Serving Those Who Served: Career Opportunities as a Firefighter in Alexandria

Becoming a federal firefighter offers a unique blend of high-stakes service and the opportunity to support the Veterans Health Administration. The Alexandria VA Health Care System in Louisiana is currently seeking a motivated Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations) to join its emergency response team. If you are passionate about protecting lives, infrastructure, and those who have defended our country, this role provides a challenging and fulfilling career path.

Job Responsibilities

As a Firefighter with the VA, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks designed to keep the 157-acre facility safe. Your duties will include:

Emergency Response: Executing fire suppression and rescue operations during medical center emergencies.
Medical Care: Utilizing EMT skills to stabilize patients until they can be transported to specialized care.
Hazardous Materials: Responding to incidents involving chemicals, radioactive materials, and other hazardous biological products.
Fire Prevention: Conducting regular inspections, drills, and fire hazard training for medical center staff.
Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that all emergency response vehicles and fire safety equipment remain in peak operational condition.

Physical Demands Table

Task Type	Capacity Required
Lifting & Carrying	Up to 80 lbs
Pulling Objects	Up to 135 lbs
Working with Objects	Up to 125 lbs
Environment	Indoor/Outdoor/All-Weather

Requirements

This position is rigorous and requires candidates who are physically and professionally prepared. You must meet the following criteria:

Age Limit: Must not have reached your 37th birthday at the time of appointment.
Certifications: Must provide proof of IFSAC, Pro-Board, or State certifications for Firefighter II, Driver/Operator, and HazMat Operations.
EMT License: Valid Louisiana or National Registry EMT license is mandatory.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Security & Fitness: Must pass a pre-employment physical, urinalysis, and federal background investigation.

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-7 position ranges from $50,460 to $65,599 per year. The final offer will depend on your experience level and current federal salary status, if applicable.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy federal benefits including:

Federal leave accrual, which can be boosted by crediting prior professional or military experience.
Retirement and pension programs unique to federal service.
Opportunities for ongoing training and professional advancement.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The federal government has transitioned to a two-page resume limit for many positions. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting is compliant.
Documentation: Do not upload your driver's license. Instead, ensure your resume lists your certifications and relevant experience in detail.
Assessments: Be prepared to set aside up to three hours for the USA Hire assessment once you receive the link. This is a critical part of the evaluation process.

Serving as a Firefighter at the Alexandria VA Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and well-being of our nation's heroes. If you meet the certification requirements and possess the dedication required to perform under pressure, we encourage you to apply. Start your application today to join a team that values integrity, teamwork, and excellence in public service.

Why This Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations) Job Matters

Join the front lines of public safety in the Heart of Louisiana as a Firefighter for the Alexandria VA Health Care System—where your specialized skills protect those who served our nation.

Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations) Job Overview

The Alexandria VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Firefighter trained in Basic Life Support and Hazardous Material Operations. You will play a critical role in fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical response for a 157-acre campus featuring 27 buildings and remote outpatient clinics. This position requires a professional capable of operating specialized firefighting equipment while maintaining a safe, hazard-free environment for our Veterans and clinical staff.

Requirements for Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations)

U.S. Citizenship
Must be under age 37 at time of appointment
Valid state driver's license with a safe driving record
Completion of online application, questionnaire, and USA Hire assessment
Pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
Must meet rigorous medical and physical standards for arduous firefighting duties
Must possess specific IFSAC, Pro-Board, or State certifications for Firefighter II, Driver/Operator, and Hazardous Materials Operations
Valid State of Louisiana or National Registry EMT License

Preferred Qualifications for Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations)

Fire Inspector I and II certification
Proven experience in structural firefighting and rescue operations
Demonstrated ability to operate specialized pumping and hydraulic rescue equipment
Experience in medical center fire prevention and safety training

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Annual leave accrual based on service years
✓Potential for service credit for non-federal experience
✓Access to Federal employee benefits and retirement programs
✓Training and professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Material Operations) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Attach all required certifications (IFSAC/Pro-Board/State) and supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.).
Submit the online application and questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment link provided after submission.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists job titles, specific duties, and dates (month/year) of employment.
Save your resume in PDF format to maintain layout and meet the 5MB file limit.
Highlight experience that aligns with the specific competencies mentioned in the job post.
Do not submit copies of your driver's license; the agency will verify driving credentials during the physical.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you comply with the two-page requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for this position?

Applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment, though prior creditable federal firefighter service may be subtracted from your age.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this position requires on-site presence at the Alexandria VA Health Care System and involves a rotating 72-hour work week schedule.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Alexandria VA Health Care System, located in the heart of Louisiana, serves as a critical hub for veteran health. Set among the beautiful landscape of national forests, Alexandria offers a high quality of life, making it a premier destination for those looking to balance a meaningful career with a vibrant local culture.