The incumbent serves on either of eight shifts as Firefighter/EMT/Hazardous Materials Technician for the VAFD. The Firefighter is proficient in the operation of all extinguishing agents, sprinkler systems and standpipe risers, performs work to control and extinguish fires, rescues persons endangered by fire or other hazardous situations, and reduces or eliminates potential fire hazards.
Major duties include, but not limited to: Attends and conducts training for personnel as directed by the Fire Chief in all phases of firefighting and protection within the structural series. Serves as the on-scene commander of a fire/ crash scene until relieved by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief. Supervises fire alarm communication center operations to ensure all firefighting equipment and personnel are dispatched as required. Conducts fire prevention inspections.
Direct the utilization of firefighting equipment (i.e, hydrants, hose lines, ladders, nozzles) to suppress and extinguish fires in emergency operations. Respond to alarms, combats fire, and rescues personnel requiring the full performance of firefighting tasks involving structures, equipment, facilities, crashed and burning aircraft, fuel, hazardous materials and brush fires.
Perform life-saving techniques under pressure and/or techniques to stop bleeding, check windpipes for obstruction, while perform CPR or providing assistance. Perform firefighter and emergency medical care tasks while at the same time avoiding unnecessary risk to self and others. Apply techniques of proper firefighting, rescue, toxic or dangerous materials containment and subsequent decontamination methods and extinguishing agents.
Unreels and connects hose, lays hose lines, operates charged lines, places, and raises ladders, operates portable and stationary firefighting apparatus, ventilates buildings, evacuates, or rescues occupants, uses chemicals, axes, bars, hooks, self- contained breathing apparatus and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires and protect life and property. Alternate as hose-man, ladder-man, hydrant- man, rescue-man, nozzle-man, and salvage- man or hand lineman.
Operates and maintains care of a variety of lifesaving and rescue equipment including ambulance equipment, two-way radio equipment, telemetry equipment, cardiac monitors, specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, monitors, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, Rotating Shifts, 7:00AM- 7:00AM, 72 Hours per week, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Technician)/PD04514A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
(Continued from above) For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Physical Requirements/Work Environment: In an emergency, work requires the ability to perform strenuous physical activity for an extended period of time.
The most common encountered applications of strength and endurance are lifting and carrying objects (up to 80 lbs.), pulling objects (up to 135 lbs.), and working with objects in front of the body (up to 125 lbs.).
Activities involve prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, crouching, and carrying heavy firefighting tools and related equipment associated with the performance of such duties as maintenance, testing, inspections, drills, suppression, and transport of persons. Firefighter's work environments are so extremely hazardous they can kill in an instant.
Firefighters can be exposed to significant concentrations of hazardous materials including carbon monoxide, benzene, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, aldehydes, hydrogen chloride, dichlorofluoromethane, and particulates which are all linked to the development of severe respiratory disease. Firefighting hazards are recurring and require the use of specialized firefighting safety equipment, clothing, and procedures. The daily work environment is varied.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in areas where it is dirty, dusty, noisy, or greasy, hot and cold inclement / bad weather, and occasionally in areas where there is danger of exposure to asbestos or lead based paint. Requirements For Motor Vehicle Operation: For those positions requiring employees to drive motorized firefighting equipment, candidates must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind.
Applicants also may be required to pass a practical road test and provide information on their driving record. See 5 CFR 930 and the "General Policies and Instructions" section of this Manual for additional requirements for motor vehicle operators.
Mechanical Equipment Operator Qualifications: For those positions requiring the operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools, applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate the specific equipment to which they will be assigned, or similar related types of hydraulic equipment.
Performance Test: Agencies may require candidates to demonstrate satisfactory performance of the minimum physical abilities necessary to perform safely and efficiently the essential tasks of a particular position. The abilities may be demonstrated through prior satisfactory performance in the same or a similar position, or agencies may choose to use a task demonstration.
A task demonstration must be directly related to the essential job tasks, and thus, must consist of a sample of operations or steps that reflect a reasonably faithful representation of those selected job tasks. Any demonstration required must be uniformly applied to all similarly qualified candidates; the level of proficiency required cannot exceed that which is required in actual job performance; and reasonable accommodation must be provided where necessary.
Medical Requirements Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. Since individual positions may not include all such duties, a physical condition or impairment may be disqualifying for employment only if there is a direct relationship between the condition and the nature of the duties of the specific position to be filled.
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. (See 5 CFR 339.) Any serious deviation from sound medical condition may be grounds for rejection of an applicant regardless of whether the condition is named below.
Remediable defects or curable diseases will not exclude a person from consideration, but proof that such defects have been remedied or the disease cured must be received during the life of the eligible register before persons otherwise qualified may be considered for appointment under civil service rules. Eyes: Corrected distant vision must be at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye.
Uncorrected distant vision is required only if it is likely that corrective lenses may be lost or broken. If so, uncorrected distant vision must be at least 20/100 binocular. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Applicants must be free from acute or chronic eye disease. Ears: Using an audiometer for measurement, there should be no loss of 30 or more decibels in the unaided worst ear at the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz levels.
Nose, Mouth, and Throat: Applicants must be free from conditions that interfere with distinct speech, free breathing, or with the use of breathing apparatuses or protective equipment. Lungs: Applicants must be free from any pulmonary or chest wall disease or condition that results in not being able to perform the duties of the position.
Heart and Blood Vessels: The following conditions may be cause for rejection: organic heart disease, valvular or vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, recurrent syncope, or history of myocardial infarction. Abdomen: Acute or chronic disease or inflammation of the abdominal viscera, hernia, or significant enlargement of the liver or spleen that interferes with the performance of the duties of the position will be cause for rejection.
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Tania.Cruz@va.gov · 719-238-4358
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $50460 – $65599/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-07.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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