Become a Firefighter for the Department of the Air Force at Altus AFB

Are you seeking a career where your skills as a first responder serve a higher purpose? The Department of the Air Force is currently hiring a Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support) at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. This position is vital to our nation's defense, ensuring that personnel, aircraft, and critical facilities are protected from fire and hazardous threats around the clock.

Job Responsibilities

As a Firefighter in this role, you will be on the front lines of base safety. Your daily responsibilities include:

Emergency Response: Driving and operating complex firefighting apparatus, including pumpers and ARFF vehicles.
HAZMAT Mitigation: Conducting incident analysis, risk assessment, and containment of hazardous materials.
Life Support: Providing basic life support and medical interventions during critical incidents.
Prevention & Maintenance: Inspecting facilities, maintaining station equipment, and ensuring all safety procedures meet Air Force technical standards.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet rigorous standards:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Age Limit	Under 37 at time of appointment (waivers possible for prior federal service)
Security Clearance	Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance
Certification	Must possess Airport Firefighter, HAZMAT Tech, and Driver/Operator certifications
Medical	Must pass pre-employment medical, physical, and agility exams

Salary Overview

This position is compensated at the GS-07 grade level, with an annual salary range of $50,460 to $65,599. Pay is commensurate with experience and federal pay scale regulations.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision plans.
Specialized federal retirement options under the FERS firefighter provisions.
Paid leave, including vacation and sick time.
Access to federal career advancement programs.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume under two pages. Clearly list your hours per week for each role to prove your experience.
Documentation: Have your transcripts and certification transcripts ready. If you have a Student ID from the DoD Fire Certification program, include your transcript.
Eligibility: If you are a veteran or a current federal employee, ensure you submit your DD-214 or current SF-50 forms respectively to claim preference points.

Serving as a Firefighter at Altus AFB is more than a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our airmen. If you possess the specialized training, technical skills, and drive required for this role, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the Air Force mission.

Why This Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo Job Matters

Protect lives and secure the mission at Altus AFB. Join the elite team of Air Force firefighters as a Hazardous Materials Technician.

Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force is seeking a dedicated Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support) to join our team at Altus Air Force Base. This mission-essential position plays a critical role in base readiness, providing expert emergency response, crash-rescue operations, and structural fire protection to ensure the safety of our airmen and infrastructure. You will work in a high-stakes environment where your skills in HAZMAT mitigation and basic life support directly contribute to the success of global military operations.

Requirements for Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be under age 37 at the time of appointment (unless eligible for an age waiver).
Must pass a pre-employment medical exam, physical fitness, and agility tests.
Must possess specific certifications: Airport Firefighter (FF I & II), HAZMAT Awareness/Operations/Technician, Driver Operator (Pumper, ARFF, MWS), and NR-EMR.
Must obtain EMT-B certification within one year of hire.
Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications for Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo

Proven experience in structural and airfield firefighting.
Strong communication skills for incident command and reporting.
Demonstrated ability to perform under extreme pressure during emergency operations.
Active, valid certifications in all required firefighter domains.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and pay progression.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits including special provisions for rigorous positions.
✓Access to state-of-the-art training facilities.
✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

💡 How to Apply Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Suppo Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including certifications, licenses, and relevant SF-50 forms for current/former federal employees.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Ensure your resume explicitly states 'hours worked per week' for each position held.
Upload copies of all relevant certifications (HAZMAT, Driver Operator, etc.) immediately to avoid processing delays.
Use the official DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program website to verify your records.
Review your application status periodically through your USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum age requirement for this position?

Yes. Due to the rigorous nature of this federal firefighting role, applicants must generally be under the age of 37 at the time of their initial appointment.

What is the primary mission of this role?

The incumbent acts as a critical member of an emergency response crew, managing structural fires, airfield emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents while providing basic life support.

Are there specific resume formatting rules?

Yes. Resumes must not exceed two pages, should use at least a 10-point font, and must clearly detail dates of employment and hours worked per week.

Can I apply if I don't have my EMT-B certification yet?

Yes, provided you are willing and able to obtain the certification within one year of your initial hire date.

Is this a 'Rigorous' firefighter position?

Yes, this position is designated as rigorous under FERS special retirement provisions, reflecting the demanding nature of the role.

Job from Air Education And Training Command

The United States Air Force mission is to fly, fight, and win. This vision is supported by a dedicated civilian workforce that maintains the infrastructure, safety, and operational readiness of our bases. As a firefighter in the Air Education and Training Command, you will be part of a team defined by integrity, service, and excellence.