- Position Title
- Firefighter
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CARZ-12727966-25-DLL Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025 to Wednesday, April 30, 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).
2.
A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License.
Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
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.
Please indicate either Yes or No for the following Selective Placement Factors. 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. Copies of certifications required at time of application.
1.
Do you possess current and valid certification as a accredited Firefighter II?
2.
Do you possess current and valid accredited Hazardous Materials Certification at the Operations Level?
3.
Do you possess current and valid certification as an accredited Fire Apparatus Driver Operator-Pumper in accordance with NFPA 1002?
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
4.
Do you have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Firefighter at the GS-6 level? 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.
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.
5.
Are you under the age of 37?
This position requires English Language Proficiency. Please select the appropriate response to the question below.
6.
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?
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.
7.
Fight fires in an installation environment with multi-story buildings consisting of more than three stories presenting complex and hazardous firefighting situations.
8.
Provide fire protection at a hospital or installation engaged in using various types of gases, oxygen, nitrogen, gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas.
9.
Inspects warehouses, shops, hospitals, offices, and living quarters for violations of fire regulations, and for conditions contributing to serious fire hazards; detecting and determining proper corrective action for the moderately complex hazards found.
10.
Check fixed protection systems and equipment for proper placement; performing tests and minor maintenance and repair to ensure operational condition.
11.
Discuss inspection findings with operating officials to obtain compliance with recommended actions and write complex and accurate inspection reports.
12.
Respond to fire/emergency alarm, determine 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.
13.
Detect 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 the proper authorities arrive.
14.
Identify areas or groups of individuals requiring special evacuation assistance, e.g., non-ambulatory patients, patients with cognitive or psychological disabilities, patients dependent on electrical medical equipment, etc.
15.
Perform vehicle extraction, elevator and confined space rescue operations.
16.
Perform patient triage, determining and prioritizing appropriate medical treatment and whether additional assistance is needed.
17.
Perform firefighting duties including laying and connecting hoses, directing water through turrets and hand lines to cool building contents, and ventilating burning buildings.
18.
Operate or deactivate mechanisms such as mechanical doors, oxygen supply systems that may require the use of special tools developed for a particular system.
19.
Drive firefighting vehicle to the scene of a fire following a predetermined or alternate route as necessary, positioning vehicle in consideration of factors such as wind direction, water sources, hazards from falling structures, powerlines, etc.
20.
Operate a ladder or pumper truck, maneuvering the vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring back flash will not occur and maintaining a constant awareness of water levels in self-contained tanks.
21.
Operate pumps, foam generators, boom and ground-sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment; determining proper pressure for the distances to be pumped and the number of lines being used; and applying principles of hydraulics to water flow friction and friction loss.
22.
Employ hazard and risk assessment techniques to complete initial incident analysis by surveying the incident to identify the materials involved, determining whether hazardous materials have been released, and evaluating the surrounding conditions.
23.
Collect 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.
24.
Use, maintain, and decontaminate common hazardous material response equipment and supplies including protective clothing, breathing apparatus, dry and extinguishing chemicals, and decontamination agents and equipment; and replaces expended chemicals and agents.
25.
Perform advanced mitigation, control, and confinement operations within the capabilities of the available resources and personal protective equipment available 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.
26.
Utilizing hazardous material response equipment and supplies including liquid splash- and vapor-protective clothing, respiratory protection, dry and extinguishing chemicals, and decontamination agents and equipment.
27.
Records and monitors patient's vital signs (i.e., temperature, blood pressure, and pulse) and verifies current medications to assess medical needs.
28.
Perform basic life support care at emergency scene in accordance with established medical standards, which may include providing CPR in accordance with AHA standards and/or drug treatments.
29.
Use various emergency medical equipment, tools, and supplies including extraction tools, blood pressure cuff, AED, glucose monitor, oxygen terminal, pulse oximetry monitor, and other medical supplies.
30.
Respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies, maintain circulation, control bleeding, and provide spinal management and immobilization.
31.
Determine, with due regard to the patient's condition, if and how the patient can be moved, to which medical facility the patient should be transported, and what, if any, extra care, special equipment, or oxygen the patient will need during transport.
Veteran's Preference Documentation Reminder - 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).
Copies of current and valid certifications must be submitted at the time of application:
Current and valid Certification as Firefighter II, in accordance with NFPA 1001
Current and valid Hazardous Materials Certification at the Operations Level, in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies, in NFPA 472
Current and valid Certification as Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, in accordance with NFPA 1002
RESUME REMINDER - Your resume must include the following information 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 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.