Become a Fire Chief at Hanscom Air Force Base: A Leadership Opportunity in Fire Protection

Are you a dedicated fire protection professional with a passion for leadership and emergency response? The Air Force Materiel Command is currently recruiting for a Fire Chief at the 66 Air Base Group at Hanscom Air Force Base. This high-responsibility, mission-critical position offers a unique opportunity to lead fire protection and prevention efforts for one of the most vital hubs in the U.S. Air Force. If you are ready to apply your expertise to ensure the safety of our personnel and infrastructure, this could be your next career milestone.

Job Responsibilities

As the Fire Chief, you will serve as the top subject matter expert and manager for the installation’s fire program. Key duties include:

Command and Oversight: Planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Fire and Emergency Services Flight.
Personnel Leadership: Mentoring, motivating, and managing staff through subordinate supervisors.
Emergency Direction: Assuming full charge at fire or emergency scenes and issuing precise instructions to assistant chiefs and responders.
Program Development: Establishing policies and procedures for comprehensive fire protection and prevention.
Resource Management: Budgeting for and recommending the acquisition of specialized firefighting gear and rescue equipment.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of technical competency and meet specific federal requirements:

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Certifications: Possession of active DOD Fire Fighter certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector II, Airport Firefighter, and HAZMAT Incident Commander.
Physical Standards: Must pass a pre-employment physical. This role requires lifting heavy equipment and performing rescue operations.
Age Limits: The maximum entry age is the date preceding your 37th birthday, unless you hold veteran preference or previous relevant federal service.

Requirement Type	Criteria Details
Salary Range	$120,548 – $156,715
Security Clearance	Other
Drug Testing	Yes, Mandatory
Schedule	Full-Time, Mission-Essential

Salary Overview

The GS-13 position offers a competitive salary ranging from $120,548 to $156,715 per year. This compensation reflects the high degree of responsibility and the specialized nature of the duties performed by the incumbent.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits including:

Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) with specialized provisions for firefighters.
Insurance: Access to premium health and life insurance plans.
Savings: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) enrollment with employer matching.
Flexibility: Excellent leave programs, including federal holidays.

Application Tips

Resume Formatting: Keep your resume strictly to two pages. Detail your hours per week for every position to ensure your specialized experience is clearly defined.
Supporting Documentation: Ensure all certifications, transcripts, and SF-50 forms are included. Illegible or incomplete documents will result in disqualification.
Questionnaire Accuracy: Your responses in the online application must directly correlate with the experience listed on your resume.

The role of Fire Chief at Hanscom AFB is an essential leadership position that requires a balance of operational grit and administrative skill. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to protect our national defense mission, ensure you submit a complete and accurate application before the closing date. Join a team dedicated to excellence and service.

Why This Fire Chief - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters

Lead the charge in mission-critical fire safety as the Fire Chief at Hanscom Air Force Base—where your leadership secures our global defense mission.

Fire Chief - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force is seeking an experienced, decisive Fire Chief to manage the Fire and Emergency Services Flight at the 66 Air Base Group, Hanscom AFB. This is a high-impact, mission-essential leadership role responsible for the safety of personnel, infrastructure, and vital military assets. You will oversee fire protection, prevention programs, and emergency response, ensuring that the installation remains prepared for any contingency while fostering a culture of excellence and readiness.

Requirements for Fire Chief - Direct Hire Authority

One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent).
DOD Fire Fighter Certification: Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector II, Airport Firefighter, and HAZMAT Incident Commander.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must meet maximum entry age requirements for federal firefighting positions (under 37, unless exempt under specific veteran or prior federal service provisions).
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks including lifting heavy equipment and performing rescues.

Preferred Qualifications for Fire Chief - Direct Hire Authority

Proven experience in large-scale fire and emergency management leadership.
Expertise in budgeting, resource allocation, and personnel management.
Experience coordinating with municipal and federal emergency response partners.
Strong background in developing fire safety and training policies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Firefighter Special Retirement Provisions (FERS/CSRS eligible).
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance.
✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Career advancement and professional training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Fire Chief - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Fire Chief - Direct Hire Authority Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your specific fire protection duties and hours worked per week.
Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including DOD certification credentials, transcripts if applicable, and SF-50s for current/former federal employees.
Verify that your application status reflects 'received' by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
Explicitly state your dates of employment and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Double-check that your DOD certifications are current and legible.
Review your application for common errors before the midnight deadline on the closing date.
Set your profile to 'searchable' so recruiters can view your qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this position is open to the public under the Direct Hire Authority.

What is the maximum entry age for this role?

The maximum age for initial appointment to a primary firefighting position is the day before your 37th birthday, unless you qualify for veteran preference or have previous federal firefighting service.

Is the resume limit strictly enforced?

Yes, applications with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, relocation incentives are available for this position.

Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?

Yes, qualifying volunteer and part-time experience can be credited if clearly documented in your resume.

Job from Air Force Materiel Command

The 66 Air Base Group serves as the host unit at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Their mission is to provide world-class support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, and various other partner organizations. As part of the Air Force Materiel Command, the Fire and Emergency Services Flight plays an indispensable role in maintaining a safe environment for advanced technological development and operational readiness.