Summary This position is part of the 147 ATKW at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. The primary purpose of this position is to provide fire-fighting support and/or crash rescue to the facility and airfield where located. Texas is one of 9 states with NO state income tax. Responsibilities As a FIREFIGHTER (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, aerial ladder trucks, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (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, etc. Operates equipment such as: pumps, foam generators, boom and 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 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. Operates portable and stationary firefighting apparatus. Performs maintenance tasks on apparatus, equipment, and facilities. Operates alarm equipment, including radio and fire reporting facilities. Responds to alarms and fires which may involve crashed and burning aircraft, equipment, structure and facility fires, fuel, chemical, or brush fires Uses chemicals, axes, bars, hooks, saws, gas masks and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires. Participates in regular training and exercises as required. Performs maintenance, operational, housekeeping, emergency, and stand-by duty. Evacuates and/or rescues occupants; administers first aid and artificial respiration. Incumbent is capable of recovering injured personnel from structures, aircraft and vehicle and carrying them to a safe haven. For those located at ARNG airfields, performs crash/rescue and firefighting duties handling complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger, and helicopters), which may carry large volumes of fuel, conventional weapons, and/or highly flammable or explosive cargo. Coordinates the implementation of crash rescue and firefighting plans. 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 hand lines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue. Performs structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities. Performs pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems. Assists in the development of special protective services for structures imposing extreme hazards. As a crew member, participates in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants. Participates in regular training and exercises as required. Performs rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility. Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance. Participates in regular training and exercises as required Performs fire protection inspections of maintenance shops; Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) storage and dispensing areas; combustible material storage areas; and impeded stairways and exits. Performs visual checks and mechanical tests of fire alarm systems to ensure operability. Prepares reports of unsafe conditions and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure satisfactory corrections. Positions equipment so that maximum utilization may be made of its facilities. Conducts training of military and technician personnel of the facility in fire prevention and protection procedures using lecture and demonstration techniques. Incumbent has the knowledge to brief soldiers, civilians, and neighbors of the installation on specific hazards and situations that could result in bodily and property damage. Instructs safety and fire prevention to both firefighting and non-firefighting employees. Detects the presence of potentially hazardous materials. Protects self and others by establishing a safe perimeter around the incident. Advises fire chief to notify responsible agencies and to call for assistance from qualified personnel. Controls access to the area until the arrival of law enforcement. 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: Trial period required (see additional information) Direct deposit is mandatory. Veterans' preference is applicable to this position. Security Clearance and Drug Testing: All positions require a security clearance and drug testing. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain the appropriate clearance within one year of appointment. Applicants must pass a drug test prior to appointment. Periodic Medical Examinations: 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. Service Affiliation: Other conditions of employment may be directed by Service affiliation or military membership, consult with the appropriate staff. 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 equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-05) 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. Quality of Experience: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled. At the GS-06 firefighter level the employee is responsible to drive and operate firefighting apparatus of significant complexity, e.g., pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and crash rescue trucks. The firefighter will drive a vehicle to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route, or selects an alternate route when necessary; positions the vehicle, considering factors such as wind direction, water sources, hazards from falling structures, location of armaments on aircraft, etc.; operate pumps, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment; determines proper pressure for the distances to be pumped and the number of lines being used; and applies principles of hydraulics to water flow friction and friction loss. When operating a crash truck, the firefighter maneuvers the vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash will not occur. The firefighter maintains a constant awareness of water levels in self-contained tanks and warns handline and rescue personnel when tanks are close to running dry; and they will assist in training other firefighters in the skills of driving and operating the equipment. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program. Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5. 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 24 hour on/24 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. 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. Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator-Aerial, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS). NOTE- Required if Aerial and/or MWS is assigned. 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. The work may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance. 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 this position is 37 years old. Education Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator-Aerial, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS)*. Additional Information Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section) Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Trial Period: As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- 2 trial year 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.
