Qualifications

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. -AND- SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN-OUT) - Several Selective Placement Factors (SPF) have been identified for Firefighter positions in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration. The SPFs for this position are: Required Accredited Certifications as follows: In accordance with National Protections Association (NFPA), possess Certification as a Firefighter II and Certification as Hazardous Materials Operations Level Responders accredited through either the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard). (Copy of Certifications Required) Requires current/unrestricted State of New Jersey or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Certification. (Copy of Certification must be submitted with application) DRIVER'S LICENSE: This position requires a current, valid state issued driver's license. (Please DO NOT provide copy of license as we are unable to accept/forward pictures. This requirement will be verified during interview.)In addition to the English Language Proficiency, Selective Placement Factors and Driver's License requirement, applicant(s) must meet one of the following qualification requirements as described below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Requires one years of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4) 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. -OR- SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study. -OR- COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Equivalent combinations of education and specialized experience meets total requirements. Only education in excess of 2 years is creditable for this requirement. -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 fire service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Communications Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) First Response Mechanical 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: Annual physical required. Considerable strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of multiple flights of stairs, running, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching/crawling in restrictive areas. Fire protection equipment must be worn or carried, amplifying physical strain. Extended periods of heavy moving and lifting of patients. Recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and positioning of patients under adverse conditions or in confined areas. Spends prolonged periods in protective breathing apparatus and protective clothing during chemical, nuclear, biological, or hazardous materials incidents. 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/.