Become a Firefighter (Basic Life Support) with the U.S. Army
Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your firefighting and medical expertise in a high-impact environment? The Department of the Army is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Firefighter (Basic Life Support) in Concord, California. This role is vital to ensuring the safety and operational readiness of our military personnel and facilities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Firefighter with the Department of the Army, your daily duties will be both challenging and rewarding. Key responsibilities include:
- Emergency Response: Responding on-site to fire alarms, medical emergencies, and accidents involving illness or injury.
- Fire Suppression & Rescue: Combatting fires and performing rescue operations, including those on ships and vessels.
- Medical Care: Providing initial patient assessments and physical examinations while coordinating with receiving medical facilities.
- Hazmat Operations: Serving as a Hazardous Materials Technician, identifying and managing unknown hazardous materials.
- Safety Inspections: Conducting vessel and structural inspections, including oversight of ammunition vessels to ensure safety compliance.
Requirements
This is a specialized role, and candidates must meet specific criteria to be considered.
- Professional Certification: You must hold valid Firefighter 1 & 2, Driver Operator Pumper, and Hazmat Technician certifications from accredited bodies (DoD, IFSAC, or PRO-Board).
- EMT Licensing: You must hold a current State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience performing fire control, rescue, and hazard reduction is required.
- Security & Fitness: Applicants must be able to pass a drug test and satisfy the requirements for a Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is commensurate with federal pay scales and locality adjustments for the Concord, California area.
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Annual Salary | $63,081 |
| Maximum Annual Salary | $82,007 |
| Pay Interval | Per Year |
Benefits
Working for the federal government offers a robust benefits package designed to support your long-term success and well-being. This includes:
- Special Retirement Coverage: This position is eligible for SRC programs specific to firefighters.
- Healthcare: Competitive insurance programs for you and your family.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid Time Off: Generous leave policies, including vacation time, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Application Tips
Success in the federal hiring process often comes down to attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less, clearly documenting your work history, hours worked per week, and specific achievements related to firefighting and rescue. Be sure to upload your DoD-recognized certificates and your EMT license early to avoid any last-minute technical delays.
If you have the training, experience, and drive to protect and serve, this Firefighter (Basic Life Support) position with the Army represents a significant career opportunity. Take the step to join a global team dedicated to the safety of our nation's force. Apply by July 27, 2026, to begin your journey.
Why This Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job Matters
Protect lives and property while advancing your career with the Department of the Army. Join our elite Fire and Emergency Services team in Concord, California.
Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job Overview
The Department of the Army is seeking a highly qualified Firefighter (Basic Life Support) to join their team in Concord, California. This position plays a critical role in fire protection, emergency medical response, and hazardous material management. As a member of the Army Materiel Command, you will be instrumental in maintaining the safety and readiness of our facilities. This is a Direct Hire Authority role, making it an excellent opportunity for experienced fire and emergency service professionals.
Requirements for Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
- Possession of Firefighter 1 & 2 Certification (DoD, IFSAC, or PRO-Board).
- Possession of Driver Operator Pumper Certification.
- Possession of Hazmat Technician Certification.
- Valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification (National or State).
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- Prior experience in organized military, industrial, or governmental fire departments.
- Proven expertise in specialized rescue operations and hazardous material incident management.
- Experience providing training in fire protection and prevention strategies.
- Familiarity with inspecting ammunition vessels and structural safety regulations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- βGenerous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- βSpecial Retirement Coverage (SRC) for firefighters.
- βPaid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- βOpportunities for professional development and training.
- βAccess to a wide range of work-life balance programs.
π‘ How to Apply Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather your Firefighter 1 & 2, Driver Operator, Hazmat, and EMT credentials.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Access the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation, including proof of age and certification transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date of July 27, 2026.
π‘ General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
- Clearly outline your specialized experience using plain language and avoiding acronyms.
- Ensure your certificates are from recognized bodies (DoD, IFSAC, or PRO-Board).
- Double-check that your EMT license is current and visible in your uploaded documents.
- Submit your application early to allow time for the system's virus scan process to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education a substitute for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires qualifying work experience. Education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience requirement.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the job announcement, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.
Can I apply if my Firefighter certifications are pending?
You generally must possess the certifications at the time of application. However, current federal employees may contact their Fire Chief regarding specific DoD F&ES Certification Program delays.
What is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) position?
*A: A DHA appointment allows the agency to recruit and appoint qualified candidates directly to the competitive service, often speeding up the hiring process.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
*A: No. Resumes that exceed the two-page requirement will be removed from consideration.
Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?
*A: Yes, U.S. citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Job from Army Transportation
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