Principal Firefighter/Deputy Shift Leader

BACKGROUND

NATO offers you more than a job. It gives you a mission: building peace and security for one billion people in Europe and North America.

We are a unique multinational flying force with operational capability located at the NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen. With its 14 E-3A aircraft, our organization plays a critical role in NATO and our mission is to deliver ready, responsive Airborne Early Warning, Battle Management, and Command and Control capability to operational commanders in support of NAC-approved tasks.

The Air Traffic Control & Airfield Services Squadron directs and controls performance of subordinate Branches/Sections. It provides Air Traffic Control Service, Meteorological Service, Fire-/Crash- and Rescue-Service, Ground Radar and Radio Maintenance Service.

The Fire/Crash/Rescue Branch provides a 24/7 fire-fighting capability for all aircraft, operational, technical and domestic areas.

The incumbent performs a variety of specialized functions in the Fire, Crash & Rescue Branch. He/she assists the Chief Fireman / Shift Leader in managing the fire shift crew. He/she deputizes for the Shift Leader during his absence and acts as On-Scene-Commander during the absence of his immediate functional supervisors.

To find out more about the background, please visit our Homepage https://awacs.nato.int/

How to apply: Video

THE ROLE

The incumbent's duties are:

• Assisting the Shift Leader in the supervision of the fire shift crew;
• Acting as on scene Sector commander;
• Acting as On Scene Commander at the scene of incidents in absence of the Shift leader;
• Acting as overall tactical Incident Commander during emergency response situations in the absence of the Shift leader; Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief;
• Monitoring the constant operational readiness of vehicles, equipment and materiel;
• Performing firefighting, crash and rescue duties;
• Assuming command and control of firefighting resources and fire, crash or rescue activities at the scene of incidents in the absence of the Shift Leader, the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief;
• Staying abreast of technological developments in the assigned area of expertise and maintaining professional proficiency;
• Conducting academic and/or practical professional training of fire fighting personnel;
• Assisting in Fire Prevention duties.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Very good knowledge of firefighting principles and tactics acquired through at least 4 years of current professional experience, some 3 years of which as an Fire Crew Chief / assistant Crew Chief, preferable at an operational airfield;
• Basic knowledge of Fire Prevention regulations;
• At least 1 year experience in supervising, training and exercising firefighting personnel;
• Good physical condition;
• Fully qualified aviation / airbase fire fighter;
• Driving licenses appropriate to operate any type of Airfield Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Vehicle equivalent to European Classes C & CE;
• Fire Officer ll (Brandinspektor); Equivalent to HN LG2E1 according to VAP 2-1-Feu and AGBF;
• Formal education or vocational training in Aviation On-Scene Commander;
• NBC Operations – Phase ll;
• Aircraft Firefighting – Phase I, II & III;
• Fire Officer l (Oberbrandmeister); Equivalent to HN LG1E2 according to VAP 1-2-Feu and AGBF, with 3 years’ experience;
• Basic training course; (Brandmeister) Equivalent to Host Nation (HN) LG1E1 according to VAP 1-1-Feu and  AGBF, must include as a minimum:
• Basic firefighting;
• Rescue Operations - Phase I;
• NBC Operations - Phase I;
• Operator for Pumps and Vehicles;
• Operator for Turntable ladders;
• Operator for Swop load vehicles;
• Voice radio operator course;
• Wearer of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus;
• Equipment maintainer course;
• Chain saw operator course;
• Paramedic (Equivalent DEU: “Rettungssanitäter” or higher);
• Physical Fitness Training (Equivalent DEU: Rettungsschwimmerabzeichen and Deutsches Sportabzeichen in Silber).
• Formal education or vocational training in LG1E2;
• If this training is not available the incumbent is required to undergo this training on the post. All further career training will be held at Host Nation Fire Schools or International equivalent according to Host Nation Law.

THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN ADVANTAGE

• Member of a voluntary firefighting organization;
• Previous NATO assignment;
• Experience working in an international / military environment.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please attach any documentation (proof of highest education, diplomas, certificates, testimonials etc.) that you consider to be particularly relevant to the qualification requirements specified in this advertisement. Any documentation submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by at least an unofficial translation. Please note that upon taking up duties, candidates will be asked to provide original certificates of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

CONTRACT

Serving civilian members of NATO will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Newly recruited staff will be initially offered a definite duration contract of three years. Thereafter, an indefinite duration contract might be offered.

SALARY

Salary values indicated in this vacancy notice are based on the new Single Salary Spine scale.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• Excellent tax-free salary, including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff;
• Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme;
• Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible);
• Retirement Pension Plan.

TEST/INTERVIEW

The tests will take place in week 22 and the interviews in week 25.

Our recruitment team will provide further guidance for invited candidates.