Serves as one of three Assistant Fire Chief's in the Fire Protection Section of the Safety and Occupational Health Service working a 48-hour shift, 72-hour work week. Primarily, fire protection responsibility includes a 450-bed Medical Center, part of VA Maryland Health Care System, consisting of three medical centers and several outreach centers.
Responsible for fire prevention, fire protection and fire suppression activities for the partially wooded 400-acre Perry Point Medical Center campus.
Major Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to: Responsible for the daily operations of the Fire Protection Section during an assigned shift. Duties include assigning firefighters to riding positions on fire apparatus, scheduling, and directing inspection and training activities and ensuring the conduct of daily station and equipment inspection and maintenance and assisting the Fire Chief in the administration of safety and fire protection programs and policies.
Reports directly to the Fire Chief and in his/her absence to the Safety & Occupational Health Manager. Responsible for adhering to the established Standard Operating Guidelines of the Fire Protection Section as established by the Fire Chief. Responds to fire alarms or other emergencies and calls for assistance from both the Medical Center and the surrounding communities.
Responsible for issuing orders and directing firefighters and Medical Center employees, including Nursing staff and Police, in a plan of attack to extinguish fires promptly and effectively, save lives and property and limit or prevent environmental harm. Implements the Incident Management System and serves as Operations Officer and assists with formulating and carrying out tactics and strategies necessary to bring the emergency incident to a successful conclusion.
Responds with sufficient manpower, apparatus, and equipment to assist the local community with water rescues and hazardous materials incidents in which the incumbent may be called upon to render technical advice and assistance in resolving the emergency. Responsible for ensuring that appropriate personal protective equipment is worn on all responses by the entire crew and personnel operating at the scene of the emergency.
Exercises full supervisory responsibility for one Lead Firefighter and four Firefighters (structural/basic life support) to include approval/disapproval of leave, evaluating employee performance, assisting in the resolution of employee grievances, and taking or recommending disciplinary or other personnel actions where appropriate.
Organizes and assigns work to subordinates based on staffing needs and special qualifications, departmental capabilities, and resources to assure that all duties related to the fire prevention, fire protection and suppression programs are accomplished on a timely basis and are technically acceptable and functional.
Incumbent will always maintain a minimum of six (6) trained firefighters on duty, 24 hours per day, regardless of absences for sick leave or annual leave or staffing shortages for engine responses and two (2) always trained firefighter/EMT's for ambulance responses. Provides direction to the crew during station/equipment maintenance activities and while performing fire safety and fire protection systems inspections to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards.
Administers and participates in the fire protection systems inspection, testing and maintenance program for an assigned shift. This includes assigning subordinates to duties related to inspecting, testing, and maintaining wet and dry pipe sprinkler systems, fire alarm device and circuit testing and verification, and fire hydrant flushing and flow testing.
Using a computerized tracking system, assures that all fire extinguishers are inspected monthly and serviced annually in accordance with NFPA and manufacturer's recommendations. Assigns personnel and ensures that the daily inspection, testing and maintenance of two Medical Center owned fire apparatus, one rescue vehicle, one rescue boat, motor, and trailer, two ambulances and all associated equipment are completed and documented.
Develops a shift schedule, assigns staff, and participates in the conducting of fire exit drills to ensure that all patient care buildings receive one drill per shift, per quarter and that all other areas receive at least one fire drill annually.
Develops lesson plans, schedules and conducts firefighter proficiency training classes and operational drills, taking part as both instructor and participant, to ensure that all fire department personnel receive the required 100 hours of structured fire protection, prevention, suppression and fire safety training annually and that subordinates remain current and proficient on general firefighting methods and practices as well as methods of controlling fires of an unusual nature such as those involving gases and chemicals.
assigns staff and coordinates the operation of the Medical Center's emergency communications center. Is a member of the Medical Center emergency response team for emergency medical incidents. Work Schedule: 144 hours biweekly including weekends and holidays Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Assistant Fire Chief/PD23261A and PD23262A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
There is no educational substitution at this grade level. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Prudence.Barrett@va.gov · (410) 691-7310 X47310
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $61577 – $88421/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-12.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-03 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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