- Position Title
- Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CARZ-12731310-25-NRT Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, May 1, 2025 to Thursday, May 8, 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 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.
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.
1.
Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?
Driver's License (SCREEN OUT): A valid state driver's license is required for this position. For those positions requiring employees to drive motorized firefighting equipment, applicants 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. 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 may be required to provide a copy of your valid driver's license.
2.
Do you possess a valid state driver's license?
This position includes several Selective Placement Factors (SPFs). SPFs are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPFs are ineligible for further consideration. NOTE: All Certifications must be by an accredited agency such as International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board. Copies of your certifications must be submitted with your application to receive credit.
3.
Do you possess a Firefighter I and II certification? (Certification Required)
4.
Do you possess Hazardous Materials Certification at the Operations or Technician Level? (Certification Required)
5.
Do you possess National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) or State EMT certification? (Certification Required)
6.
Do you possess Driver/Operator - Pumper certification? (Certification Required)
7.
Have you successfully completed Incident Command Systems courses ICS-100 & 200? (Certification Required)
8.
Have you successfully completed National Incident Management Systems courses ICS-700 & 800? (Certification Required)
9.
Do you possess Fire Inspector I and II certifications in accordance with NFPA 1031, or are you willing to obtain the certifications within 24 months of employment?
10.
Do you possess Fire Instructor I certification, or are you willing to obtain this certification within 24 months of employment?
11.
Do you possess Fire Officer I certification in accordance with NFPA 1021, or are you willing to obtain this certification within 24 months of employment?
Maximum Age Requirement (SCREEN OUT): 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 firefighter service by the time the 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.
12.
Select the most appropriate response below for the Maximum Age Requirement.
In addition to the above, this position includes Minimum Qualification Requirements. Select the ONE statement below that best describes your experience to meet the specific qualification requirements for the Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support) at the GS-8 level. Please refer to the Qualifications and Duties sections of this vacancy announcement for detailed information.
13.
In addition to the SPFs, for this Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support), GS-8 position:
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.
14.
Controls and extinguishes fires to include operating various nozzles and hose lines, making connections and operating fire hydrants, performing forcible entries, ventilating structures, operating ground ladders, performing/assisting in rescue operations, using a variety of hand tools, hydraulic tools, portable fire extinguishers, and performing salvage and overhaul.
15.
Performs specialized rescues, hazardous materials spill response and serves as a driver operator of motorized firefighting vehicles.
16.
Provides stand-by, and other protective measures as required for hazardous operations such as, helicopter landings and liquid oxygen deliveries.
17.
Participates/involved with rescues from bodies of water, responds to and controls hazardous material spills, as well as rescues from fire.
18.
Operates 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.
19.
Distributes and balances the workload among employees in accordance with established work-flow or job specialization, assuring timely accomplishment of the assigned workload.
20.
Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques ensuring availability of written instructions, reference materials and supplies.
21.
Reviews progress of work and completed work ensuring supervisor's instruction on work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met.
22.
Informs supervisor of status/progress of work and any day-to-day adjustments when needed.
23.
Obtains verbal instruction and/or assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise, such as backlogs which cannot be disposed of promptly.
24.
Gives on the job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices.
25.
Provides information to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs.
26.
Administers Basic Life Support care in accordance with established medical standards/procedures.
27.
Performs 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 the LUCAS device.
28.
Takes, records, and monitors patient's information to include baseline vital signs, preexisting medical problems, a comprehensive drug history, etc.
29.
Prepares appropriate and relevant patient documentation to ensure medical requirements are met and accurately reported.
30.
Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment such as backboards, suction devices, AED, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers.
31.
Performs various fire protection inspections which covers a myriad of locations and structures (i.e. 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.
32.
Conducts 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 in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
33.
Disposes of biohazard materials in accordance with all codes, standards, and regulations.
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 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.