Become a Supervisory Firefighter at the Historic Watervliet Arsenal

Are you a seasoned fire professional ready to step into a leadership role? The Department of the Army is currently recruiting for a Supervisory Firefighter at the prestigious Watervliet Arsenal in New York. This position is a rare opportunity to manage high-stakes emergency services for one of the most significant manufacturing facilities in the United States defense sector. If you have the required certifications and a track record of operational excellence, we encourage you to apply before the November 1, 2026, deadline.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Firefighter, you are the bridge between strategy and boots-on-the-ground execution. Your core duties include:

Command and Control: Leading firefighting operations during high-pressure incidents until the arrival of the Fire Chief.
Personnel Oversight: Managing subordinates, conducting training drills, and fostering professional development.
Emergency Medical Leadership: Directing EMS ambulance responses to ensure the highest standard of care.
Incident Management: Serving as the primary response lead for hazardous material incidents.
Administrative Excellence: Maintaining records, preparing detailed incident reports, and managing supplies through the Government Card Program.

Requirements

This role is governed by the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for the Department of Defense. Applicants must meet rigorous standards to qualify:

Requirement Type	Specification
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience Level	GS-09 equivalent or higher
Primary Certifications	Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector II
Specialized Certification	HazMat Incident Commander
Medical Certification	Valid State or National Registry EMT License

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $70,124 to $91,156 per year, which includes applicable locality pay. Beyond salary, employees enjoy federal benefits including:

Comprehensive medical and retirement programs (including Firefighter Special Retirement Coverage).
Generous paid time off.
A stable, mission-oriented environment within the Department of the Army.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, remember that the selection process is highly competitive. Keep your resume concise—no more than two pages. Clearly describe your experience in leadership and incident command. If you are submitting your certifications, ensure they are verifiable through the DoD or IFSAC systems. Always verify that your application package is marked as complete before the closing date.

Serving as a Supervisory Firefighter at the Watervliet Arsenal is an opportunity to lead, protect, and contribute to national defense. If you meet the qualifications and are prepared to uphold the high standards of the U.S. Army, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Note: This position is subject to a drug test and a probationary period.

Why This Supervisory Firefighter Job Matters

Take command at America's historic Watervliet Arsenal as a Supervisory Firefighter and lead a elite team in protecting high-stakes manufacturing operations.

Supervisory Firefighter Job Overview

The Department of the Army is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Firefighter for a pivotal leadership role at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York. As the oldest continuously operating arsenal in the U.S., our facility demands top-tier expertise to ensure the safety of critical defense manufacturing. This position involves managing fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous material response, and personnel development. Candidates must possess significant prior experience and specific, high-level certifications to be considered for this vital role within our Emergency Services Division.

Requirements for Supervisory Firefighter

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent).
Must hold valid DoD, IFSAC, or PRO-Board certifications for: Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector II, and HazMat Incident Commander.
Current State or National Registry EMT Certification with an unexpired future date.
Successful completion of a drug screening.
Must meet the specialized experience requirements through work history only; education substitution is not permitted.
Resume must be two pages or less.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Firefighter

Proven history of directing emergency response teams during high-pressure incidents.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex training programs for diverse audiences.
Experience in managing administrative reporting and incident documentation.
Strong leadership background with experience in personnel management and disciplinary processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) eligibility for qualified firefighters.
✓Generous paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Competitive salary with locality pay adjustments.
✓Access to stable, long-term employment within the Department of Defense.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Firefighter Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Firefighter Job

Log in or register on the USAJOBS portal.
Review your resume to ensure it is under two pages and details hours worked per week, job titles, and specific dates.
Complete the online questionnaire as prompted.
Upload all required certifications (Fire Officer III, Instructor II, Inspector II, HazMat Incident Commander, and EMT License).
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of November 1, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly quantifies your leadership experience to meet the GS-09 equivalent standard.
If you are a current federal employee awaiting final certification, provide your provisional paperwork as outlined.
Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
Verify that your uploaded documents have fully cleared the system's virus scan before the deadline.
Do not include personal photos or sensitive identifiable information in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, this position requires professional experience alone. Education cannot be used to substitute for the specialized experience criteria.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration, resulting in an incomplete application status.

How can I prove my DoD certifications if I don't have the paper copies?

You may provide a copy of your most recent certification transcript using your Student ID from the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program website.

Job from Army Tank-Automotive And Armament Command (Tacom)

The Watervliet Arsenal is more than just a place of work; it is a monument to American industrial ingenuity. Established in 1813, it is the oldest continuously active arsenal in the country. Today, it serves as a critical hub for the Department of Defense, collaborating with Benet Laboratories to produce advanced weaponry. Civilian employees at the Arsenal form the backbone of the installation, providing specialized skills that keep our military operations efficient and effective.