Serving Those Who Served: Firefighter Opportunities at the Tomah VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides more than just healthcare; it provides a community dedicated to honoring the men and women who have defended our nation. We are currently hiring a Firefighter (Basic Life Support) for the Tomah VA Medical Center. If you are a trained professional ready to trade your skills for a role with purpose, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As a Firefighter at the Tomah VA, your duties extend beyond traditional fire response. You will:
- Control and extinguish fires using advanced apparatus.
- Perform rescue operations and forcible entries.
- Conduct complex fire inspections of medical facilities and residential quarters.
- Maintain fire detection and suppression systems (sprinklers, alarms, extinguishers).
- Provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and non-invasive medical care during emergencies.
Comparison: Standard Firefighter vs. VA Firefighter
| Feature | Standard Municipal Firefighter | VA Firefighter |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General Community Safety | Veteran & Patient Facility Safety |
| Medical Role | Often First Responder | BLS / Patient-Specific Care |
| Regulatory Body | NFPA/Local Codes | NFPA/OSHA/Joint Commission |
| Work Environment | Broad Urban/Suburban | Medical Center Campus |
Requirements
This position requires specific certifications to ensure the safety of our patients. Essential requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Valid driver's license.
- IFSAC/Pro Board Certified Firefighter I & II.
- Current EMT-Basic certification.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
Salary Overview
This position is compensated within the GS-7 grade level. The current annual salary range is $50,460 to $65,599 per year.
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a unique balance of professional challenge and personal well-being, including generous leave, federal retirement options, and the emotional fulfillment of serving your country.
Application Tips
To be competitive, ensure your resume is concise—no more than two pages. Clearly document your previous experience, ensuring you list dates, hours worked, and specific technical duties performed.
The role of a Firefighter at the Tomah VA Medical Center is demanding but deeply rewarding. If you meet the criteria and are ready to uphold the VA's promise to our nation's heroes, apply today.
Why This Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job Matters
Protect those who served: Join the VA Fire Department in Tomah and provide critical emergency support to our nation's Veterans.
Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Firefighter (Basic Life Support) to join the Facilities Services Line at the Tomah VA Medical Center. This vital role focuses on fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazard mitigation within a medical facility environment, while also providing essential non-invasive life support services.
Requirements for Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be under age 37 at time of initial appointment (exceptions apply for prior federal fire service)
- Valid State motor vehicle operator's license
- One full year of specialized firefighting experience equivalent to GS-6
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Ability to complete physical agility tests and maintain medical standards
Preferred Qualifications for Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
- IFSAC or Pro Board Certified Firefighter I and II
- IFSAC or Pro Board HAZMAT Operations Level Responder certification
- Current National Registry or State EMT-Basic certification
- ICS-100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications
- IFSAC or Pro Board Apparatus Operator-Pumper certification
- IFSAC or Pro Board Fire Inspector I and II certification
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Generous paid time off
- ✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities
- ✓Federal career stability
- ✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package
- ✓Support for transitioning military members and Veterans
💡 How to Apply Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Firefighter (Basic Life Support) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online application and questionnaire.
- Submit all required certifications (HAZMAT, EMT, Firefighter I/II, etc.) as PDFs.
- Complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment if invited via email.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to remain eligible.
- Quantify your experience; state hours worked per week for every position.
- Save all documents as PDFs to ensure proper formatting.
- Double-check your email, including junk/spam folders, for the USA Hire assessment invite.
- Explicitly highlight your certifications in your resume as requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum age for this firefighter position?
Generally, you must not have reached your 37th birthday by the day of appointment, though exceptions exist for those with prior federal firefighter service.
What are the physical demands of this job?
Firefighters must maintain high physical stamina, pass annual physical agility tests, and be capable of wearing protective gear weighing approximately 75 pounds while working in hazardous environments.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes exceeding two pages will render you ineligible for further consideration.
Is this a virtual position?
*A: No, this is an onsite role at the Tomah, WI facility.*
Does the VA sponsor vaccinations?
*A: Seasonal influenza vaccination is a mandatory condition of employment for VHA health care personnel.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven environment where your daily labor directly supports the well-being of Veterans.