Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations)

Duties ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** The Firefighter receives immediate supervision from the Lead Firefighter.
Completes all assigned duties, whether under normal or emergency conditions.
This includes the duties of Driver/Operator who also functions as Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Medical Technician(EMT).
As a crew member, he/she is assigned to various positions on either the pumper or rescue/hazmat truck.
As assigned, the Firefighter shall complete the daily vehicle and equipment check of all VA fire service emergency response vehicles.
The Firefighter attends and conducts training for personnel as directed by the Fire Chief in all phases of firefighting and protection within the structural series, and takes charge of all firefighting activities at the scene of a fire in the absence of the senior fire officer.
During emergency situations, must be able to execute all firefighting and/or rescue operations without hesitation.
The Firefighter responds to all Medical Center emergencies, performs firefighting duties such as determining the nature and extent of the fire and the appropriate action required, laying and disconnecting hoses, directing fire streams, operating firefighting equipment, ensuring ventilation of burning buildings, performing evacuations and rescues, administering appropriate emergency treatments, etc.
The Firefighter performs noninvasive medical procedures.
In performing these Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures, the Firefighter will: Perform initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination; Determine priority of patient care based on assessment findings; Take, record, and monitor patient's baseline vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, and pulse; Manage respiratory and cardiac emergencies, to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bag-valve-mask resuscitation, and automatic external defibrillation (AED); Control external bleeding with direct pressure and treat shock with pneumatic anti-shock garments; Splint and immobilize fractures and dislocations for transport; Attempt to ascertain whether the patient has preexisting medical problems and obtain a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes the names, strength, and dosage of drugs taken by the patient; Assist patients in taking emergency medications for certain complaints, e.
g.
, Nitroglycerin tablets for chest pain, Epinephrine auto-injections for allergic reactions, or Albuterol inhalers for asthma patients, under the direction of standing orders or of a physician; Establish communication with the receiving facility and provide all patient information, including estimated time of arrival; Employ a variety of established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport, as soon as possible, to the receiving facility; Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Rotating shift work - 72 hours per week.
The Fire Department operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in which employees are assigned to alternating shifts of 24 hours.
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required 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.
Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
S.
Citizen to apply for this 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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications This position includes Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job).
Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position.
Applicants who do not meet them are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are: Firefighter II - IFSAC, Pro-Board or State Certification.
Driver/Operator - IFSAC, Pro-Board or State Certification.
Hazardous Materials Operations - IFSAC, Pro- Board or State Certification.
State of Louisiana or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Certification.
Driver's License:Applicants must possess and maintain a current and valid state-issued driver's license.
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.
NOTE: COPIES OF YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSE(S) MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE CLOSING DATE TO RECEIVE CREDIT.
To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level, you must also meet the following: EXPERIENCE: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal service 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.
NOTE: Experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week to be credited.
~AND~ 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 a 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 firefighter service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57.
Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age.
~AND~ Medical Requirements: Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described at: https://www.
opm.
gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/.
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, 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.
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Analytical Thinking Emergency Care Fire Management Selective Placement Factor Technical Competence IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.
All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates.
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.
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; religious; 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.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: 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.
Firefighters' work environments are so extremely hazardous, they can be killed 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, outside in hot and cold inclement / bad weather, and, occasionally, in areas where there is danger of exposure to asbestos or lead based paint.
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.
Additional information 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.
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
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.
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.
For more information on how to apply using this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact the facility Human Resources Department at (318) 466-4000.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy.
Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at https://www.
opm.
gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.
g.
, on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
Candidates who apply under All U.
S.
Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures.
Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.
The categories are defined as follows: Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position; Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job; Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category.
Preference eligible applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category (except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher).
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.
) To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Other (1) Other (2) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation, i.
e.
, Letter of Intent, related to your active-duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form.
Documentation is mandatory to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/04/2024 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12332343.
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 and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs account, https://my.
usajobs.
gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.
The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information VHA National Recruitment Center Phone (844)456-5208 Email VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.
gov Address Alexandria VA Medical Center 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA 71360 US Next steps Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.
) To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Other (1) Other (2) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation, i.
e.
, Letter of Intent, related to your active-duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form.
Documentation is mandatory to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.