Become a Supervisory Firefighter at the Historic Watervliet Arsenal
Are you a dedicated professional in fire protection looking to elevate your career within the federal government? The Watervliet Arsenal, a pivotal manufacturing center for the U.S. Army, is currently recruiting for a Supervisory Firefighter to lead essential emergency service operations.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Firefighter, you will act as a critical leader within the Emergency Services Division. Your daily duties will include:
- Leadership: Overseeing firefighting personnel, assigning work schedules, and managing performance expectations.
- Operations: Directing fire-suppression activities, search and rescue missions, and crash/rescue operations.
- Hazardous Materials: Responding to and managing hazardous material incidents according to strict safety protocols.
- Emergency Medical Services: Directing ambulance responses and ensuring high-quality medical support.
- Training: Developing and delivering training curricula for arsenal employees, local volunteer fire departments, and the community.
- Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate records, preparing incident reports, and managing organization supplies via government card programs.
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in firefighting and leadership. You must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
- Certifications: You must hold the following certifications from the DoD, IFSAC, or PRO-Board:
- Fire Officer III
- Fire Instructor II
- Fire Inspector II
- HazMat Incident Commander
- Medical Certification: A valid State or National Registry EMT license is mandatory.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Requirement | Status | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizenship | Mandatory | High |
| Fire Officer III | Mandatory | High |
| HazMat Incident Commander | Mandatory | High |
| Valid EMT License | Mandatory | High |
| Prior Leadership | Required | High |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,124 to $91,156 per year, which includes locality pay. Beyond the paycheck, employees enjoy the benefits of federal service, including robust health insurance, participation in the federal retirement system, and potential eligibility for special firefighter retirement coverage under 5 U.S.C. provisions.
How to Apply
Applying for federal positions requires precision. Follow these steps carefully:
- Create an account: Register on USAJOBS.
- Refine your resume: Keep it to two pages or less. Ensure every experience entry includes your employer, title, dates, and hours worked per week.
- Compile documents: Gather all required certificates. If you have a DoD F&ES student ID, you may use your certification transcript instead of individual certificates.
- Submit: Complete the online questionnaire and attach all documents before the August 17, 2026, deadline.
Working at the Watervliet Arsenal offers a unique opportunity to protect the mission and the people behind the world's most advanced weaponry. If you possess the required certifications and a drive for leadership, we encourage you to submit your application and become part of the Total Army team.
Why This Supervisory Firefighter Job Matters
Lead the charge in emergency services at the historic Watervliet Arsenal and play a critical role in the safety and mission readiness of our nation's defense.
Supervisory Firefighter Job Overview
The Department of the Army is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Firefighter to join the Emergency Services Division at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York. As part of the oldest continuously active arsenal in the U.S., you will manage firefighting operations, hazardous material responses, and training programs. This role is essential for maintaining the safety of both the manufacturing and research facilities that support military operations worldwide.
Requirements for Supervisory Firefighter
- U.S. Citizenship
- Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level
- DoD Fire and Emergency Services, IFSAC, or PRO-Board certification in Fire Officer III
- DoD Fire and Emergency Services, IFSAC, or PRO-Board certification in Fire Instructor II
- DoD Fire and Emergency Services, IFSAC, or PRO-Board certification in Fire Inspector II
- DoD Fire and Emergency Services, IFSAC, or PRO-Board certification in HazMat Incident Commander
- Current State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Firefighter
- Prior leadership experience in directing firefighting personnel
- Experience in coordinating training for both public and professional sectors
- Demonstrated ability to manage hazardous material incidents and emergency medical ambulance responses
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Specialized Firefighter Retirement Coverage (pending individual work history)
- ✓Paid Leave and Federal Holidays
- ✓Government-sponsored training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Firefighter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Firefighter Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Draft a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including hours worked per week and clear descriptions of relevant experience.
- Gather your required certification documents, including all four required Fire/HazMat certificates and your NREMT license.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the official USAJOBS application portal.
- Upload your resume and all supporting credentials, ensuring your name and required details are visible.
- Submit your complete application package by the August 17, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must not exceed two pages; excess length will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Avoid using acronyms or industry jargon in your resume that may be unfamiliar to HR staff.
- Ensure your NREMT license expiration date is clearly visible in your submitted documentation.
- Triple-check that you have uploaded all four required DoD-recognized certificates before clicking submit.
- If you are a current federal employee missing a certificate due to administrative delays, include your provisional documents and a memo from your Fire Chief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a college degree required for this position?
No, this position relies on specialized experience. Education cannot be substituted for the required years of firefighting and leadership experience.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration entirely. Keep your document concise and focused on the required specialized experience.
Can I submit my application after August 17, 2026?
No, the system will close at 11:59 PM EST on the closing date, and no late applications will be accepted.
Will education substitute for experience?
No, this specific role requires documented professional experience.
Is there a drug test?
Yes, a pre-employment drug test is required for this position.
Job from Army Tank-Automotive And Armament Command (Tacom)
The Watervliet Arsenal is a cornerstone of American military production, standing as the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the country. Since 1813, this location has been instrumental in producing high-powered weaponry for our nation's defense. Today, it remains the only facility in the Department of Defense (DoD) where a research center, Benet Laboratories, is co-located with a major manufacturing facility. Civilian employees here serve a vital purpose, providing the specialized skills required to keep these complex operations running safely and efficiently.