SAD VA 2026-092 Fire Apparatus Engineer (SAD E-6) E5-E7 HQ Installation-Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), Los Alamitos, CA 

Position Details 
Announcement Number: SAD VA 2026-092
Opening Date: 21 October 2026 
Closing Date: 3 November 2026 
Position Title: Fire Apparatus Engineer (SAD E-6) 
Duty Location: HQ Installation-Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), Los Alamitos, CA 
Selecting Official: Installation Commander, JFTB 

Projected Employment Date: TBD 

Vacancy Announcement Details 
The California Military Department is accepting applications for the State Active-Duty position indicated above. An appointment to this position provides full benefit status for the appointee and their beneficiaries. The incumbent will be appointed on annually renewable State Active-Duty orders through year six, at which time the incumbent may be eligible for career status IAW CMD Reg 600-1, dated 15 November 2024. Continuation and 
subsequent extensions of service will be determined by the individual’s performance of duty and continuation of funding. The Service Member selected for this position will be paid at their Federal or California State Guard 
(CSG) pay grade, not to exceed E-6. This announcement has minimum requirements. Failure to meet these requirements will cause your application to be rejected from consideration. While it is important for you to read the entire announcement closely, please pay particular attention to the instructions at the end of this announcement for documents required to submit a complete application. Applications missing signatures and required documents will not be considered. The Service Member selected for this position may be eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Other benefits may also be available to those who qualify such as Employee Assistance Programs, Group Legal Services, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Retirement Annuity, Savings Plus, and the Military Service Buy Back Program. Reimbursement for moving and relocation expenses will not be paid. 

Eligibility Requirements  
• Active members of the California Military Department (Army, Air, CSG) in the grades E-5 through E-7 may apply. Applicants must have a militia affiliation per Para 5-2 of CMD Reg. 600-1. CSG members who have no prior federal militia experience must be a member of the CSG in good standing for a minimum of two years for eligibility for SAD vacancies.   
• California State Guard(CSG) Applicants must have 2 or more years of service and must provide a copy of their Basic Orientation Course (BOC) completion certificate and (BLC) course certificate.  
• Completion/Graduate of Accredited California state fire Marshal Fire Academy. 
• Three years experience in an organizational Fire Department (DOD or municipal). 
• Pumper Qualified. 
• Driver Operator 1A & 1B certified. 
• Must have a State of CA Class C License with a firefighter endorsement. 
• Airport/Airfield Fire Fighter "Fire Control 5 Certified" (ARFF). 
• Specialized in Fire Hydraulics Training. 
• EMT/CPR/AED Certificate. 
• No record of pyrophobia, acrophobia, or claustrophobia. 
• Visual acuity and hearing deficit IAW DODI 6055.6M. 
• Must obtain a favorable National Agency Check (NAC). 
• Associates degree in Fire Science desired. 
• Applicants must maintain good standing with militia component. 
• Completion of militia and civilian education requirements commensurate with the grade of the applicant are required.  
• Militia assignments appropriate to the grade of the applicant are required. 
• Applicants must meet, and maintain, militia component medical and physical fitness standards. 
• Appropriate militia uniform with federal or state recognized rank will be worn in accordance with militia regulation. 
• Must be able to pass State and Federal background checks (Live Scan), and California Military Department status verification. Continuation of employment is contingent upon maintaining favorable background checks. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 
The Fire Apparatus Engineer FAE works under the immediate supervision of the Fire Captain who provides objectives and scope of work assignments. The FAE, at times will work independently to perform primary work responsibilities as required. Supervisor reviews any/all work for general adequacy and responsiveness to emergency situations.  FAE works as a team member and exercises initiative in carrying out recurring duties according to prescribed procedures and refers unusual problems to the Fire Captain or Fire Chief following the designated chain of command for assistance. The FAE is scheduled to work so as to provide 24 hour coverage, seven days per week in accordance with CMD Regulation 600-1 and is considered essential personnel. 
• Participate in ongoing training programs to ensure proficiency in the operations of emergency vehicles.  
• Operate Airfield Rescue and Firefighting apparatus during emergency situations; properly position apparatus on scene in an efficient and safe manner; effectively use tools and techniques for efficient aircraft firefighting and rescue procedures, observe safety of entire crew during suppression and rescue efforts; make decisions based on knowledge and skills and adjust to emergency situations.  
• Have knowledge of motor vehicle regulations and apparatus limitations. 
• Maintain communications with tower and fire department dispatch, including the ability to read signal lights; Posses working knowledge of ARFF techniques and fire suppression of flammable liquids and other hazardous material used in the construction and operation of various aircraft, knowledge of hydraulics and pump theory.  
• Knowledge and ability of laying hose, pump hook-up, pump operations, developing fire streams by means of coefficients/mathematical computations and ability of detecting pump operations troubles. 
• Properly and efficiently operate, drive, and maintain all equipment used by the JFTB Fire Dept to include Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Structural, and Heavy Rescue Apparatus utilized at any given time.   
• Keep accurate records on equipment performance and repair history.  
• Perform standby duties regularly or as a crew.   
• Proficient use of hand tools, power equipment, portable life support.   
• Participate in classroom, practical field demonstrations and drills to improve skills.  
• Be physically and mentally fit for all contingencies related to the performance of job requirements.  
• Performs department preventive maintenance to AR 420-1, DODI 6055-6 and NFPA standards on all JFTB vehicles.  
• Coordinates purchase of required parts and scheduled maintenance to ensure operational readiness at all times.  
• Performs preventive maintenance checks and service (PMCS) annotating DA Form 5380 of those discrepancies.   
• Maintain 100% accountable records of service and out of service for each apparatus. 
• Perform Fire Prevention & Safety inspections for JFTB buildings, facility & flight line enforcing codes, regulations, and laws to mitigate hazards; Evaluate hazards, make recommendations for repair/service through JFTB DPW for corrective action. 
• Conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance to code and regulations ensuring a safe working environment for all host, tenants and guests, at JFTB. Perform other duties as assigned.   
• Act as Acting Fire Captain in extreme emergencies and approved by the Fire Chief. 

Applications must be received by the State Personnel office no later than midnight on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. 

Statement of Qualifications: 
A Statement of Qualifications is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application. Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, no less than twelve-point Arial font. 
Candidate must clearly and concisely identify experience in categories listed below and must be in the following order: 
• Describe your experience operating Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) apparatus, structural engines, and heavy rescue equipment in both emergency and training environments. In your response, include specific examples demonstrating your knowledge of pump operations, hose evolutions, fire hydraulics, and mathematical computations used to develop fire streams. Explain how your experience aligns with the operational and safety expectations of a Fire Apparatus Engineer.  
• Explain your experience performing preventive maintenance, PMCS documentation, and equipment readiness checks in accordance with organizational or regulatory standards (such as NFPA, DODI 6055.06, AR 420-1, or similar). Provide examples that show your ability to maintain accurate service records, identify equipment discrepancies, coordinate repairs, and ensure 100% accountability of apparatus readiness.  
• Discuss your experience working within a structured chain of command and describe a time when you served in a leadership role during an emergency or training scenario. Include details on how you provided direction to a fire crew, ensured safety and compliance with operational procedures, and exercised sound judgment under pressure. Highlight how your background supports the Fire Apparatus Engineer’s responsibility to act as Acting Fire Captain when required. 

Chuck Callahan