Firefighter (BLS/Hazardous MaterialsTechnician)

DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. 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. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. 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.

This position includes Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. The Selective Placement Factors for this position are: ** Copies of certifications must be submitted at the time of application.

Firefighter I and II Certification from the DOD, National Pro Board or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Hazardous Materials Operations Certification in accordance with NFPA 472 State or National registry Emergency Medical Technician certification Fire Apparatus Driver/Pump Operator Certification in accordance with NFPA 1002 (State, DOD or National certification) To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Firefighter - Basic Life Support/Hazardous Materials Technician.

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 At this level, assignments would have been performed independently, with little or no supervision, only consulting with the supervisor when unusual problems are encountered.

Medical and Physical Requirements: Prior to employment and annually thereafter, all firefighters must be certified by a qualified physician as meeting: (a) Medical and physical requirements for performing their assigned duties; (b) Requirements of NFPA 1582; (c) Requirements of NFPA 1583; and, (d) Requirements of NFPA 1500, Chapter 10. Employee works in a variety of environments to include high intensity situations, such as; extreme heat and smoke environments.

Employee is required to wear protective ensemble to include self-contained breathing apparatus. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: The Firefighter (BLS/Hazardous Materials Technician) may be required to lift and carry heavy objects, including equipment over 75 pounds and victims of fires or other emergencies. Working conditions may include heavy physical exertion, extreme heat, smoke and dust in enclosed smoke-filled places, in all types of weather.

The Firefighter (BLS/Hazardous Materials Technician) will maintain their fitness for duty by participation in the Fire Department Health and Wellness program as outlines in Departmental Policy, SOPs and VA directive 7718. The requirements of the job are such that the Firefighter (BLS/Hazardous Materials Technician) must maintain alertness, self-control, and emotional stability when working under conditions of stress, confusion, panic and where physical injury or death are present.

The Firefighter (BLS Hazardous Materials Technician) shall routinely be expected to enter hazardous environments both in and outdoors including those which may be immediately dangerous to life and (IDLH) to implement tactical objectives necessary to successfully mitigate the emergency. The Firefighter (BLS/Hazardous Materials Technician) shall adhere to safety and environmental protection policies, procedures and techniques.

May be required to work long and irregular hours during the course of emergency response or to accomplish mandated inspection, training requirements and to ensure coverage. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION Major duties and responsibilities include: Performs initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination. Manages respiratory and cardiac emergencies to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bag-valve-mask resuscitation, and automatic external defibrillation.

Assists the injured by applying knowledge and training for such purposes to use direct pressure and tourniquets to stop bleeding, check the airway for obstructions, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or immobilize for safe transport. Drives an ambulance under non-emergency and emergency conditions. Manages respiratory and cardiac emergencies to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bag-valve-mask ventilations, and using an automatic external defibrillation (AED).

Assists patients in taking emergency medications for certain complaints under the direction of standing orders or of a Physician. Employs hazard and risk assessment techniques to complete incident analysis. Assists in the developing of strategy to mitigate hazardous release. Operates fire attack lines and applying fire streams for fire control and extinguishment. Establishes water supply connections to hydrants, sprinkler systems, standpipes, and fire apparatus. Loads, unloads, and advances fire hoses.

Makes forcible entry into locked and concealed areas, i.e., prying open doors, removing windows, etc. Places and climbs ground ladders with equipment for fire control, ventilation, rescue, or other fireground work. Work Schedule: Rotating 72 hour work week any day of the week, including holidays. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved