Firefighter

Summary

It is the mission of the NIST Fire Department to provide an effective fire prevention and protection program to reduce the loss of life and property through the continuation and implementation of policies and education. The department provides a high quality of standard emergency medical care, rapidly responds to any request for assistance by our NIST staff or our neighboring fire departments in Montgomery County.

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Duties

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In this position at the ZS-III level, you will respond to all emergency calls and employs appropriate suppression techniques, decontamination methods, extinguishing agents, and equipment required to control and extinguish fires. You will also:

• Respond to hazardous material incidents for the purpose of stopping/controlling the release, i.e., approaches the point of release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release and prepares report of incident.
• Provide life support to include patient baseline vitals and medical history; administer emergency medications if required, stabilizes patient for transport, and prepares reports of incident.
• Perform fire inspections, maintains firefighting equipment/operations and building compliance, and carries out fire prevention or protection programs. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire prevention ordinances and building codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations, writes reports, procedures and plans.
• Operate emergency control console, monitors fire signals and other communications equipment and, at times,monitors the security alarm system.

In this position at the ZS-IV level, you will drive and operate firefighting and emergency medical apparatus. Respond to all emergency calls and employ appropriate suppression techniques, decontamination methods, extinguishing agents, and equipment required to control and extinguish fires. You will also:

• Respond to hazardous material incidents for the purpose of stopping/controlling the release, i.e., approaches the point of release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release and prepares report of incident.
• Provide life support to include patient baseline vitals and medical history; administers emergency medications if required, stabilizes patient for transport, and prepares reports of incident.
• Perform fire inspections, maintains firefighting equipment/operations and building compliance, and carries out fire prevention or protection programs.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire prevention ordinances and building codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations, writes reports, procedures and plans.
• Operate emergency control console, monitors fire signals and other communications equipment and, at times, monitors the security alarm system.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
• Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
• Designated and/or random drug testing required
• Selective Factor: Firefighter 1 Certification, Hazmat Operations Certification, MD Class B or state equiv. drivers license, and Pump Operator Certificate (must be attached at time of application) Maryland EMT B Certification (provide at interview)
• Bargaining Unit Position: Yes- IAFF, 66/0161
• Maximum age requirement: 37

Qualifications

To qualify at the ZS-III level, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level (ZS-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in handling basic fire emergencies, giving life-saving help, and helping with medical care during emergencies. Experience in using tools and techniques to reduce fire risks. Experience with helping organize and communicate during medical emergencies or safety operations.

OR

Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study.

OR

An equivalent combination of experience and/or post-high school education.

IN ADDITION at the ZS-III level, all applicants MUST be able to meet the following selective placement factors (screen out):

1. Firefighter 1 Certification

2. Hazmat Operations Certification

3. Valid Maryland EMT B Certification

NOTE: The above certifications must be attached at time of your application submission to be considered for the position except for the Maryland EMT B Certification, which can be provided if/when interviewed for the position.

To qualify at the ZS-IV level, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-06 level (or ZS-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience handling emergency fire response, providing life-saving care, and offering medical help during emergencies. Experience in using specialized tools and techniques to reduce fire risks. Experience with organizing and coordinating teams for efficient and safe operations.

In addition to the above specialized experience, at the ZS-IV level: You must possess a commercial driver's license to drive and operate the apparatus.

IN ADDITION at the ZS-IV level, all applicants MUST be able to meet the following selective placement factors (screen out):

1. Firefighter 1 Certification

2. Hazmat Operations Certification

3. MD Class B or state equivalent drivers license

4. Pump Operator Certification

5. Valid Maryland EMT B Certification

NOTE: The above certifications must be attached at time of your application submission to be considered for the position except for the Maryland EMT B Certification, which can be provided if/when interviewed for the position.

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.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Education

This position allows applicants to qualify with education . Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
• A probationary period may be required.

This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:

• Heavy lifting,45 pounds and over
• Straight pulling
• Pulling hand over hand
• Pushing
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking
• Standing
• Crawling
• Kneeling
• Repeated bending
• Climbing, use of legs and arms
• Both legs required
• Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Both eyes required
• Depth perception
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)

This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to:

• Outside and inside
• Excessive Heat
• Excessive Cold
• Excessive Humidity
• Excessive dampness or chilling
• Dry atmospheric conditions
• Excessive noise, intermittent
• Constant noise
• Dust
• Silica, asbestos, etc.
• Fumes, smokes, or gases
• Grease and oils
• Radiant energy
• Electrical energy
• Slippery or uneven walking surface
• Working around machinery with moving parts
• Working around moving objects or vehicles
• Working on ladders or scaffolding
• Working below ground
• Unusual fatigue factors (fire and rescue)
• Working with hands in water
• Vibration
• Working closely with others
• Working alone
• Working in hazardous conditions

This position requires the passing of a drug test.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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.

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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.

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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.