Become a Leader in Emergency Response: Supervisory Firefighter at FEMA

Are you a dedicated professional in the fire service looking to take the next step in your career? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently seeking a highly experienced individual to serve as a Supervisory Firefighter at the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC) in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Key Comparison: Operational Roles

Feature	Standard Fire Station	MWEOC Operations
Scope	Local Community	National/Mission-Critical
Environment	Standard	Above and Below Ground
Call to Duty	Routine	Subject to 24/7 Recall

Job Responsibilities

In this supervisory capacity, you will not just manage a shift—you will manage the readiness of a critical federal asset. Your core duties include:

Command and Control: Providing operational command at emergency scenes and supporting senior chief officers.
Staff Management: Planning and evaluating daily staffing needs to ensure 24/7 emergency readiness.
Strategic Leadership: Developing and presenting fire protection strategic planning data to senior agency leadership.
Training: Conducting lectures and demonstrations on fire suppression, hazardous material abatement, and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

This is a highly competitive position requiring specific certifications and qualifications. Candidates must possess:

One year of specialized experience at the GS-10 level.
Fire Officer I & II, Hazmat Incident Commander, and EMT-Basic certifications.
Ability to maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Physical readiness for intensive, often austere, work environments.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this GS-11 position is $85,447 to $111,087 annually. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement program with TSP matching, and specialized training programs.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success:

Edit down: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Documentation: Ensure all Fire, Hazmat, and EMT certifications are clearly uploaded.
Clarity: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required fields (dates, hours, employer name) are clearly structured.

Serving as a Supervisory Firefighter at FEMA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to national safety. If you have the leadership skills and the technical fire service background to thrive at Mount Weather, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application today.

Why This Supervisory Firefighter Job Matters

Lead emergency response operations at FEMA’s elite Mount Weather facility. This is your chance to command fire and EMS services while playing a critical role in national security and disaster preparedness.

Supervisory Firefighter Job Overview

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Firefighter for the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC) in Round Hill, Virginia. As a leader within the Emergency Services Division, you will manage, plan, and execute fire and EMS operations, supervise staff, and maintain emergency readiness at this high-profile national facility. You will be responsible for operational command, strategic planning, and ensuring that the department meets stringent readiness standards 24/7.

Requirements for Supervisory Firefighter

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be under the age of 37 at time of initial appointment (exceptions apply for previous federal firefighter experience).
Must pass a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) background investigation.
Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 federal grade level.
Valid state driver's license required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a government credit card.
Selective Service registration if applicable.
Completion of a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter.
Ability to deploy to emergency sites with minimal notice for extended durations.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Firefighter

Fire Officer I and II certification.
Driver/Operator Pumper and Aerial certification.
Current State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) certification.
Hazardous Material Technician and Hazmat Incident Commander certification.
Fire Instructor I & II and Fire Inspector I & II certifications.
Proven experience in operational command and control of emergency incidents.
Demonstrated ability to present strategic fire department data to senior leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Flexible Spending Accounts.
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
✓Employee Assistance Program.
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
✓Transportation subsidies and potential uniform allowances.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Firefighter Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Firefighter Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online application and questionnaire through the provided portal.
Upload required documentation, including SF-50s for federal employees and all necessary certifications.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
Monitor your Application Dashboard for status updates.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Use your own words to describe your work history; do not copy/paste from the job announcement.
Highlight specific leadership achievements and incident command experience.
Include dates, hours worked per week, and specific duties for all relevant experience.
Upload your certifications (Fire Officer, EMT, Hazmat) clearly at the time of application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for this position?

Because this is a primary firefighter position, candidates generally must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of initial appointment, though previous federal firefighter experience may allow for age adjustments.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The system and application requirements strictly limit the resume to two pages. Submissions exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance as a condition of employment.

Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, plays a pivotal role in national resilience. The MWEOC is a unique, mission-critical facility that supports diverse operations in both classified and unclassified domains. As a member of the Fire Services Branch, you will be part of a team dedicated to safeguarding the nation and ensuring preparedness for all-hazard events.