FIREFIGHTER (Title 5)

This position is part of the 147 ATKW at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. The primary purpose of this position is to provide fire-fighting support and/or crash rescue to the facility and airfield where located. Texas is one of 9 states with NO state income tax.

As a FIREFIGHTER (Title 5) with the Texas National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: Drives and operates firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles. Drives to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament on aircraft, etc. Operates equipment such as: pumps, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment. Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the booster pumper. When operating a crash truck, maneuvers vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash will not occur. Maintains constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty. Assists in training other firefighters on driving vehicles and operating equipment. Operates portable and stationary firefighting apparatus. Performs maintenance tasks on apparatus, equipment, and facilities. Operates alarm equipment, including radio and fire reporting facilities. Responds to alarms and fires which may involve crashed and burning aircraft, equipment, structure and facility fires, fuel, chemical, or brush fires Uses chemicals, axes, bars, hooks, saws, gas masks and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires. Participates in regular training and exercises as required. Performs maintenance, operational, housekeeping, emergency, and stand-by duty. Evacuates and/or rescues occupants; administers first aid and artificial respiration. Incumbent is capable of recovering injured personnel from structures, aircraft and vehicle and carrying them to a safe haven. For those located at ARNG airfields, performs crash/rescue and firefighting duties handling complex aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger, and helicopters), which may carry large volumes of fuel, conventional weapons, and/or highly flammable or explosive cargo. Coordinates the implementation of crash rescue and firefighting plans. Performs standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding, and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling, or other special circumstances. Maintains constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to determine how they affect the difficulty of rescue and firefighting. Directs water through turrets and hand lines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue. Performs structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities. Performs pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems. Assists in the development of special protective services for structures imposing extreme hazards. As a crew member, participates in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants. Participates in regular training and exercises as required. Performs rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility. Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance. Participates in regular training and exercises as required Performs fire protection inspections of maintenance shops; Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL) storage and dispensing areas; combustible material storage areas; and impeded stairways and exits. Performs visual checks and mechanical tests of fire alarm systems to ensure operability. Prepares reports of unsafe conditions and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure satisfactory corrections. Positions equipment so that maximum utilization may be made of its facilities. Conducts training of military and technician personnel of the facility in fire prevention and protection procedures using lecture and demonstration techniques. Incumbent has the knowledge to brief soldiers, civilians, and neighbors of the installation on specific hazards and situations that could result in bodily and property damage. Instructs safety and fire prevention to both firefighting and non-firefighting employees. Detects the presence of potentially hazardous materials. Protects self and others by establishing a safe perimeter around the incident. Advises fire chief to notify responsible agencies and to call for assistance from qualified personnel. Controls access to the area until the arrival of law enforcement. Performs other duties as assigned.

Appointment Factor(s): This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position. Area(s) of Consideration: Category 1 - Open to Public (Nationwide) - US Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States. Remarks: Trial period required (see additional information) Direct deposit is mandatory. Veterans' preference is applicable to this position. Security Clearance and Drug Testing: All positions require a security clearance and drug testing. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain the appropriate clearance within one year of appointment. Applicants must pass a drug test prior to appointment. Periodic Medical Examinations: 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. Service Affiliation: Other conditions of employment may be directed by Service affiliation or military membership, consult with the appropriate staff.