Lead Firefighter (GS-0081-08)

Air Force Test Center; Edwards Air Force Base (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, seeks a Lead Firefighter (GS-0081-08) to manage a crew and oversee firefighting operations for airfield and facilities. The role includes leadership of a major piece of firefighting equipment and ensuring rapid response to emergencies on base.

Qualifications include Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HazMat Incident Operations, and Airport Firefighter certifications, plus readiness for federal security clearance and 72-hour

Qualifications

• Experience using NFIRS and DoD reporting systems.
• Experience applying NIMS/ICS.
• Proficient commanding incidents as IC during type 4 and 5 incidents.

Responsibilities

• Leads a crew of three or more firefighters on major firefighting equipment.
• Directs firefighting vehicle and equipment operations.
• Leads crash/rescue and firefighting duties at aircraft handling areas.
• Oversees hazardous materials containment and basic life support.
• Directs emergency medical transport preparation and patient care prep.
• Maintains and assigns duties for firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.

Skills

NFIRS experience

NIMS/ICS experience

Incident command

Job description

These listed job announcements are covered by Direct Hire Authorities (DHA), which are separate from the traditional recruitment job announcements found on USA Jobs.For more information on DHA, click the Air Force Civilian Serviceimage linkon the right side of the page (or scroll to the bottom of your mobile device) and click “Find a Job.” You can also click the USA Jobs image linkto view additional job announcements. For further assistance, please contact AFTC Enterprise Recruitment at [e-mail] .

NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Lead Firefighter (GS-0081-08) to work at the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) in the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFTC), at the 412th Civil Engineering Group / 812th Civil Engineering Squadron, Fire and Emergency Services Flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.

Announcement Closes: 09/14/2026.

Typical 2026 salary range: $88,508.16 - $115,053.12 per year (includes locality)

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)

Desired Skills:

• Experience utilizing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and DoD reporting systems desired
• Experience applying the National Incident Management System (NIMS/ICS)
• Proficient establishing command and operating as an incident commander during type 4 and 5 incidents

Major Duties:

• Leads a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-7 or military equivalent) assigned to a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or ARFF vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations.
• Directs firefighting crews in the operation of firefighting vehicle and equipment.
• Directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfield handling complex aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous materials containment and control and/or basic life support duties.
• Leads assigned crew and performs emergency rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare victims for transport to a medical facility.
• Assigns crew members to perform maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of work environment.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest
• Obtain & maintain Security clearance
• This is a designated Drug Testing Position
• Must be certified as Fire Officer I Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, Haz Mat Incident Operations, and Airport Firefighter
• Must be able to obtain and maintain National Registry Emergency Medical Technician, Haz Mat Technician, and Haz Mat Incident Commander within one year
• The employee is required to work a 72-hour duty shift per week which includes weekends and holidays, may be subject to recall
• Required to participate in a physical fitness program and pass an annual physical
• Incumbent is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless TDY or on leave
• This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respirator protection program and hearing conversation 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
• This is a mission essential position performing mission critical functions which must continue uninterrupted after an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions.

ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED