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Lead Firefighter (Title 5)


Job Location:

Peoria, IL - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 55882 - 55882
Posted: 6 October 2026 (5 days ago)
Application Deadline: 8 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a LEAD FIREFIGHTER (TITLE 5) Position Description Number T6308000 and is part of the IL 182 AW National Guard.


Duties

As a LEAD FIREFIGHTER (TITLE 5) GSyou will be responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.

Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:

  • Direct assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex (e.g. bombers cargo and passenger) aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous material (HAZMAT) containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties.
  • Perform firefighting duties at airfields handling aircraft carrying large volumes of fuel conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons or highly flammable or explosive cargo; or handling a large number of air moves or a moderate number involving pilot training or other air moves with high crash or fire potential.
  • Apply constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design ordnance placement and cabin layouts to direct rescue and firefighting operations.
  • Lead assigned crew and perform emergency 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.
  • Use direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding check windpipe for obstructions perform CPR and/or provide other appropriate assistance.
  • Serve as the prime rescuer in rescue operations.
  • Ensure that workload is balanced at the fire/rescue scene or in the station.
  • Resolve simple informal complaints referring the more serious problems to the supervisor.
  • Make suggestions to supervisor as requested concerning promotions reassignment recognition of exemplary performance and personnel needs.
  • Direct firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment.
  • Direct driver-operator or drive to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary and position vehicle considering factors such as wind direction sources of water and hazards from falling structures.
  • Assist in training other firefighters on driving vehicles and operating equipment.

Requirements
Conditions of employment

    • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
    • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
    • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
    • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
    • Must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
    • Must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
    • Required to work a 72-hour week on a 24 hour on/24 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall.
    • This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
    • This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
    • The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate valid drivers license is required.
    • Position requires the ability to discern colors contrast and depth.
    • May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center.
    • May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams.
    • May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
    • Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System. See list under Specialized Experience.
    • Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply: FERS or CSRS
    • This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for or in response to a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
    • The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old. For reentry requirements and exceptions to the maximum entry age see DoD Instruction 1400.25 Volume 336 January 22 2015 Incorporating Change 1 December 1 2017 Enclosure 3 Sections 2 and 3.
    • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
    Qualifications

    MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE REQUIREMENT: The maximum entry age for DoD firefighters is 37. An individual not appointed by the last day of the month in which the individual becomes age 37 will not be originally appointed or assigned to these positions. For reentry requirements and exceptions to the maximum entry age see DoD Instruction 1400.25 Volume 336 January 22 2015 Incorporating Change 1 December 1 2017 Enclosure 3 Sections 2 and 3.

    REENTRY INTO A COVERED POSITION (excerpt from DoDI 1400.25)
    Individuals who are past the maximum entry age limit of 37 but who previously served in a covered primary position may be reinstated to a covered primary position only if they:

    • Meet the applicable qualification requirements for the position.
    • Will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as a firefighter or law enforcement officer by the last day of the month in which they become age 57.

    SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-08 Level - MUST possess specialized experience which includes 18 months experience education or training in one or more of the following areas: (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. (6) Developing implementing or providing training in fire protection and prevention (7) Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. (9) Planning directing or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) Performing emergency medical services.

    Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I II) Fire Officer I Fire Instructor I Fire Inspector 1 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic Level Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness) Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper and Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply.

    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.

    Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement to assist with describing work experiences; however resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed below. Please use as much detail as needed giving dates (months and years) of the experience position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.
    Education

    Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted for this occupational series and grade.

    Additional information

    If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register Selective Service System : Selective Service System ()).

    If you are needing some extra information regarding Federal Resumes you should consider these tips from USA Jobs: USAJOBS Help Center What should I include in my federal resume.

    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.