Firefighter

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.

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

Responsibilities:

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.

Salary : $46,610