Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

The incumbent serves as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician in the Fire Protection Section of the Safety and Occupational Health Service working a 48-hour shift, 72-hour work week. The Fire protection Section is responsible for fire prevention, fire protection and fire suppression activities for the partially wooded 400-acre Perry Point Medical Center campus consisting of approximately 180 buildings.

Major Duties may include: Fire Suppression/First Responder 60% Responds to fire alarms or other emergencies and calls for assistance from both the Medical Center and the surrounding communities. Performs the duties of nozzleman, hose-man, hydrant-man or fire apparatus driver/operator as assigned by the shift supervisor. Operating as a member of a team during fire response, the incumbent selects the proper supply or attack hose lines, places these lines in service, selects appropriate tools, dons self-contained breathing apparatus, affects forcible entry into structures, advances a hose line to the seat of the fire, effects extinguishment, and performs search and rescue operations. Additional firefighting responsibility includes selecting, placing, and raising ground ladders, ventilating the involved structure to release gases and control the fire, performing salvage duties to protect property not currently affected by the fire and performing overhaul functions to ensure that visible and concealed fire has been extinguished. Responsible for adhering to the established Standard Operating Guidelines of the Fire Protection Section as established by the Fire Chief. Functions as driver/operator and is responsible for the efficient and safe operation of fire and rescue apparatus. Performs the daily inspection, testing and maintenance of two Medical Center owned fire apparatus, one rescue vehicle, one rescue boat, motor, and trailer, two ambulances and all associated equipment. This includes operational inspections and testing to ensure fire pumps, breathing apparatus and emergency generators are in a state of operational readiness. Responds with the appropriate apparatus to the scene of fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies. Will position the apparatus as directed by the officer in charge, connect supply lines to the pump and supply water at the appropriate water pressure to attack lines, sprinkler lines and standpipe lines. Emergency Medical Technician (Basic Life Support) 25% Employs all sources of information to determine the nature of the person's illness or extent of injury. Performs initial and on-going focused patient assessment and physical examination to determine priority of patient care based upon the assessment findings. Takes, records and monitors patient's baseline vital signs including temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Interviews the patient to identify preexisting medical conditions and obtain a comprehensive drug history. Controls external bleeding with direct pressure and treats the patient for shock and shock-like symptoms. Splints and immobilizes fractures and dislocations for transport. Utilizes various established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport as soon as possible. Establishes communication with the receiving facility, providing patient information and estimated time of arrival. Utilizes various established emergency medical techniques and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport to the receiving facility. Assists Advanced Life Support (ALS) staff including Paramedics, Doctors, Nurses, etc. Completes patient care documentation required to ensure medical requirements are met and accurately reported. Uses and maintains emergency medical equipment such as backboards, suction devices, AED's, splints, oxygen delivery systems, stretchers, etc. Properly disposes of biohazard materials and replenishes medical and expendable supplies Hazardous Materials Operations 5% Is a first responder to hazardous materials incidents occurring on station and performs as a team member in determining the materials/chemicals involved, the degree of life hazard and potential environmental impact. Responds with the appropriate equipment to hazardous materials incidents in the surrounding communities. Fire Safety Inspector 10% Performs fire safety inspections of the Medical Center on a quarterly basis to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards. Conducts fire drills as assigned by the shift supervisor to evaluate employee knowledge of the fire plan and to identify those areas in need of improvement. Assists Police Service with unruly or combative patients. Operate an ambulance or passenger vehicle to transport patients between units. Work Schedule: 72-hour work week/144 hours bi-weekly Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Firefighter (Basic Life Support)/PD23264A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.