Facility Oversight Division Director Job in Carlsbad, NM

Vacancy No. 24-CB-EK-00218-12567248-ES Department Department of Energy - Agency Wide
Salary $122,198.00 to $204,000.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/16/2024 Close Date 11/6/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Carlsbad, NM


Summary

The Office of Environmental Management is responsible for the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy resulting from five decades of nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research. The EM work is being done in 11 states and the lifecycle cost of the program is currently estimated to be over 330 billion dollars and will span beyond 2075.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens

Duties

As the Facility Oversight Division Director you will:

  • Oversee and evaluate the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and Managing and Operating (M&O) contractor performance toward WIPP mission in terms of schedules; deliverables; compliance with applicable conduct of operations, nuclear safety, and industrial safety regulatory/requirements; and technical performance.
  • Authorize orders for work shutdown and/or suspends operations if an imminent hazard to worker safety or the environment exists.
  • Ensure that immediate and effective remedial actions are taken for imminent danger situations discovered during worker protection inspections to ensure employees are removed for the hazard or the hazard is eliminated.
  • Ensure compliance with safety notification and reporting requirements. Alerts management of possible violations beyond the scope of responsibility and participates in investigations of incidents.
  • Evaluate safety-related information and indications from Facility Representatives, Subject Matter Experts, Federal staff and managers and contractor employees to identify and proactively resolve safety and regulatory issues.
  • Utilize performance indicators and performance measure to assess and improve performance, and where appropriate, perform root cause analysis.
  • Prepare written evaluations and resolve inadequacies or weaknesses directly with the WIPP M&O and, as necessary, elevates technical concerns for resolution.
  • Advises the appropriate management level of WIPP facility operations and activities and actions that warrant prompt attention (e.g., events, accidents, and investigations), with recommendations as to solutions of critical problems, and follow-up actions.
  • Provide senior level leadership in oversight of federal and contractor adherence to environmental, safety, health and quality (ESH&QA) requirements, regulations, and standards during the life of the Project.
  • Ensure the defensible implementation of conduct of operations, industrial safety, and nuclear safety requirements in execution of all programs and operations.
  • Ensure qualification of federal employees under the Carlsbad Field Office Technical Qualification Program.
  • Establish and oversees priorities for the office and finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work directed.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

PRE-HIRING REQUIREMENTS:
CITIZENSHIP: You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You must pass a background investigation.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT: If you are selected for this position, you will be required to file this report prior to entry on duty in accordance with the Ethics of Government Act of 1978.
TRIAL PERIOD: You must complete a two-year trial period. If the position is supervisory, you must also complete a 1-year supervisory probationary period, to be served concurrently.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: If you are a male born after December 31,1959, you must be registered with the Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register.
E-VERIFY: New employees will be required to pass the employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

This is an Excepted Service position. If you are selected, you would have to compete with other applicants in open competition to meet requirements for a Federal position in the competitive service, unless you meet the requirements for reinstatement. Applicants who voluntarily convert from the competitive service, Senior Executive Service, or other pay systems to a permanent appointment under this excepted service authority do not have guaranteed placement back to the pay system assigned prior to conversion.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Your online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade/pay band in the Federal service. For this position, experience must be at least equivalent to the EJ/EK-III or GS-13 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

1. Advising and evaluating waste management operations, environmental restoration and clean-up
activities related to radioactive, hazardous, and mixed wastes; or

2. Executing related principals, laws, safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures and
process improvement initiatives; or

3. Evaluating contractor environmental, nuclear safety, operations, safety and health contract
compliance; or

4. Reviewing and evaluating program priorities and conduct periodic scientific reviews to evaluate
facility performance; and/or analyzing regulations to resolve compliance issues during
project execution.

5. Applying knowledge of complex nuclear and industrial safety concepts and principles; experience in managing or participating in oversight programs at military, federal, or state government nuclear or radiological facilities; utilization of good oral and written presentation skills; and experience in using personal judgement to independently make day to day decisions.


"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service Programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

Required Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Your application and resume should show that you possess the following competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Be sure to show how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the Competencies/KSAs identified below:
  • Mastery of skill in applying expertise in various engineering disciplines, principles, concepts, standards, and methods or related physical science fields sufficient to serve as a recognized expert and conduct extensive investigations into new technology to resolve divergent and conflicting approaches to solve mission challenges and leverage development of advanced techniques and new approaches that will advance the state-of-the-art.
  • Knowledge of the public laws and regulations that govern environmental management work and the related technology workforce.
  • Expert knowledge of risk analysis sufficient to analyze projects for risk and reliability issues and integrate with other aspects of project plans.
  • Knowledge of program and project management principles and methods sufficient to plan, direct, coordinate and research difficult and complex and diverse programs, projects, and issues.
  • Knowledge and skill in applying oral and written communication methods sufficient to establish and maintain effective relationships and to apply a high level of independent judgement in day-to-day activities.
  • Knowledge of negotiation strategies and methods sufficient to negotiate effectively with management to accept and implement recommendations and prepare effective reports for use by senior management.
  • Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods sufficient to provide expert analytical services, staff advice, and assistant to higher echelon activities concerning programs, principles, and practices to achieve safe, efficient, and effective operations.
  • Ability to exercise staff supervisory responsibility and to direct and administer an organization required to perform program/project activities, staff supervision and staff services.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
1) meet the eligibility criteria; and
2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

801 - Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

-OR

Combination of education and experience - college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1) Professional registration or licensure; 2) Written Test; 3) Specified academic course; 4) Related curriculum. For more information on the alternative methods, please refer to the OPM Qualifications Standards. https://www.opm.gov/policy­dataoversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualificationstandards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering­positions-0800.pdf

1301 - Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

-OR

Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. https://www.opm.gov/ policy-data-oversight/classification.

You must provide a copy of your unofficial transcript(s). Be sure to include those transcripts directly applicable for meeting the education requirements. Failure to provide proof of education will result in non-consideration for this position. Official transcripts will be required prior to entrance-on-duty for individuals selected.

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see Department of Education.

Additional information

The Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Telework: Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy.

OF-306: You may be required to complete an OF-306, "Declaration for Federal Employment" form used to (a) determine your suitability for Federal Employment and/or (b) in conducting an investigation to determine your suitability or ability to hold a security clearance.

The selecting official may need to consult Departmental ethics counsel to determine whether any of your former or current employers, affiliations, or financial holdings conflict with your ability to perform the duties of this position. If necessary, ethics counsel will work with you and the hiring office regarding potential mitigation strategies, if available.

You may be approved for hiring incentives in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Applications contain information subject to the Privacy Act (PL 93 579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.

The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non-compliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.

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.

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications necessary for this position.
Then the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.
If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), you must meet the definition of "well qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated "ineligible", "not qualified", or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Selecting official may check references on those applicants referred for consideration. References will be checked on the selectee prior to an employment offer.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, please click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12567724

Required Documents

Thoroughly review the following list to determine the documentation you need to submit. If you fail to submit required documentation before the announcement closes, you will be rated "ineligible." Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package:

ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.

  • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
  • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
  • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
  • For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.

Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.

Current and former Federal employees: Most recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notice of Personnel Action). To properly verify status eligibility, your SF-50 must show the following: 1) Full position title; 2) appointment type; 3) occupational series; 4) pay plan, grade, and step; 5) tenure code; 6) service computation date (SCD).

If specific educational requirements are indicated for this vacancy: Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.

Certain Military Spouses: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders authorizing you to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center.

Displaced Federal employees who qualify for Career Transition Assistance Programs (I/CTAP): If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition for more information.

Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through Schedule A hiring authority. Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist or any Federal, state or District of Columbia agency or US territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.

If you are selected for this position, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify your responses.

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

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted online by 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. We will not accept faxed or e-mailed applications and/or resumes. Extension requests will not be granted unless required by law.

All statements made in this application are subject to investigation and any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for disqualification and loss of consideration. If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.

The application process is as follows:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

Anjellika Jacobs
Address
Office of Environmental Management - Carlsbad Field Office
Department of Energy
Human Capital Shared Service Center
1000 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20585
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible. In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.


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


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