devices or systems; and (5) assessment of fire protection requirements. (limit characters)
6. Do you have the Specialized Experience required for this position?
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The following questions pertain to your overall experience as it relates to this position. Answer Yes or No to each question, as appropriate. Do not overstate your experience. Affirmative responses are subject to verification. Your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have the experience you claim. It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume. (limit characters)
7. Do you have experience analyzing unknown and/or controversial data and providing expert technical guidance on unique and complex problems/scenarios regarding fire prevention and protection programs? (7 points)
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8. Do you have experience assuring conformance to plans and specifications and furnishing other assistance regarding fire prevention/protection as required? (7 points)
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9. Do you have experience assessing the effectiveness of fire protection programs and operations? (7 points)
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10. Do you have experience using information from multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, civil and structural to determine levels of safety? (7 points)
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11. Do you have experience providing technical advice and consultation in the form of policy decisions where procedures, regulations and other contractor interfaces are involved, often on complex projects? (7 points)
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12. Do you have experience preparing materials for, and participating in, discussions to influence or motivate persons or groups to reach objectives successfully? (5 points)
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13. Do you have experience developing technical, scientific or engineering reports, publications or documents for distribution to various audiences? (5 points)
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14. Do you have experience establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships at all levels and across components? (5 points)
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15. Do you have experience negotiating independently with high-level executives on complex and sensitive matters? (5 points)
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16. Do you have experience identifying fire protection needs, improvements and deficiencies in writing? (5 points)
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17. Do you have experience summarizing inspection findings, both orally and in written reports? (5 points)
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18. Do you have experience communicating technical information in nonprofessional terms in both oral and written forms? (5 points)
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19. Do you have experience providing support on highly complex building projects (e.g., monitoring construction and inspecting buildings to identify potential fire hazards; providing technical advice on fire prevention systems and/or other detection devices)? (5 points)
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20. Do you have experience conducting detailed cost estimates for facilities and construction related projects, including cost-estimating of fire protection systems? (5 points)
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21. Do you have experience applying professional judgment to solve complex building issues and/or situations for which there are no established precedents? (5 points)
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22. Do you have experience conducting field inspections to assess the adequacy of fire protection systems and conformance to plans and specifications? (5 points)
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23. Do you have experience ensuring efficiency, life-safety, egress and employee well-being during planning and assessment of facilities and architectural space layouts? (5 points)
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24. Do you have experience incorporating fire protection requirements into all phases of building projects? (5 points)
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25. Do you have experience performing review, inspection, witness-testing, and final acceptance of complex fire alarm/mass notification systems, fire sprinkler systems, and specialized fire protection systems to ensure code compliance? (5 points)
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26. Do you have experience certifying fire safety and building code compliance during planning and assessment of new facilities and architectural space layouts? (9 points)
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27. Do you have experience researching and applying national and local building codes, federal policies, regulations, laws and guidelines to work products? (9 points)
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28. Do you have experience certifying fire safety and building code compliance when assessing customer requirements for existing spaces? (9 points)
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29. Do you have experience interpreting and applying fire protection codes, regulations, best practices and industry standards? (8 points)
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30. Do you have experience analyzing laws, regulations and standards to determine impact on building operations, construction projects and service contracts? (9 points)
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31. Do you have experience inspecting buildings, construction projects and/or service contracts for compliance with laws, regulations and standards? (9 points)
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32. Do you have experience managing day-to-day building operations, construction projects and/or service contracts in accordance with laws, regulations and standards? (9 points)
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33. Do you have experience enforcing laws, regulations and standards for building operations, construction projects and/or service contracts? (8 points)
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34. I thoroughly read the preceding questions and have answered them truthfully.
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SF-50s are required for all current and former federal employees. SF-50s are used to verify (1) grade, (2) time-in-grade, (3) tenure and (4) appointment type. In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate each of the four eligibility requirements. Review your SF-50(s) carefully to ensure you're demonstrating all the eligibility requirements for this position. (limit characters)
If you are meeting any of the eligibility or qualification requirements based on a prior position, also include the SF-50s that show the necessary information. (For example, if your grade-relevant experience was gained in a previously held position, submit the SF-50 placing you in that position AND the SF-50 removing you from that position [to show grade / time-in-grade], as well as the SF-50 for your current position. If your Excepted Service eligibility is based on a previously held Competitive Service position, submit an SF-50 showing Competitive Service status, in addition to your current SF-50. If you resigned or retired more than 3 years ago, be sure your separation SF-50 shows your separation was from the Competitive Service and you had career tenure. You will also need to demonstrate grade / time-in-grade, either from your separation SF-50 or another SF-50. There are various scenarios that may require multiple SF-50s so be sure your SF-50s provide all the required information.) (limit characters)
35. I read the information above and understand SF-50s are required for all current and former federal employees to verify multiple eligibility requirements (i.e., grade, time-in-grade, appointment type and career tenure) and, in some cases, SF-50s in addition to my current SF-50 may be required to fully demonstrate my eligibility. I will submit all SF-50s necessary to demonstrate my eligibility for this position as follows:
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FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS are required for current federal employees. They must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit a mid-year review or other 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI action in lieu of a full performance appraisal. Former federal employees must submit your separation SF-50 showing that your separation was not for performance or conduct reasons. Review your response to Question #2 to ensure you submit the appropriate document to support this requirement. (limit characters)
36. I read the information above and understand that I must submit a recent federal performance appraisal that meets the stated requirements, except if an exception under Question #2 applies. I will submit the required Performance Appraisal to demonstrate my eligibility for this position as follows:
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37. I understand this position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), e.g., engineering degree, PE License, etc, as described in the QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections of the announcement.
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Your resume must be clear, accurate and specific when describing your experience; e.g., list all positions separately, include full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position, your work schedule (full time or number of part-time hours per week), your grade (if your position is federal) and a comprehensive description the relevant duties performed in each position as they pertain to the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS section of announcement). (limit characters)
38. I read the QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS sections of the announcement, as well as the resume requirements above, and understand that resumes that do not follow the stated requirements can cause me to lose consideration.
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39. I understand it's not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in my resume and that all affirmative responses should be addressed in my resume in order for me to receive credit for such experience.
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You may update your resume at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status and an option to Edit My Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. (limit characters)
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. (limit characters)
Complete this application by uploading your supporting documents and submitting your responses to this questionnaire - see HOW TO APPLY for specific instructions. (limit characters)