Lead Firefighter

Summary If you have experience providing leadership to firefighters performing emergency duties of a specialized and hazardous nature, and are a knowledgeable, talented, and motivated individual, consider joining the Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS). This position is located in the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Security and Emergency Response, Office of the Director, Office of Research Services (ORS). Learn more about this agency Duties Help If selected for this position as a GS-0081-09, Lead Firefighter your duties may include, but are not limited to the following: The incumbent leads a platoon of nine firefighters (GS-0081-06/07/08) for emergency response activities from instructions given by the Assistant Fire Chief or by instituting Standard Operating Procedures until the arrival of higher-level supervisors. Under the direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the incumbent forwards assignments to subordinates to complete their daily tasks. Ensures constant monitoring of all in-station alarm systems and communication devices during normal sleeping hours. Prepares reports for supervisor(s), as required by the Division. Provides guidance within the National Incident Management System to the Incident Commander on incidents involving chemicals, biological agents, radiological agents, and specialized rescue emergencies. Implements the DFRS Emergency Response Plan, selects the right equipment, and completes the right procedures. Ensures the inspections, testing, and calibration of personal/chemical protective equipment. Leads the staff to ensure compliance with departmental Standard. Responds to medical emergencies and leads corresponding drills. When necessary, the incumbent drives and operates all the firefighting equipment, including (1) class "A" fire pumper(s), (2) ambulance, (3) aerial tower/quint, (4) hazardous materials unit, (5) hazardous materials support unit, (6) mass decontamination unit, (7) incident command vehicle, and (8) support vehicles. Requirements Help Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment. Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade. Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period. If selected, you must pass a pre-employment medical examination, provide evidence of immunization, and be free from communicable diseases. Subject to periodic medical examinations throughout appointment. If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance. If selected, you will be required to work a rotating 24-hour shift, nights, weekends, and holidays. If selected, you must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license. Pre-employment and/or random drug and alcohol testing maybe required for this position. You cannot have reached your 37th birthday prior to an initial Federal Firefighter appointment. If selected, you will be covered by a bargaining unit (union). Must be able to stand for prolonged periods on concrete floors and walk over rough and even terrain/bend/stoop/walk/stand/climb, and work in cramped positions and lift/move heavy items weighing 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation. Incumbent must wear a uniform and appropriate safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures. Incumbent must successfully complete an annual Job Performance Test. Incumbent must participate in the department's cardiovascular physical fitness program to include a physical exercise program and annual physical examination commensurate with the incumbent's duties and responsibilities. Must possess a current certification by the State of Maryland or the National Registry as an EMT. Must possess a current certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, meeting American Heart Association standards. Must possess a current Automatic External Defibrillator certification. Must possess a current certification by the University of Maryland or the National Certification Review Board at the Fire Officer II level and Fire Service Instructor II level. Must possess a current certification by the University of Maryland or the National Certification Review Board at the Fire Inspector II level. Must possess a current certification as a Hazmat Technician meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120. Qualifications CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: Must have successfully completed Radiation Safety in the Laboratory sponsored by the NIH Division of Radiation Safety, Office of Research Services. Must successfully complete annual Radiation Safety for Firefighters training sponsored by the NIH Division of Radiation Safety, Office of Research Services. Must possess a current certification by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or another certified training agency in Confined Space Rescue meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.146. Must possess a current certification by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or another certified training agency in Trench Rescue. Must have successfully completed a Pumps and Hydraulics Course. Must have successfully completed an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course; Truck Company Operations Course; and Aerial Apparatus Operator Course. You qualify at the GS-09 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:

1. providing emergency response services on incidents involving fires, emergency, basic life support, or hazardous materials.
2. providing guidance on incidents involving chemicals, biological agents, radiological agents, and specialized rescue emergencies.
3. conducting readiness assessments, inspections, tests, and drills of emergency response and hazardous materials operations.
4. providing leadership and direction to other firefighters.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. In addition to the previous requirements, you must demonstrate possession of the following selective factor to qualify for the position: Current certification by the State of Maryland or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage. This position may be assigned to work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, and is subject to the terms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biological Surety Program (BSP). The NIH BSP requires successful completion of the following: A Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment: Visit Help Applying for helpful information on the application process. If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation Information. Veterans' Preference only applies to Schedule A (disability appointment), HHS Reemployment Priority List (RPL) Eligibles, HHS Priority Reemployment List (PRL) Eligibles, and Veterans Recruitment Appointments (if applicable). Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. National Institutes of Health