- Position Title
- Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CARZ-12721896-25-MJM Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025 to Tuesday, April 22, 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.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
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 experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience 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.
Select the most appropriate response for the required Selective Placement Factors (SPF) that have been identified for Firefighter positions in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 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.
1.
GS-7 grade: I possess an accredited Firefighter II Certification in accordance with NFPA 1001. (Copy of Certification is Required)
2.
GS-7 grade: I possess an accredited Fire Apparatus Driver Operator Pumper Certification with NFPA 1002. (Copy of Certifications Required)
3.
GS-7 grade: I possess a certification as Hazardous Materials Operations Level Responder in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies of NFPA 472.
4.
GS-7 grade: I possess an National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), (Copy of Certification Required)
5.
I possess a Valid State Driver's License. Please DO NOT provide copy as we are unable to accept/forward pictures. This requirement will be verified during interview.
In addition to the SPFs above, applicant(s) must meet the additional qualification requirements as described below.
6.
GS-7 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: I possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4) that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. 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; (7) performing EMT emergent patient care; and (8) inspecting structures and equipment in accordance with NFPA safety laws and regulation. There is no substitution of education for the specialized experience at the GS-7 grade level.
7.
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 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 fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57.
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.
8.
Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?
For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
9.
Fights fires with multi-story buildings consisting of complex and hazardous firefighting situations.
10.
Provides firefighting where situation may present various types of gases (gasoline, diesel, natural gas), oxygen, and nitrogen.
11.
Inspects buildings and structures for violations of fir regulations, and for conditions contributing to serios fire hazards; detects and determines proper corrective actions for hazards found.
12.
Checks protection systems and equipment for proper placement and perform tests and minor maintenance and repair to ensure operational conditions.
13.
Discusses inspection findings with operating officials to obtain compliance with recommended actions and writes complex inspection reports accurately.
14.
Responds to fire and emergency alarms, determine the nature and extent of emergency, and develop an immediate plan of action that may need to deviate from plans rehearsed or discussed during training exercises.
15.
Detects the presence of potentially hazardous materials, protecting self and others by establishing a safe perimeter around the incident, and controlling access to the area until proper authorities arrive.
16.
Identifies areas or groups of individuals requiring special evacuation assistance (e.g., non-ambulatory patients; cognitive or psychological disability patients; patients dependent on electrical medical equipment, etc.)
17.
Performs vehicle extraction, elevator and confined space rescue operations.
18.
Performs patient triage, prioritizing based on medical treatment or additional assistance needs.
19.
Performs firefighting duties including laying and connecting hoses, directing water through turrets and hand lines to cool building contents, and ventilating burning buildings.
20.
Operators or deactivates mechanical doors, oxygen supply systems that may required the use of specialized tools develops for a particular system.
21.
Drives firefighting vehicle to the scene of fire, follows pre-determined or alternate route as necessary, positions vehicle in consideration of various factors (e.g., wind direction, water sources, hazards from falling structures, power lines, etc.)
22.
Operates ladders or pumper truck, maneuver vehicle to keep fire in optimum range while ensuring back flash will not occur and maintain constant awareness of water levels in self-contained tanks.
23.
Operates pumps, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment, determines proper pressure for distances to be pumped, number of lines in use, and applies principles of hydraulics to water flow friction and friction loss.
24.
Employs hazard and risk assessment techniques and surveys the incident to identify materials used, potential release of hazardous materials and evaluate surrounding area.
25.
Collects hazard and response information from material safety data sheets or hazardous material placards to predict the likely behavior of a material in a container and estimate potential harm to people and the environment.
26.
Uses, maintains, and decontaminates common hazardous material response equipment and supplies (protective clothing, breathing apparatus, dry and extinguishing chemicals, decontamination agents and equipment), and replaces expended chemicals and agents.
27.
Performs mitigation, control, and confinement operations to control leaks or releases using a variety of methods to include cooling, plugging or patching containers, applying diluting sprays or neutralizing agents; and constructing dams, dikes or channels.
28.
Utilizes hazardous material response equipment and supplies (liquid splash- and vapor-protective clothing, respiratory protection, dry- and extinguishing chemicals, decontamination agents and equipment).
29.
Records and monitors patient vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse) and verifies current medications to assess medical needs.
30.
Performs basic life support care at emergency scene in accordance with medical standards, which may include performing CPR and/or drug treatments.
31.
Uses various emergency medical equipment, tools, and supplies (extraction tools, blood pressure cuff, AED, glucose monitor, oxygen terminal, pulse oximetry monitor) and other medical supplies.
32.
Responds to cardiac and respirator emergencies, maintain circulation, control bleeding, and provide spinal management and immobilization.
33.
Determines patient condition, how patient can be moved, which medical facility to transport patient to, determines if any additional care, special equipment, or oxygen patient may need during transport.
Certifications Reminder - Please be sure to upload your required certifications with your application package. If your package is missing your certifications your application will not be considered.