Lead Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician)

Quick Facts

• Crew chief role responsible for directing firefighting personnel
• Handles structural, aircraft, and wildland fire suppression plus hazmat response
• Mission-essential shift work with required overtime and emergency vehicle operations

Description

Serve as a crew chief directing firefighting personnel for structural, aircraft, and wildland fire suppression and hazardous materials (hazmat) response. You will assess incidents to determine appropriate response actions, allocate crew workload, inspect firefighting vehicles and equipment for readiness, and evaluate hazmat response actions to improve effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Direct firefighting personnel to execute structural, aircraft, or wildland fire suppression activities
• Allocate crew workload to maintain balanced distribution of emergency and routine duties
• Assess emergency incidents to determine appropriate fire, rescue, or hazmat response actions
• Inspect firefighting vehicles and equipment to confirm readiness for emergency operations
• Evaluate incident actions to improve the effectiveness of hazardous materials response operations

Requirements

• 1 year of specialized experience in controlling/extinguishing fires, performing rescue and emergency medical aid, mitigating incidents using hazmat response equipment/supplies, and operating firefighting apparatus (e.g., pumpers, crash trucks)
• DoD firefighter certifications (including HAZMAT Technician) obtained and maintained via the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System (IFSAC/PRO-Board as applicable)
• Within the first year, obtain additional DoD certification levels: Driver Operator - Aerial, Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply, Wildland Firefighter I
• State or National Registry EMT certification with a future expiration date (obtain/maintain NREMT Basic within 1 year if required)
• Valid state Driver's License to operate vehicles
• Comply with NFPA 1500 Fire Department Occupational Health and Safety Program
• Successful completion of an annual Job Performance Test
• Participation in a cardiovascular physical fitness program
• Wear required uniform and personal protective equipment while on duty
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Pass background investigation and complete required pre-employment and periodic medical examinations
• Meet drug-free workplace requirements (pre-employment screening and random/reasonable-suspicion/on-accident testing)
• Work mission-essential overtime and shift coverage (including at least one 24-hour shift); provide mutual aid support as required
• Occasional travel (up to 10%)

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.