- Position Title
- Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CARZ-12718197-25-FG Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Friday, March 28, 2025 to Thursday, April 10, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs? If yes, confirm:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
4.
Are you an active duty service member expected to be discharged or released under honorable conditions within the next 120 days who will be eligible for Veterans' preference? You may eligible to apply through the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act based on tentative preference.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a "certification" on appropriate letterhead from your branch of service that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. Note: If selected, prior to appointment you will be required to provide your DD-214 and/or other supporting documentation to verify that you are eligible for Veterans' preference.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a "certification" on appropriate letterhead from your branch of service that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. Note: If selected, prior to appointment you will be required to provide your DD-214 and/or other supporting documentation to verify that you are eligible for Veterans' preference.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
Preferences
1.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
- Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
- Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
- Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
In order to receive appropriate consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veterans' Preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference along with the required documentation listed on the form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
Assessment 1
Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Maximum Entry Age: For initial appointments, applicant cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the day of appointment. Note: Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit noted, but who have previously served in a 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 firefighter service by the time the Federal firefighter reaches the age of 57. Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age. Note: 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 firefighter.
1.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Based on the instructions cited above, please select the appropriate response below.
For those positions requiring employees to drive motorized firefighting equipment, candidates must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind. Applicants also may be required to pass a practical road test and provide information on their driving record.
2.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: 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. Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?
3.
DRIVER/OPERATOR LICENSE REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current, valid state issued motor vehicle operator's license? Please do not upload a copy of your license at this time.
Please indicate either Yes or No for the following Selective Placement Factors - Certification Requirements. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration. Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
4.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current and valid International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Hazardous Materials Operations Level Certification? Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
5.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current and valid International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Firefighter I and II Certification? Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
6.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current and valid, Incident Command Systems - ICS-100 & 200 Certification? Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
7.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current and valid, National Incident Management Systems - ICS-700 & 800 Certification? Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
8.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current and valid International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Apparatus Operator - Pumper Certification or you must be willing to obtain within 24 months of hire. Please submit a copy of your certification (if applicable) with your application to receive credit.
9.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current and valid International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board Fire Inspector I and II Certification or you must be willing to obtain within 24 months of hire? Please submit a copy of your certification (if applicable) with your application to receive credit.
10.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Do you possess a current, valid, state, or national registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)- Basic certification? Please submit a copy of your certification with your application to receive credit.
Minimum Qualifications: In addition to meeting the above requirements, you must also meet the below requirement.
11.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Do you possess one (1) year of specialized experience which equipped you with the knowledge, skill, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position? To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the Federal Service. 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. 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.
For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
The following statements pertain to Fire Management.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
12.
Control and extinguish fires, operate various nozzles and hose lines, make connections to, and operate fire hydrants, perform forcible entries, ventilate structures, carry, raise, and lower ground ladders, perform, or assist in rescue operations, use a variety of hand tools, hydraulic tools, portable fire extinguishers, and perform salvage and overhaul.
13.
Combat fires in residences, medical and psychological facilities, multiple story office buildings, industrial shops, warehouses, fuel storage areas, public assembly areas, and wildland areas.
14.
Respond to all emergency calls on the grounds of the facility as well as requests for mutual aid by surrounding communities to extinguish fire when requested and approved by management.
15.
Operate pumps, foam generators, and other specialized firefighting equipment, determining proper pressures for the type of nozzle or equipment, size of hose, and distance to be covered.
The following statements pertain to Interpersonal Skills.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
16.
Provide medical care as a Basic Life Support/Emergency Medical Technician-(EMT) following facility protocols and directives as outlined in the appropriate directive for providing basic life support.
17.
Perform initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination to determine priority of patient care based upon initial findings, which may include providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using the automated external defibrillation (AED), and the use of other devices.
18.
Employ a variety of established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport.
19.
Assist advanced life support staff including physicians and nurses and prepare the appropriate and relevant patient documentation to ensure medical requirements are met and accurately reported.
The following statements pertain to Attention to Detail.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
20.
Perform fire inspection duties in areas where hazards are expected to be encountered to include medical and psychological facilities, multiple story buildings, administrative buildings, public assemblies, industrial shops, warehouses and residential quarters for fire safety violations and other conditions contributing to more extensive fire hazards.
21.
Perform pre-incident planning by becoming familiarized with the various building interiors and to locate any possible hazards as well as established fire protection systems.
22.
Conduct inspections on built-in fire protection features such as, but not limited to fire barriers, smoke barriers, and fire doors.
23.
Conduct regularly scheduled and unscheduled inspections of all safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms, fire doors, exits, stairways, indicator posts, standpipe systems, self-contained breathing masks, as well as special inspections to ensure equipment is always operational.
24.
Conduct regularly scheduled and unscheduled inspections of buildings, water distribution systems, and fire protection system to ensure security of the systems and operation of the equipment; and inspect building structure and other facilities for compliance with fire protection and prevention regulations, including, new construction, alterations, or repair work in progress.
The following statements pertain to Teamwork.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
25.
Conduct general work planning daily, particularly in the areas of training and fire inspections and review schedule to meet unexpected changes and duty assignments.
26.
Prepare necessary reports as required upon returning from fire inspections, fire drills, annual inspections, and emergencies.
27.
Review, assess, and make recommendations concerning fire department records of fire prevention inspections, air packs, extinguishers vehicle, hose, fire equipment, daily workloads, safety meeting and pre-fire planning.
Veteran's Preference Documentation Reminder - In order to receive appropriate preference consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for veteran's preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference along with the required documentation listed on the SF-15 form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
RESUME REMINDER- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.