Summary This position is located in the Safety Office at the Alexandria VA Health Care System in Pineville, LA. The Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations) provides fire prevention and protection services for this facility that is comprised of 27 buildings spanning 157 acres of land and two remote community-based outpatient clinics. Responsibilities THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION The Firefighter receives immediate supervision from the Lead Firefighter. Completes all assigned duties, whether under normal or emergency conditions. This includes the duties of Driver/Operator who also functions as Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). As a crew member, he/she is assigned to various positions on either the pumper or rescue/hazmat truck. As assigned, the Firefighter shall complete the daily vehicle and equipment check of all VA fire service emergency response vehicles. The Firefighter attends and conducts training for personnel as directed by the Fire Chief in all phases of firefighting and protection within the structural series and takes charge of all firefighting activities at the scene of a fire in the absence of the senior fire officer. During emergency situations, must be able to execute all firefighting and/or rescue operations without hesitation. The Firefighter responds to all Medical Center emergencies, performs firefighting duties such as determining the nature and extent of the fire and the appropriate action required, laying and disconnecting hoses, directing fire streams, operating firefighting equipment, ensuring ventilation of burning buildings, performing evacuations and rescues, administering appropriate emergency treatments, etc. The Firefighter performs noninvasive medical procedures. In performing these Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures, the Firefighter will: Perform initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination. Take, record, and monitor patient's baseline vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. Manage respiratory and cardiac emergencies, to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bag-valve-mask resuscitation, and automatic external defibrillation (AED). Control external bleeding with direct pressure and treat shock with pneumatic anti-shock garments. Attempt to ascertain whether the patient has preexisting medical problems and obtain a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes the names, strength, and dosage of drugs taken by the patient. Assist patients in taking emergency medications for certain complaints, e.g., Nitroglycerin tablets for chest pain, Epinephrine auto-injections for allergic reactions, or Albuterol inhalers for asthma patients, under the direction of standing orders or of a physician. Employ a variety of established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport, as soon as possible, to the receiving facility. Use and maintain onboard and portable emergency equipment such as backboards, suction devices, monitors, splints, oxygen delivery systems, AED, and stretchers. Properly disposes of biohazard materials. Performs work to control and extinguish fires, rescues persons endangered by fire or other hazardous situations, and reduces or eliminates potential fire hazard. Drives and operates firefighting apparatuses of significant complexity, and, is knowledgeable so as to instruct other firefighters in the driving and operation of two pumpers and all allied equipment carried on the trucks. Instructs others in the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, friction and friction loss, etc. Plans and initiates effective methods for the evacuation of patients and employees in emergency situations; to include disabled or confused patients, entrapped fire fighters, or others needing assistance. Participates in station fire and disaster drills. Ensures that fire inspections are completed in all buildings and areas of the medical center. Oversees and performs preventive maintenance of firefighting apparatus equipment, etc., such as checking batteries, tires, fuel, oil levels, sirens and lights, etc. Checks all firefighting equipment on the trucks as to condition and cleanliness. Attends and conducts training for personnel as directed by the Fire Chief in all phases of firefighting and protection within the structural series. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Firefighters work a rotating shift work; seventy-two (72) hours per week. Fire Department operates twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week in which employees are assigned to alternating shifts of twenty-four (24) hours, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Pre-employment physical required As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-7 LEVEL YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING: 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 them are ineligible for further consideration. The Selective Placement Factors for this position are: Firefighter II - IFSAC, Pro-Board or State Certification. Driver/Operator - IFSAC, Pro-Board or State Certification. Hazardous Materials Operations - IFSAC, Pro- Board or State Certification. State of Louisiana or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Certification. Driver's License: Applicants must possess and maintain a current and valid state-issued driver's license. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current and valid state-issued driver's license. Fire Inspector I and II - IFSAC, Pro-Board or State Certification - within one year of employment as Firefighter/EMT (agency provided) NOTE: COPIES OF YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSE(S) MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE CLOSING DATE TO RECEIVE CREDIT. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: 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 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. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week to be credited. 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 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. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/. Since individual positions may not include all such duties, a physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position to be filled. Employees in positions involving firefighting duties or other duties involving arduous physical exertion may be subject to periodic (e.g., annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position. (See 5 CFR 339.) Any serious deviation from sound medical condition may be grounds for rejection, regardless of whether the condition is named below. Remediable defects or curable diseases will not exclude a person from consideration, but proof that such defects have been remedied or the disease cured must be received during the life of the eligible register before persons otherwise qualified may be considered for appointment under civil service rules. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Analytical Thinking Fire Management Technical Competence IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. 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; religious; 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. Physical Requirements: In an emergency, work requires the ability to perform strenuous physical activity for an extended period of time. The most common encountered applications of strength and endurance are lifting and carrying objects (up to 80 lbs.), pulling objects (up to 135 lbs.), and working with objects in front of the body (up to 125 lbs.). Activities involve prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, crouching, and carrying heavy firefighting tools and related equipment associated with the performance of such duties as maintenance, testing, inspections, drills, suppression, and transport of persons. 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/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
