Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

Quick Facts

• Role: Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

• Work schedule: Rotating shifts; 72 hours/week; overtime/call-back may be required

Description

You will lead a crew responsible for structural firefighting across diverse facilities, including pre-fire planning and fire control/extinguishment. The position also provides protective standby for hazardous operations (e.g., confined space, hot work, demolition) and includes a portion of time performing Work Leader duties. You must be prepared to respond as an essential employee during inclement weather or adverse conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a crew performing structural firefighting; operate hoses, ladders, and hydrants

• Conduct pre-fire planning by physically reviewing structures for layout, fire hazards, and fixed fire protection system locations

• Provide stand-by and protective measures for hazardous operations such as confined space entry and hot work

• Staff pumper or rescue vehicles in firefighting and rescue operations; use field maps to navigate ground areas and key locations

• Apply basic hydraulics knowledge (friction loss and flow rates) for emergency operations

• Monitor working conditions for safety (seating, ventilation, lighting, safety)

• Distribute and balance workload among employees; ensure timely completion

• Estimate and report expected time of completion; maintain records and prepare production reports

• Instruct employees on tasks and firefighting techniques using written references and materials

• Maintain current knowledge of procedures/policies/directives; answer crew questions and coordinate with supervision

• Correct or reject work that does not meet standards; refer issues to supervisor

• Review engineering plans and specifications for construction/alterations; maintain documentation such as fire prevention inspection schedules and facility data files

• Maintain proficiency through periodic training in emergency medical procedures and fire/emergency skills

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Complete required VA hiring steps, including online assessment; subject to urinalysis drug screening if selected

• Background/security investigation and pre-employment physical examination

• Comply with probation/trial period requirements

• Hold required accredited certifications (National Pro Board or IFSAC, per VA Directive 7718): NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2; NFPA 472 Operations Level Responder; NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector 1 & 2 (within 24 months); NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 1; NFPA 1002 pumper apparatus operator/driver-operator; NFPA 472 hazardous materials awareness & operations; NREMT EMT (or higher) or State of Maine EMT license

• Fire Officer must be able to act as Hazardous Materials Incident Commander and meet NFPA 472 incident commander competencies

• Valid state driver’s license

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7 in relevant firefighting/safety duties (fire suppression, rescue, hazard mitigation, training, hazardous materials operations, or related work)

• Ability to meet physical demands (regular walking/bending/climbing and lifting/carrying items and victims over 50 lbs)

Benefits

Federal employment provides a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the specific position and hours.