About the opportunity
The Air Force Special Operations Command is hiring a Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support) at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a firefighter assigned to a crew engaged in airfield and structural firefighting, crash-rescue, hazardous materials technical response, and non-invasive emergency medical procedures to provide Basic Life Support. Key responsibilities include hazard and risk assessment, driving and operating complex firefighting vehicles such as pumpers and aerial ladder trucks, maintaining firefighting equipment, and complying with safety regulations. This position is designated as Mission Essential and a key position essential for wartime and contingency operations.
Salary and benefits
- Salary ranging from $50,460 to $65,599 per year
- Federal civil service benefits including health, retirement, and leave provisions
- Special retirement provisions under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) for federal firefighters in rigorous positions
Who can apply?
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to the GS-06 level, including controlling or extinguishing fires, conducting rescue operations, detecting and eliminating fire hazards, operating communications equipment, or controlling hazardous materials incidents
- Must meet Federal Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements if applying as a current or recent General Schedule employee
- Applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment due to maximum entry age restrictions for primary and rigorous firefighter positions, unless eligible for veterans' preference waivers or reinstatement exceptions
- Must possess or obtain required certifications including Airport Firefighter, HAZMAT Awareness, Operations, and Technician, Apparatus Driver Operator – Pumper and ARFF, and CPR
Required documents
- Online application questionnaire
- Resume (must not exceed two pages, include hours worked per week, dates of employment, and full name)
- Copies of firefighter certifications, licenses, and transcripts if qualifying on education
- SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (for current or former federal employees)
- DD-214 or official certification memo (for veterans or active duty service members)
When to apply
- Applications open on October 21, 2026
- Application closing date is October 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
How to apply
- Create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account
- Review the vacancy announcement and complete the online application questionnaire
- Prepare a resume complying with the two-page limit and including all required employment details and certifications
- Upload all required supporting documents such as SF-50 forms, transcripts, or firefighter certifications
- Submit the completed application package through USAJOBS before the deadline
Additional information
- Position is designated as Mission Essential (ME) and a key position IAW AFI 36-507
- A pre-employment physical is required
- Certain certifications such as Apparatus Driver Operator-Mobile Water Supply and State or National Registry EMT-Basic must be obtained within 12 months from the date of hire
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong fit for individuals with current or recent experience in structural or airfield firefighting, crash-rescue, or hazardous materials handling at the GS-06 level or equivalent
- Well-suited for candidates holding required certifications such as HAZMAT Technician and Airport Firefighter who meet federal civil service qualifications
- Appeals to applicants seeking federal employment with specialized retirement coverage under federal firefighter provisions
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must strictly adhere to a maximum two-page resume limit and submit all required certifications and SF-50 forms to avoid disqualification
- Subject to a maximum entry age restriction of 37 years for initial appointments unless a waiver applies
- The position is located at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, requiring relocation if not locally based, and involves mission-essential duties with mandatory availability during base closures or emergencies
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a stable federal career opportunity with specialized retirement provisions for qualified firefighters looking to build long-term service within the Department of the Air Force. It provides an environment to apply tactical firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency medical skills in an active military installation setting.
Our take
Experienced firefighters and veterans with the required certifications and eligibility who are prepared for mission-essential base operations should seriously consider applying before the October 28, 2026 deadline. Candidates lacking the required specialized experience, certifications, or meeting age restrictions will find this role unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
