Summary Serves as one of three Lead Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians 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 that is part of the VA Maryland Health Care System, consisting of three medical centers, one satellite nursing home, two satellite outpatient clinics and several outreach centers. Duties
Major Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:
Work Leader/Fire Suppression/First Responder
- Assigning firefighters to riding positions on fire apparatus, directing, and performing inspection and training activities and ensuring the conduct of daily station and equipment inspection and maintenance.
- In the absence of the Assistant Chief, performs these duties independently reporting directly to the Fire Chief.
- 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.
- Performs the duties of nozzleman, hoseman, hydrantman or fire apparatus driver/operator as assigned by the Assistant Chief.
- In the absence of the Assistant Chief and Fire Chief, the incumbent serves as overall incident commander and is 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, saves lives and property and limit or prevent environmental harm.
- 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.
- Receives daily assignments from the Assistant Chief, provides direction to the crew during station/equipment maintenance activities and while performing fire safety and fire protection systems inspections.
- Provides input to the Assistant Chief for the purpose of evaluating employee performance, assisting in the resolution of employee grievances, and taking or recommending disciplinary or other personnel actions where appropriate.
- Operating as a member of a team during fire response, selects the proper supply or attack hose lines, places these lines in service, selects appropriate tools, dons self-contained breathing apparatus, affects forcible entry into structures, advances a hose line to the seat of the fire, effects extinguishment, and performs search and rescue operations.
- As assigned by the Assistant Chief, may function as driver/operator and is responsible for the efficient and safe operation of fire and rescue apparatus.
- Performs 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. This includes operational inspections and testing to ensure fire pumps, breathing apparatus and emergency generators are in a state of operational readiness.
Emergency Medical Technician (Basic Life Support)
- Operates the Medical Center ambulance for response to medical emergencies, including life threatening emergencies, to transport patients from one Medical Center building to another, or transport to off-station facilities for higher levels of care as directed by responding medical staff.
- Performs noninvasive procedures following State and National Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Life Support (BLS) Protocols.
- BLS duties: Employs all sources of information to determine the nature of the person's illness or extent of injury. Performs initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination to determine priority of patient care based upon the assessment findings. Takes, records and monitors patient's baseline vital signs including temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Interviews the patient to identify preexisting medical conditions and obtain a comprehensive drug history. Controls external bleeding with direct pressure and treats the patient for shock and shock-like symptoms.
Hazardous Materials Operations
- First responder to hazardous materials incidents occurring on station and performs as a team member in determining the materials/chemicals involved, the degree of life hazard and potential environmental impact. When requested, responds with the appropriate equipment to hazardous materials incidents in the surrounding communities.
Fire Safety Inspector
- Serves as lead fire inspector for an assigned shift and assures that all Medical Center buildings, grounds, construction sites, etc., are inspected at required frequencies.
- Performs fire safety inspections of the Medical Center to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards.
- Inspecting fire extinguishers for proper type, placement and operating condition, and inspection of fire detection and suppression systems.
Work Schedule: 144 hours biweekly including weekends and holidays
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support)/PD23263A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedQualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/06/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-8 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are as follows: Certification Requirements:
- Certified Fire Officer 1 in accordance with NFPA 1021
- Certification as Fire Inspector II in accordance with NFPA 1031.
- Certified as Operations Level Responder in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies of NFPA 472, and is currently State of Maryland certified, or
- Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Life Support (BLS) or higher level of medical training.
Copies of certifications (IFSAC or Pro Board) MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement; failure to submit any required certifications will result in the non-referral of the applicant.
Maximum Age Requirement: This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in the covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such duties may include
- (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade;
- (2) rescue operations;
- (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards;
- (4) operation of fire communications equipment;
- (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
Driver's License Requirement; A Valid State motor vehicle operator's license is required. Applicant may be required to provide their license at the time of interview. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current and valid state-issued driver's license.
Preferred Experience:
- Certified Fire Officer 1 in accordance with NFPA 1021
- Certification as Fire Inspector II in accordance with NFPA 1031
- Certified as Operations Level Responder in accordance with Chapter 5, Core Competencies of NFPA 472, and is currently State of Maryland certified, or
- Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Life Support (BLS) or higher level of medical training.
Physical Requirements
Moderate to heavy physical effort is required when reaching, bending, climbing, turning, or moving hands, arms, and feet in the performance of firefighting duties. Incumbent is required to participate in a physical fitness program.
Work Environment
Incumbent is required to work both inside and outside, frequently being exposed to adverse weather conditions and extreme heat while performing firefighting duties. Incumbent may be called upon to work in environments that are classified as immediately dangerous to life or health and, in some cases, may be required to work long hours under severe, stressful conditions.
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/. Education 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/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
Requirements
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.How you will be evaluated Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:
- Attention to Detail
- Communications
- Compliance Inspection
- Customer Service
- Decision Making
- Fire Management
- Flexibility
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership
- Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
- Vehicle Operation
Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
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; religions; 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.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online questionnaire and submission of the required documentation specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13104873. The application process is as follows:
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 11/06/2026.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
- Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. NOTE: Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limitOther information "Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care".
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: 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.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.