Senior Firefighter

December 18, 2018

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

SENIOR FIREFIGHTER (advanced level firefighter with specialized skills and knowledge)

1. Basic OPM Requirements for this position

 Refer to the OPM Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical 

Support positions

2. NWCG Incident Management Qualifications - Currency Required *

Primary Core Requirement

FFT1

3. Additional required training as presented in the following courses, or agency 

equivalent: 

 S-290 “Intermediate Fire Behavior”

Common grade level: GS-5 (Note: Actual grade level will depend on the duties and 

responsibilities of the position.)

Selective Factor Justifications

 SFF is a 1st line supervisor position, and FFT1 is an entry level supervisory fireline 

qualification. The FFT1 qualification provides the individual with the knowledge and 

skill to tactically supervise other fire fighters. Without the FFT1 qualification, the 

individual would not be able to perform the major duty statement of their position. 

 S-290 is a prerequisite training course for FFT1 in PMS-310-1. S-290 provides the 

individual with knowledge of intermediate fire behavior which directly ties back to safety 

of fireline personnel.

 The combination of FFT1 and S-290 provides the incumbent with knowledge of fire 

suppression techniques, methods, and environmental conditions to be able to make 

assignments to crew members, accurately analyze complex fire circumstances, determine 

when additional forces may be needed, or determine when circumstances warrant 

withdrawal of personnel to safe locations. 
Senior Firefighter

December 18, 2018

Employee Development Training - Employee should receive the following developmental 

training, (or agency equivalent) to fully achieve competencies, as commensurate with duties 

assigned by agency:

*Currency

The Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard identifies currency as a

requirement for certain IFPM positions. The original intent of the Task Group that developed the 

IFPM Standard was to document that currency was defined as “current and qualified” (i.e. “red 

card” qualified). However, it has since been clarified per Office of Personnel Management

(OPM) standards, that currency cannot be used as a selective factor because it does not meet the 

OPM’s definition of a selective factor

(http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-06.asp).

The following points are intended to provide clarification for Human Resources (HR) and Fire 

Management regarding the term “currency”:

1. “Currency” will now be defined pursuant to the Wildland Fire Qualification System

Guide (PMS 310-1).

2. Federal bureaus cannot use “currency” to screen out applicants. As long as applicants can 

produce documentation that they have obtained the IFPM competencies at some point (as Crew Engine Helicopter

   ICS-200 “Basic ICS”

  S-211 “Portable Pumps and Water Use”

   S-212* “Wildfire Powersaws”

 S-216 “Driving for the Fire Service”

   S-260 “Incident Business Management Principles”

   S-270 “Basic Air Operations”

   Basic First Aid*

   CPR*

 Commercial Driver’s License Certification

 Helicopter Longline Training

   Supervisory Training
Senior Firefighter

December 18, 2018

validated by the Incident Qualifications and Currency System (IQCS) Master Record or 

equivalent documentation), they will meet the IFPM Selective Factors.

3. The hiring official can use “currency” as justification for selection. However, for

Delegated Examining advertisements, currency cannot be a reason to pass over a person who is a 

qualifying veteran.

4. As indicated in the IFPM Standard, certain positions still require the employee to remain 

current and qualified (i.e. “red card” qualified). If an applicant is selected less “currency”, or an 

incumbent loses “currency”, the employee and management must develop a plan for regaining 

currency.