Enter a job title or keyword

Assistant Fire Chief


Job Location:

Montgomery County, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 85447 - 85447
Posted: 6 October 2026 (20 days ago)
Application Deadline: 23 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

If you have experience providing leadership to firefighters performing emergency duties of a specialized and hazardous nature and are a knowledgeable talented and motivated individual consider joining the Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS). This position is located in the Division of Fire and Rescue Services Security and Emergency Response Office of the Director Office of Research Services (ORS).


Duties

If selected for this position as a GSAssistant Fire Chief your duties may include but are not limited to the following:

  • The entire Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) is divided into two platoons which alternately staff the NIH firefighting and emergency response services. The incumbent serves as an assistant to the Chief Division of Fire and Rescue Services (NIH Fire Chief) and serves in that capacity during his absence.
  • Serves as supervisor in charge of one of those two platoons and has total responsibility for both the administrative and operational activities of his/her shift. Is responsible for the overall technical and administrative management of his/her platoon in all areas of emergency response including staffing assignment of personnel and assisting in the performance evaluation of personnel on his/her platoon.
  • Serves as the platoon Incident Commander on incidents involving chemicals biological agents radiological agents and specialized rescue emergencies.
  • Knowledgeable in the use of chemicals in extinguishing fires familiar with all the buildings on the installation and their contents the location of all the fire alarm boxes fire hydrants sprinkler systems smoke detection systems standpipe and fire department connections and their locations.
  • Plans directs and participates in all drills which include rescue operations lay and operation of hose lines; raising and turning of roof and extension ladders; operation and use of the foam generator breathing apparatus light and heavy rescue equipment; handling of hazardous materials incidents; use of forcible entry tools; and salvage operations.
  • As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Basic Life Support training responds to medical emergencies; at times working under severe conditions and circumstances in providing emergency treatment and stabilization of the critically ill or injured.
  • Performs work in a complex environment involving a substantial number and diversity of hazards in research laboratories patient care areas hospital clinics surgical suites libraries a large computer research center animal areas offices industrial areas etc.
  • Therefore must be thoroughly familiar with and exercise extreme care when responding to these highly specialized areas in order not to exacerbate the emergency and to avoid loss of irreplaceable research data rare medical literature and valuable equipment.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of the pre-appointment process (i.e. background investigation verification of qualifications and job requirements completion of onboarding forms submission of required documents etc.)
  • Males born after December 31 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement including time in grade.
  • If selected you must pass a pre-employment medical examination provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable diseases. Subject to periodic medical examinations throughout appointment.
  • If selected you must obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance. Must be able to lift heavy items weighing over 50 lbs or more with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Incumbent is subject to periodic (e.g. annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position. Incumbent may work up to a 144-hour pay period.
  • This position is required to work a rotating 24-hour shift weekend hours night shifts regular or rotational shifts and holiday hours. This position has on-call or call-back requirements during emergencies except when on leave.
  • This position is required to wear a uniform and may be required to use heavy cumbersome restrictive personal protective clothing or gear such as masks gowns coats boots googles gloves shields body armor encapsulating suits etc.
  • Must be able to stand for prolonged periods on concrete floors and walk over rough and uneven terrain. Must be able to bend stoop walk stand and climb and work in cramped positions.
  • Must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions. Work in hazardous environments or handle hazardous substances. Incumbent must wear a uniform and appropriate safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Must successfully complete an annual Job Performance test. Must participate in the departments cardiovascular physical fitness program to include a physical exercise program and annual physical examination.
  • Incumbent must participate in the departments cardiovascular physical fitness program to include a physical exercise program and annual physical examination commensurate with the incumbents duties and responsibilities.
  • If selected you must obtain and maintain a valid state drivers license.
  • Must obtain and maintain a valid CDL or Class B non-commercial DL or equivalent within 6 months of the date of appointment. Failure to obtain and maintain the required license within the specified timeframe may result in removal from the position.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position.
  • Incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. The Incumbent will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.
  • You cannot have reached your 37th birthday prior to an initial Federal Firefighter appointment.
  • Must possess a current certification by the State of Maryland or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.
  • Incumbent who possess a National Registry certification must obtain certification from the State of Maryland within six months of appointment.
Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

  • Must obtain and maintain a current certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training meeting American Heart Association standards.
  • Must obtain and maintain a current Automatic External Defibrillator certification.
  • Must possess a current certification by the University of Maryland or the National Certification Review Board at the Fire Officer III level.
  • Must possess a current certification by the University of Maryland or the National Certification Review Board at the Fire Service Instructor II level.
  • Must possess a current certification by the University of Maryland or the National Certification Review Board at the Fire Inspector II level.
  • Must obtain and maintain a current certification as a Hazmat Technician meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120.
  • Must obtain and maintain a current certification as a Hazmat Incident Commander meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120.
  • Must have successfully completed Radiation Safety in the Laboratory sponsored by the NIH Division of Radiation Safety Office of Research Services.
  • Must successfully complete annual Radiation Safety for Firefighters training sponsored by the NIH Division of Radiation Safety Office of Research Services.
  • Must obtain and maintain a current certification by the University of Maryland or another certified training agency in Confined Space Rescue meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.146.
  • Must possess a current certification by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or another certified training agency in Trench Rescue.
  • Must successfully complete a Pumps and Hydraulics Course.
  • Must successfully complete an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course.
  • Must successfully complete an Truck Company Operations Course.
  • Must successfully complete an Aerial Apparatus Operator Course.
  • Must successfully complete an Advanced chemical radiological biological response training
  • Must successfully complete an Advanced chemical radiological biological agents behavior and toxicology training.

You qualify at the GS-11 level if you meet the following qualification requirement:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: 1) developing implementing or providing training in fire protection and prevention; 2) maintaining and preparing monthly reports relating to fire department activities; 3) directing the work of the firefighters that are engaged in fire suppression technical rescue and hazardous material response/containment; 4) interpreting and applying the standard operating procedures rules regulations codes within the fire department; 5) providing supervision and/or direction to other firefighters.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position including experience gained in religious civic welfare service and organizational activities regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties specialized experience or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may but need not begin before receiving an offer.

In addition to the previous requirements you must demonstrate possession of the following selective factor to qualify for the position:
  • Current certification by the State of Maryland or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.