Become an NIH Firefighter: A Career of Impact and Service

Are you ready to take your firefighting career to a higher level of impact? The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s leading biomedical research institution, is hiring Firefighters to join its specialized Division of Fire and Rescue Services in Montgomery County, Maryland. This role is more than just a standard firefighting position; it is an essential pillar of safety for the cutting-edge research that saves millions of lives globally.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-07 Firefighter, you will act as a first responder for the NIH campus. Your daily duties will include:

Emergency Response: Responding to fire alarms, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies.
Apparatus Operation: Serving as a driver/operator for motorized fire apparatus, ensuring safe transport and proper positioning at scenes.
Technical Operations: Executing laddering, ventilation, forcible entry, and victim search and rescue.
Medical Care: Providing basic life support (BLS) and stabilization for the injured or critically ill.
Facility Safety: Conducting routine fire prevention inspections and ensuring hydrants and suppression systems are fully functional.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards, including:

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
Certification: Current EMT certification from the State of Maryland or National Registry.
Fitness: Successful completion of annual performance testing and physical examinations.
Assessment: Passing the USA Hire competency-based assessments.

Qualifications Comparison

Qualification Area	Requirement Status
Federal Grade	GS-07 (Promotion potential to GS-08)
EMT Certification	Mandatory (State of MD or National Registry)
Drug Screening	Required (Pre-appointment and Random)
Security Clearance	Moderate Risk (MR)

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-07 level with a competitive salary range of $57,736 to $75,059 per year. The role also features potential for promotion to the GS-08 level.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive compensation package, including:

Health and Life Insurance programs.
Generous federal retirement plan (FERS).
Paid annual leave and sick leave.
Federal student loan repayment programs for qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Keep your resume to a strict two-page limit. Use a professional, legible font like Arial or Calibri.
Detail Your Duties: Clearly document your hours worked per week and the specific apparatus you have operated.
Use the Questionnaire: Answer every question honestly—your rating depends heavily on these responses.
Monitor Your Email: Once you apply, stay alert for an assessment link from USA Hire; you only have 48 hours to complete it.

Serving as a Firefighter at the NIH is a unique opportunity to combine your emergency response skills with a mission that changes the world. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a career dedicated to safety and service, submit your application package before the closing date.

Why This Firefighter Job Matters

Protect lives and research at the world's premier biomedical facility—join the National Institutes of Health Fire and Rescue team.

Firefighter Job Overview

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a motivated and skilled Firefighter to serve within the Division of Fire and Rescue Services in Montgomery County, Maryland. This essential role supports the critical mission of the NIH by providing emergency response, fire suppression, and medical stabilization services. You will join a dedicated team responsible for safeguarding a high-profile research campus, ensuring the safety of staff, and protecting valuable biomedical infrastructure 24/7.

Requirements for Firefighter

One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level (or equivalent) in firefighting, rescue, and hazmat response.
Current certification by the State of Maryland or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Must be able to pass an annual Job Performance Test and maintain physical fitness standards.
Must pass a pre-employment urinalysis and participate in random drug testing.
Ability to successfully complete mandatory NIH-specific training including Pumps and Hydraulics, Aerial Apparatus operations, and Radiation Safety.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Firefighter

Expertise in operating complex firefighting apparatus under high-stress conditions.
Advanced training in chemical, biological, and radiological response.
Proven experience in conducting fire prevention inspections and maintaining life-safety equipment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Student loan repayment program (case-by-case)
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Professional development and certification support

💡 How to Apply Firefighter Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Firefighter Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your qualifications and experience.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit all required documents, including SF-50 and certifications.
Monitor email for USA Hire assessment invitations and complete within 48 hours of receipt.
Verify submission status via the USAJOBS dashboard before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your two-page resume to mirror the specific tasks listed in the requirements section.
Use standard fonts and clear formatting for easier review.
Do not copy and paste the job duties directly into your resume; provide your own accomplishments.
Check your spam folder regularly for assessment notifications.
Ensure your EMT certification is current and clearly documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an emergency essential position?

Yes, this position requires 24/7 availability for 365 days a year, regardless of holidays, weather, or government closures.

What happens if I need a reasonable accommodation?

Requests for accommodations, including those for the USA Hire assessments, must be made before the announcement closes by contacting the NIH HR Service Desk.

What is the most important document to include?

Your resume and the completed application questionnaire are the primary documents used for qualification.

Do I need to be in Maryland to apply?

No, this is an open competitive service announcement, but you must be able to perform the duties at the duty station.

Job from National Institutes Of Health

The National Institutes of Health is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It operates as the largest source of biomedical research funding in the world, comprised of 27 unique Institutes and Centers. The NIH campus in Bethesda is a bustling, high-stakes environment where safety and prevention are paramount. Joining the NIH fire team means you are directly supporting the security of researchers, clinical patients, and priceless scientific assets.