Summary This position is part of the 147 ATKW at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. The incumbent of this position serves as a firefighter assigned to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity and lead the regularly assigned crew of less than three firefighters engaged in structural and airfield firefighting and crash/rescue operations, and assist in the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards. Texas is one of 9 states with NO state income tax. Responsibilities As a FIREFIGHTER (DRIVER OPERATOR) (Title 5) with the Texas National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: Drives and operates firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. Drives to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate, when necessary, and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament on aircraft. Works as a part of a crew in the operation of pumps, foam generators, extended waterways, ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment. Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the booster pumper. When operating a crash truck, maneuvers vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash or flashover will not occur. Maintains constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty. Assists in training other firefighters on driving vehicles and operating equipment. Participates as a member of the base HAZMAT Response Team. Participates in the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter Certification System. Performs and directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling large or complex aircraft (e.g. fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger).Performs and directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling large or complex aircraft (e.g. fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger).Aircraft carry large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, and/or highly flammable or explosive cargo.Performs standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling, or other special circumstances.Maintains constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to determine how they affect the difficulty of rescue and firefighting.Directs water through turrets and handlines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue. Operates or deactivates specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems. Sometimes uses special tools developed for the particular mechanism. Performs and leads assigned crew in structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes. Performs pre fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems. May assist in the development of special protective services for structures imposing extreme hazards. Controls and extinguishes fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants. Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs and directs assigned crew in functional tests and inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities. . Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures federal, state, and local protection/prevention ordinances and building codes concerning health, safety, and the environment are strictly adhered to. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. Leads a crew of one or two firefighters, GS-04 or GS-05, assigned to man the major piece of motorized firefighting equipment in firefighting and rescue operations. Studies field maps to become familiar with ground areas, specific locations, etc. Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, makes day-to-day adjustments, and obtains assistance from supervisor on problems that arise. Instructs employees on specific tasks and firefighting techniques, and provides written instructions and/or reference materials and supplies. Directs and participates in practice drills and training classes for assigned crew in all phases of firefighting techniques and equipment maintenance and use. Answers questions of employees on procedures, policies, directives, available services, employee activities, etc., and obtains directions from supervisor on problems. Prepares reports for the supervisor concerning fire runs, training, maintenance, inspections, or other topics. Performs special assignments/projects as required by the supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Appointment Factor(s): This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position. Area(s) of Consideration: Category 1 - Open to Public (Nationwide) - US Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States. Remarks: This is a Bargaining Unit position. Direct deposit is mandatory. Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance within one year of appointment. Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program. Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management. The employee is required to work a 72 hour week on a 48 hour on/48 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. Schedule may be subject to change. May be subject to recall. This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90). This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC). May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT). May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment. This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG. The maximum entry age for DoD firefighters is 37. Qualifications In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made. To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following: Specialized Experience: At least 12 months experience, education or training in one or more of the following areas: (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. (6) Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention (7) Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. (9) Planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) Performing emergency medical services. Must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system as Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Airport Fire Fighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS), Current National Register Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR) Certification Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Trial Period: As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- 2 trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Additional Remarks: Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply:-FERS Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.- CSRS Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.Note: Special retirement coverage is effective retroactive to the date of the personnel action of this SCPD.
