EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SPECIALIST Job in Kirtland AFB, NM

Vacancy No. DTRA-25-12778265-MP Department Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Salary $89,583.00 to $138,486.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/6/2025 Close Date 8/19/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Kirtland AFB, NM


Summary

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current permanent DoD civilian employees in the competitive service and DTRA DCIPS employees; Displaced employees (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan - ICTAP eligible); and individuals eligible for the following Special Appointing Authorities: People with Disabilities, military spouses, and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA). PPP hiring preference available for Military Spouses, Military Reserves, National Guard, and Retained Grade Preference Employees.

Duties

As a EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SPECIALIST at the GS-0017-12/13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Incumbent serves as the Department's Test Explosive Safety Manager and Safety Officer. The primary emphasis of the position is managing a comprehensive safety and occupational health program involving execution of all phases of planning and operations for test fielding, execution and post-test recovery involving construction, general industry safety, and explosives program management. Tests and experiments include national level asset test beds, facilities and tunnels, unique and untried war-fighter combat systems, explosive ordnance, military explosives, commercial explosives, experimental explosives, sensitive explosives, hazardous materials, chemicals, biological simulants and radiological materials.
  • Performs assigned unaccompanied access duties which involve chain of custody responsibilities for the receipt control, inventory accountability, use, and consumption reporting. Manages safety and compliance programs for the storage, handling, and transportation of test explosives. Manages safety and compliance of explosives operations conducted during test operations, ensuring the safety of personnel, material, and environmental resources. As subject matter expert, plans, coordinates, and manages all phases of explosives recovery operations for weapons and explosives malfunctions to include contact with national level agency, service, and foreign country program managers. Conducts post-test hazard abatement for structural damage, hazardous atmospheres, unexploded ordnance and explosives, and other hazards resulting from test operations.
  • Reviews and develops health and safety plans, programs, and policies directly affecting multi-million dollar testing programs and test bed designs. Responsible for all aspects of safety and explosive operations for test planning, fielding, test event, and post-test recovery. Identifies hazards, conducts risk assessments, and develops safety requirements for tests.
  • Administers direct safety oversight of work, site operations, and environmental conditions involving substantial numbers of contractors, multiple service components, and national level agencies with diverse hazards which include the potential for significant severity of loss to high dollar, one-of-a-kind prototype property, resources and life. Plans, conducts, and analyzes investigations of a broad variety of mishaps, hazardous conditions, and accidents to determine origin, causes, and contributing factors. Prepares the official written evaluation report of findings.
  • Manages programs and conducts permit required confined space entries (PRCS), emergency medical response exercises, and training evaluations, surveys of facilities, equipment, and operations for multiple organizational detachments engaged in widely dispersed and diversified activities over a large geographic area. Identifies deficiencies in the programs and provides regulatory reference or variances to the standards using comprehensive knowledge of regulations, standards, procedures, methods, and techniques.
  • Coordinates directly with multiple host installations Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Offices for Agency Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) OSH inspections and staff assistance visits. Inspects and evaluates all test contractors' and test participants' programs to ensure compliance with OSH standards for construction, general industry and explosives.
  • Authors supplements to regulations and manuals and develops specialized local regulations defining mishap prevention and handling and storage procedures based on interpretation and/or adaptation of higher level instructions and policies formulated by other federal government agencies. Reviews, evaluates plans and makes design change recommendations for current and new construction plans of major building alterations and test articles. Ensures compliance with safety codes and standards during construction, test fixtures fabrication, and all phases of test activities. Develops specialized operating practices affecting construction matters associated with diverse but recognized hazards and attends pre-construction conferences to brief construction engineers and contractors on safety requirements.
  • Authors and conducts technical safety training/instruction for division supervisors, employees and/or unit level safety representatives, and contractors on a wide range of operational areas, such as emergency medical response, vehicle/All-Terrain Vehicle driver safety, hazardous materials, OSH safety, and explosives safety.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: 25% - May be recalled to duty 24-hrs a day during other than normal duty hours to include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized if funds are available and with approval from hiring manager; See link for more information: https://www.dtra.mil/Careers-Opportunities/DTRA-Opportunities/
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Incumbent is required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form, OGE 450, within 30 days of entering the position, annually and upon termination IAW DoD Directive 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, August 30, 1993
  • Telework Eligibility: This position may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines.  This position is not eligible for remote telework.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.
  • Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and if required thereafter.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Knowledge of the explosives safety field to include experience in explosives testing, explosive ordnance disposal, and explosives recovery operations to review and develop health and safety plans, programs, and policies directly affecting multi-million dollar testing programs and test bed designs and to manage safety and compliance programs for the storage, handling, and transportation of test explosives.
  • Knowledge in explosives hazard classification, munitions storage, explosive ordnance inventory and disposition to ensure compliance with OSH standards.
  • Knowledge to determine and experience in applying safety protocols to chemical hazard zones.
  • Knowledge and skill in the use of standard industry personnel protective equipment to operate 4 and 5 gas monitors in hazardous atmospheres and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
  • Knowledge of the occupational safety and health field to administer direct safety oversight of work, site operations, and environmental conditions involving substantial numbers of personnel.
You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Expert knowledge of the explosives safety field to include experience in explosives testing, explosive ordnance disposal, and explosives recovery operations to review and develop health and safety plans, programs, and policies directly affecting multi-million dollar testing programs and test bed designs and to manage safety and compliance programs for the storage, handling, and transportation of test explosives.
  • Expert knowledge in explosives hazard classification, munitions storage, explosive ordnance inventory and disposition to ensure compliance with OSH standards.
  • Expert knowledge to determine and experience in applying safety protocols to chemical hazard zones.
  • Knowledge and skill in the use of standard industry personnel protective equipment to operate 4 and 5 gas monitors in hazardous atmospheres and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
  • Expert knowledge of the occupational safety and health field to administer direct safety oversight of work, site operations, and environmental conditions involving substantial numbers of personnel.
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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Certification and Licensing Requirements:

  • Must possess graduation certificate from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD).
  • Munitions Certification training/certification as required for test locations.
  • Maintains necessary training to preserve proficiency in job related qualifications i.e., CPR, First Aid, HAZWOPER and Permit Required Confined Space.

Additional information

Medical and Physical Requirements:

  • This position may require the incumbent to lift over 50lbs, walk a/o crawl over rough terrain, bend over, and/or crawl/fit into tight spaces.
  • Some sites and treaties require the enrollment into the CPRP or BPRP.
  • This position may require the incumbent to be exposed to ionizing radiation. Radiation monitoring may be required IAW DoDI 6055.08 Occupational Ionizing Radiation Protection Program to ensure compliance.
  • This position may require the use of personal protective equipment which may include chemical protective gear and a protective mask or other respiratory protection. Respiratory protection will include a medical exam to qualify on use and wear IAW 29 CFR 1910.134.
  • This position may be exposed to high levels of noise. Individual will be required to comply with all aspects of a hearing conservation program to include completing training, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and receiving audiograms IAW DODI 6055.12 Hearing Conservation Program.
  • This position may have exposure to hazardous lasers. IAW DoDM 6055.05 Occupational Medical Examinations laser eye exams may be required.

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

For more information, please visit
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Re-employed Annuitant: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

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.

Benefits

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Competencies:

  • Explosives Safety Program Management
  • Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork
  • TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT


Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc...). Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED
1. Your resume:

  • Your resume may be submitted on any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., "HRS per week and month/year to month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume
2. Required Graduation Certificate:
  • This position requires a graduation certificate from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD)
3. SF50
  • All current and former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
4. Veteran's Documents:
  • If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents: DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DODCustomersRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf
If you are claiming Military Spouse Preference, you must submit supporting documents with your application package. These documents must provide acceptable information to verify: you reside within the commuting area of your sponsor's permanent duty station (PDS); proof of marriage to the active duty sponsor, proof of military member's active duty status, and other documentation required by the vacancy announcement to which you are applying; and must meet all pre-employment criteria and be eligible for immediate noncompetitive appointment to a position in the competitive service. Documentation required: Marriage Certificate or License, Signed Self-Certification Checklist, Veterans' Preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, Statement of Service, if applicable), Transcripts (if applicable). Additional documentation required if previously held a federal position: SF-50s (e.g., LWOP, highest grade held, overseas appointments, etc.), SF-75 Information, and documentation of performance rating of record (dated within the last 12 months)

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12778265.

Agency contact information

DTRA Servicing Team
Phone
614-692-0259
Fax
(215) 516-6068
Email
DHRC-DDTRAHR@dla.mil
Address
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter. All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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