Firefighter (Paramedic)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 71,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration in Martinsburg, WV seeks a Firefighter (Paramedic).

This on-site role requires living within commutable distance or relocating, and involves advanced life support, emergency response, and collaboration with other agencies. Duties include paramedic EMS, airway management, chest compressions, medication administration per protocols, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, and training to maintain licensure and fitness

Qualifications

• Paramedic certification and ongoing licensure required.
• Firefighter certification and physical fitness standards.
• Ability to perform advanced life support procedures and navigate emergency scenes.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergencies as directed by Fire Chief or designee.
• Perform paramedic duties including airway management, EKGs, drug administration, and patient assessment.
• Conduct basic and advanced life support procedures as per protocols.
• Handle hazardous materials first-responder duties and maintain safety perimeters.

Skills

Paramedic

Firefighter

Emergency response

Lifesaving skills

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Incumbent serves as a Firefighter (Paramedic) for the Veterans Health Administration in Martinsburg, WV, adjacent Federal agencies, and designated mutual aid partners; maintains readiness for potential emergencies that call for the provision of advanced life support. Responds to emergencies as directed by Fire Chief, Supervisory Firefighters or designee.

Key Responsibilities

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties will include, but may not be limited to the following: Paramedic: performs emergency and Basic Life Support procedures; conducts a thorough physical examination to assess the condition of patients and plans treatment methods.

Administers electro-cardiology methodology to include EKGs, defibrillation (manual), and use of emergency external pacemakers. Engages in advanced/invasive airway proceedings such as endotracheal intubation, nasal intubation, and CPAP applications. Assesses pediatric (infant; neonatal) patient conditions; performs childbirth in emergencies. Follows standard orders or those of a physician in administering medicines/solutions both orally and intravenously.

Provides pertinent information to medical providers both in-route and upon arrival at medical facility. Uses and maintains emergency equipment and properly disposes of biohazard materials. Intermediate Life Support: performs high-level airway procedures using esophageal or dual lumen airway devices; performs oral intubation via laryngoscopy; performs intravenous fluid start-ups and administers selected medications as protocols dictate.

Handles emergency equipment, biohazard materials, and medical and expendable supplies according to protocols. Firefighter: performs firefighting and rescue operations using proper extinguishing solutions and methods of contamination. Wears protective gear when encountering agents such as poisonous gases, radioactive materials, and/or hazardous biological products.

Performs crash/rescue (i.e., helicopters) and firefighting in environments wherein the existence of flammables and explosives makes work operations intense and hazardous. Directs water, operates or deactivates mechanisms and systems, performs standby, and participates in pre-fire planning and fire prevention exercises.

Performs as hazardous materials first-responder, establishes a safe-perimeter and control area access while waiting for law enforcement personnel, and maintains typical hazardous materials response equipment. Provides assistance to the injured via the use of direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, check for blockages to the airway, performs CPR, immobilizes patients for transport, and other comparable functions.

Miscellaneous Support duties: maintains the fire station and emergency response equipment (e.g., connections, valves, hoses, minor repairs to vehicles; tests ladders, vehicles and equipment). Performs alarm desk watch duties, monitor/receive alarms and alert personnel. Maintains logbooks and receives/relays pertinent information. May drive and operate significantly complex firefighting/emergency vehicles and equipment.

Participates in all training required to attain and sustain work-related competency and obtains and maintains all required licensure/certifications. Assist in the training of other firefighters. Additional Position Criteria: Work requires an annual physical. Works requires participation in a Physical Fitness Program. Employees are subject to recall after a normal tour of duty in the event of an emergency and may be required to work overtime.

Performs other related duties as assigned. DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: Full Time, Rotating 48-hour shifts, 72 hours per week.

Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

Requirements & Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $70623 – $91815/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-17.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.