Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Direct-Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veteran's preference and category rating of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Direct Hire Authority for Shortage Category/Critical need positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

As a Sr. Human Performance (Factors) Accident Investigator - Direct Hire, GS-1801-14, you will perform the following major duties:

1. Serves as group chair in the NTSB's party process for incidents and accident investigations, which involves organizing and conducting on-scene investigative activities with the group members, and involves communicating the investigation status and plans to the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), the Division Chief, and other group chairs.
2. Identifies and assesses the significance of human performance (individual, work group, organizational) factors found during on-scene investigations. Evaluates system safety processes, safety management system (SMS) maturity, and organizational safety culture factors. Analyzes and interprets the data uncovered. The purpose of such analysis is to 1) advance the knowledge of human performance factors in the safe operation of transportation systems; 2) provide practical\ applications of theory from the behavioral sciences and human factors field to improve transportation safety; and 3) form a basis for the application of practical solutions to prevent future accidents of similar nature.
3. Determines requirements for human performance tests, studies, research, and/or assistance that may be necessary for an investigation. Monitors these activities and evaluates findings in terms of relevancy to the probable cause and/or safety recommendations and actions.
4. Prepares timely and accurate factual and analytical reports that present the human performance findings and conclusions to support or substantiate the probable cause of an accident. The factual report documents the evidence obtained on the performance of people and their work environment relevant to an accident. The analysis report discusses the significance of the human performance evidence, along with support from relevant technical literature, leading to findings and conclusions that support the probable cause of an incident or accident.
5. Participates in the preparation of formal NTSB incident and accident reports to ensure the accurate presentation and interpretation of human performance in transportation issues.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be regi or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
• Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
• Suitability for Federal employment
• Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case by case basis
• Bargaining Unit Position: YES (Bargaining unit represented by NTSB-AFGE Local 2211)
• Direct Deposit is required.
• This position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
• You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
• THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following Specialized Experience Statement:

GS-14: I have one or more years of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service that is typically in or related to the work of this position. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in conducting and managing human performance investigations on transportation incidents and accidents; understanding of the principles, methods, and tools used to identify and apply information about human behavior, abilities, limitations, and other characteristics to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs and environments for effective human use; Experience assembling and organizing technical data and research to prepare factual and analytical reports, and oral presentations incorporating relevant human factors issues and findings; experience presenting complex technical ideas and terminology using plain language; experience writing and preparing formal responses, such as responses to proposed regulations or policies, inquiries from oversight agencies (Congressional, Federal or State), industry stakeholders and the public.
For more information see link: General Schedule Qualification Standards

NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.

How you will be evaluated

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

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/

Your application must include your resume and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Referral: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person) at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices.

The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:

• A Complete Two-Page Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information MUST be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
• Responses to the questionnaire.

You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.

Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.

Next steps