Launch Your Career as a Firefighter at Goodfellow AFB
Are you looking for a career that combines public service, intense physical challenge, and the honor of supporting the United States Air Force? The Department of the Air Force is currently hiring for a Firefighter position at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. This role is a vital component of the base's safety and emergency response infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities
As a Firefighter, you will serve as a first responder and safety professional. Your primary duties include:
- Operating firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers and aerial ladder trucks.
- Executing structural firefighting techniques in both office and industrial environments.
- Performing rescue operations and providing emergency medical aid.
- Conducting inspections to detect and eliminate fire hazards.
- Maintaining station equipment and operational readiness.
Requirements for Success
This position is a developmental role, meaning candidates are hired based on potential and trained to the full performance level (GS-06). Requirements include:
- Age Limit: Must not have reached your 37th birthday at the time of appointment.
- Certifications: Must hold or be eligible for required firefighting certifications.
- Physical Fitness: Passing a pre-employment medical exam.
- Documentation: A resume (max two pages) with clear dates and hours worked per week.
Salary and Comparison Table
| Position Level | Role Focus | Salary Potential |
|---|---|---|
| GS-04 | Developmental | $36,409 - $59,031 |
| GS-05 | Developmental | $36,409 - $59,031 |
| GS-06 | Full Performance | $36,409 - $59,031 |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Special retirement coverage for federal firefighters (FERS/CSRS).
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Generous paid time off and sick leave.
- Access to federal career advancement and stability.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise and strictly follows the two-page limit. Double-check that your certifications are attached as PDFs. If you are a veteran or a current federal employee, ensure your DD-214 or most recent SF-50 is clearly labeled to receive proper hiring preference.
Serving as a Firefighter for the Air Force is more than a job—it is a commitment to the safety of our nation's heroes. If you meet the qualifications, apply now to join a team that values excellence and professional integrity.
Why This Firefighter Job Matters
Answer the call of duty and protect those who protect us—join the Air Education and Training Command as a Firefighter at Goodfellow AFB.
Firefighter Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking dedicated individuals to join the firefighting team at Goodfellow Air Force Base. This developmental position offers a clear promotion path from GS-04 to the full performance level of GS-06. As a member of the emergency services team, you will be responsible for structural firefighting, rescue operations, and hazard mitigation within a critical military environment. This is a rigorous position essential to wartime and contingency operations, requiring physical stamina, technical precision, and a commitment to mission success.
Requirements for Firefighter
- Must be under the age of 37 at the time of appointment for initial entry as a primary firefighter.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to GS-03 or higher depending on the entry grade level.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required certifications including Firefighter I & II and HAZMAT Operations.
- Must be able to pass a drug test.
- Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Firefighter
- Possession of current EMT certification.
- Certified as an Apparatus Driver-Operator for Pumper and Mobile Water Supply vehicles.
- Associate degree or higher in Fire Science or a related technical field.
- Experience in industrial or large-scale structural firefighting operations.
- Prior federal firefighting experience covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) special retirement provisions for firefighters
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Professional training and development opportunities
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
💡 How to Apply Firefighter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Firefighter Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account to create or update your profile.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and includes hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation, including transcripts, DD-214 (if applicable), and current professional certifications.
- Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit or it will be excluded from consideration.
- Clearly list all relevant firefighting licenses and include copies of certifications in your attachment section.
- Quantify your experience; ensure every position held mentions the total number of hours worked per week.
- Current federal employees must include their most recent SF-50 to verify time-in-grade.
- Verify your submission status in the application portal after you hit submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum entry age for this position?
Applicants generally must not have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Exceptions may apply for individuals with prior federal civilian firefighter service.
Is travel required for this position?
No, this position is based at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, and is marked with a travel code of 0, indicating minimal to no travel requirements.
Do I need a security clearance?
No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role.
Job from Air Education And Training Command
The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is responsible for the mission of recruiting, training, and educating Airmen. Working at Goodfellow AFB places you at the heart of an installation dedicated to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance training. The Air Force prides itself on core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.