Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

Air Force Civilian Service; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 78,300 - 95,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13-26 days of vacation time

Immediate health insurance coverage

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) coverage

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service is looking to hire a full-time Firefighter (Basic Life Support) for the 439th Civil Engineering Squadron at Westover ARB, Chicopee, MA. This position entails driving complex firefighting vehicles and executing airfield and structural firefighting duties.

The role requires U.S. citizenship and specific certifications within 24 months. Employees will work a unique rotational schedule, and starting pay is $87,000 per year.

Benefits include retirement coverage under FERS, vacation time, and health insurance starting immediately.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Certification in Firefighter II is mandatory.
• Ability to operate firefighting vehicles and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate firefighting vehicles.
• Perform basic life support and firefighting duties.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and facilities.

Skills

Driving firefighting vehicles

Basic life support techniques

Safety compliance

Education

Firefighter II Certification

HAZMAT Awareness Certification

National Registry EMT-B Certification

Job description

Overview

Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is recruiting a full‑time / term Firefighter (Basic Life Support) (GS-0081-07) to work with the 439th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Operations at Westover ARB, Chicopee MA. The role involves airfield, structural firefighting, crash‑rescue operations, operating complex firefighting vehicles, and providing basic life support procedures. This is a federal civilian position with no active or reserve duty commitments. Starting pay is $87,000 per year. Firefighting positions receive special retirement pay and approved overtime.

Duties

• Perform Basic Life Support.
• Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles.
• Perform crash‑rescue and firefighting duties involving air traffic or support operations where hazardous conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great.
• Perform structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities, which may include large multi‑storied buildings, industrial areas, and/or base storage facilities.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Comply with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and perform work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, and of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.
• Knowledge of basic and specialized airfield and structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.
• Knowledge of basic life support techniques and protocols.
• Knowledge of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
• Skill in operating communications equipment.
• Ability to apply basic life support techniques and protocols; maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads.

Benefits

• Vacation Time – Start at 13 days and earn up to 26 days.
• Insurance – No waiting period to qualify for health insurance for you and your family.
• Retirement – Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), part of a three‑tiered system which contains: Basic Benefits Plan, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k).

Resume Resources

For tips on how to write a Federal Resume, see https://afciviliancareers.com/PDF/FederalResumeWriting.pdf.

Equal Opportunity

AFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship is required. Must be of legal working age.

Key Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Employees must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• Employees are required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• The employee is required to work a 144 biweekly work schedule of 48 on, 72 off, 48 on, 72 off, 48 on, 48 off rotational basis which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall.
• This position is designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force civilian drug‑testing program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is to refrain from the use of illegal drugs and, if required, submit to urinalysis testing. The selectee must sign statements acknowledging the position is identified as a TDP.
• This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
• The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license is required.
• Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC). May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Teams. May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
• Employees are required to be certified by the Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Certification System as Firefighter II (includes Firefighter I), HAZMAT Awareness, and HAZMAT Operations.
• Employee is required to obtain and maintain the following certifications within twenty‑four (24) months of assignment of these duties: Apparatus Driver Operator – Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator – Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator – Mobile Water Supply (MWS), National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) – Basic Life Support (EMT‑B) certification.
• Special Retirement Provisions Authority: FERS Position covered under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters under 5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802. Under Secretary of Defense – CSRS Position covered under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters under 5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902. Note: Special retirement coverage is effectively retroactive to the date of the personnel action of this SCPD. See Special Retirement Coverage Memo in Classification Remarks.
• This position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36‑507. Duties are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency is not available.
• This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continue through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020‑42, Defense Continuity Programs.
• Must be able to obtain and complete the appropriate security clearance.