It is the mission of the NIST Fire Department to provide an effective fire prevention and protection program to reduce the loss of life and property through the continuation and implementation of policies and education. The department provides a high quality of standard emergency medical care, rapidly responds to any request for assistance by our NIST staff or our neighboring fire departments in Montgomery County.
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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).
In this position at the ZS-III level, you will respond to all emergency calls and employs appropriate suppression techniques, decontamination methods, extinguishing agents, and equipment required to control and extinguish fires. You will also:
- Respond to hazardous material incidents for the purpose of stopping/controlling the release, i.e., approaches the point of release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release and prepares report of incident.
- Provide life support to include patient baseline vitals and medical history; administer emergency medications if required, stabilizes patient for transport, and prepares reports of incident.
- Perform fire inspections, maintains firefighting equipment/operations and building compliance, and carries out fire prevention or protection programs. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire prevention ordinances and building codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations, writes reports, procedures and plans.
- Operate emergency control console, monitors fire signals and other communications equipment and, at times,monitors the security alarm system.
In this position at the ZS-IV level, you will drive and operate firefighting and emergency medical apparatus. Respond to all emergency calls and employ appropriate suppression techniques, decontamination methods, extinguishing agents, and equipment required to control and extinguish fires. You will also:
- Respond to hazardous material incidents for the purpose of stopping/controlling the release, i.e., approaches the point of release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release and prepares report of incident.
- Provide life support to include patient baseline vitals and medical history; administers emergency medications if required, stabilizes patient for transport, and prepares reports of incident.
- Perform fire inspections, maintains firefighting equipment/operations and building compliance, and carries out fire prevention or protection programs.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire prevention ordinances and building codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations, writes reports, procedures and plans.
- Operate emergency control console, monitors fire signals and other communications equipment and, at times, monitors the security alarm system.
- U.S. citizenship
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Suitable for Federal employment
- Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
- Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
- Designated and/or random drug testing required
- Selective Factor: Firefighter 1 Certification, Hazmat Operations Certification, MD Class B or state equiv. drivers license, and Pump Operator Certificate (must be attached at time of application) Maryland EMT B Certification (provide at interview)
- Bargaining Unit Position: Yes- IAFF, 66/0161
- Maximum age requirement: 37
To qualify at the ZS-III level, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level (ZS-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in handling basic fire emergencies, giving life-saving help, and helping with medical care during emergencies. Experience in using tools and techniques to reduce fire risks. Experience with helping organize and communicate during medical emergencies or safety operations.
OR
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study.
OR
An equivalent combination of experience and/or post-high school education.
IN ADDITION at the ZS-III level, all applicants MUST be able to meet the following selective placement factors (screen out):
1. Firefighter 1 Certification
2. Hazmat Operations Certification
3. Valid Maryland EMT B Certification
NOTE: The above certifications must be attached at time of your application submission to be considered for the position except for the Maryland EMT B Certification, which can be provided if/when interviewed for the position.
To qualify at the ZS-IV level, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-06 level (or ZS-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience handling emergency fire response, providing life-saving care, and offering medical help during emergencies. Experience in using specialized tools and techniques to reduce fire risks. Experience with organizing and coordinating teams for efficient and safe operations.
In addition to the above specialized experience, at the ZS-IV level: You must possess a commercial driver's license to drive and operate the apparatus.
IN ADDITION at the ZS-IV level, all applicants MUST be able to meet the following selective placement factors (screen out):
1. Firefighter 1 Certification
2. Hazmat Operations Certification
3. MD Class B or state equivalent drivers license
4. Pump Operator Certification
5. Valid Maryland EMT B Certification
NOTE: The above certifications must be attached at time of your application submission to be considered for the position except for the Maryland EMT B Certification, which can be provided if/when interviewed for the position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.
Use of foreign education for qualifications An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!
- We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
- Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
- You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
- All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
- A probationary period may be required.
This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:
- Heavy lifting,45 pounds and over
- Straight pulling
- Pulling hand over hand
- Pushing
- Reaching above shoulder
- Use of fingers
- Both hands required
- Walking
- Standing
- Crawling
- Kneeling
- Repeated bending
- Climbing, use of legs and arms
- Both legs required
- Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
- Both eyes required
- Depth perception
- Hearing (aid may be permitted)
This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to:
- Outside and inside
- Excessive Heat
- Excessive Cold
- Excessive Humidity
- Excessive dampness or chilling
- Dry atmospheric conditions
- Excessive noise, intermittent
- Constant noise
- Dust
- Silica, asbestos, etc.
- Fumes, smokes, or gases
- Grease and oils
- Radiant energy
- Electrical energy
- Slippery or uneven walking surface
- Working around machinery with moving parts
- Working around moving objects or vehicles
- Working on ladders or scaffolding
- Working below ground
- Unusual fatigue factors (fire and rescue)
- Working with hands in water
- Vibration
- Working closely with others
- Working alone
- Working in hazardous conditions
This position requires the passing of a drug test.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation Overview - Agency Resource Center
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. For more information, please visit our Careers website.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages; only the first two pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended.
How you will be evaluated: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Subject Matter Experts may be used for qualification determinations. If the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements are met, your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals, or awards relevant to the duties of the position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses in the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application. To preview the questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12970360
Rating: Applications will be assessed on the following competencies:
- First Response
- Fire Management
- Vehicle Operation
Structured Resume Review. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume. Applicants passing the structured resume review will move to the next phase of the assessment process.
Referral: If you are among the top-qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. You will be referred based on your eligibility (e.g., Merit candidate, veterans' preference, etc.). Please review the Evaluation Process on how applicants are review and referred based upon how they wish to be considered for the position.
CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must submit proof of eligibility (See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION) and be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility
The documents required vary based on how you're applying (i.e., as a veteran or disabled veteran, current or former Federal employee, etc.). Please review the Required Documents for this position to find out if there are any documents required with your application. Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
A complete application includes: 1) A resume, 2) vacancy question responses, and 3) submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, or if the documents submitted are illegible you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Resume: All applicants must submit a resume by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their choosing. Please prepare a resume no longer than 2 pages; only the first 2 pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended. Cover letters are optional. To receive any credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and the number of hours worked for the experience listed on your resume. We suggest you review the qualification requirements for this position as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports the position qualifications. Please refer to the Resume Guidance on how to build an effective resume.
Reinstatement: If you are a former federal employee (separated from Federal service for at least 1 year) and wish to be non-competitively reinstated for a higher grade or full performance level than which you left federal employment, you MUST provide a copy of your separation SF-50 (the "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2") AND the last performance appraisal you received from your federal employment which shows at least a fully successful rating.
Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a multi-step process to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, the closing date of the announcement.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The Human Resources Office will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Limit your resume to 2 pages; only the first 2 pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended.
Need help applying?
- If you are experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button), please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If you receive any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or, at a minimum, the error message text and number. We will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance if necessary.
- If you are having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder), please visit the USAJOBS USAJOBS Help Center - How to.... We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.
- If you are experiencing a significant hardship that hinders your ability to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during regular business hours to discuss your situation.
Audrey Zimmerman
Address
Emergency Services Office
100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: USAJOBS Help Center - How to see your application and job status.
We will update applicant statuses when:
- A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
- Applications are referred to the selecting official.
- A selection decision has been made.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after announcement's closing date. Also, note that if you provide an inaccurate email address or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication, which could affect your consideration for this position.
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/15/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 15, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$46,610 - $83,119 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZS 3 - 4
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel to Boulder, CO
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0081 Fire Protection and Prevention
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
ADMR-137-26-12970360-AB
