This position is located in the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Pittsburgh Safety & Health Technology Center (PSHTC), South Park, PA. The PSHTC conducts in-mine studies to maintain the health and safety of miners ; participates in accident investigations.
-This position is at the full performance level.
-This position is inside the bargaining unit.
-Additional selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
-PCS Expenses will not be reimbursed
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Pittsburgh Safety & Health Technology Center (PSHTC), South Park, PA. The PSHTC conducts in-mine studies to maintain the health and safety of miners ; participates in accident investigations.
-This position is at the full performance level.
-This position is inside the bargaining unit.
-Additional selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Current/former Federal employees w/ competitive/reinstatement eligibility; ICTAP/CTAP eligibles in local commuting area; Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act eligibles; individuals eligible for these non-competitive authorities: 30% or > compensably disabled vets; individuals w/disabilities; pres/former Peace Corps (PC) personnel & former PC volunteers. Also advertised as job announcement #DE-19-PHIL-MSHA-0003 for non-status applicants; to be considered for each, apply to BOTH jobs.
Serves as the Quality Assurance manager for Technical Support’s multiple laboratories in Pittsburgh, PA and Mt Hope, WV, overseeing a comprehensive Quality Control program ensuring the reliability of their various analyses. Serves as the Center’s technical authority on the quality assurance program and on the accreditation process for the multiple laboratories. Provides expert advice to the Center Chief and all Division Chiefs, on the establishment, interpretation, and maintenance of quality control programs for the four Center laboratories in order to ensure that the analyses performed are maintained in a state of statistical control. This includes QC programs for the analysis of particulate samples for quartz content, elemental constituents, particle characterization and mass concentration, as well as for organic substances and toxic gases and liquids. The incumbent is responsible for gaining accreditation of all MSHA Safety Center labs by the relevant outside professional organizations. The incumbent provides direction and guidance to the Laboratory Directors and lower-graded chemists in the lengthy process of achieving and maintaining professional recognition of their labs. This work has special significance for the entire Agency as the results of the lab work are the foundation of multiple Agency enforcement programs. Lab results support fines levied by Enforcement Inspectors against mine operators and any subsequent litigation over the fines. The particulate sample analysis is the critical element in the Agency’s campaign to reduce Black Lung illness among miners. Professional recognition/certification of the four laboratories increases public confidence and enhances the standing of the laboratories in court proceedings. Provides assistance and guidance to multiple Center Laboratory Directors and lower-graded chemists for development and implementation of quality control programs for new analytical methods employed to determine quantitative levels of toxic contaminants in mine environments. Coordinates recommendations for change with the Laboratory Director or Division Chief, as appropriate. Conducts an annual Customer Satisfaction Survey and provides the Center Chief with a report on the results. Oversees the development of quality control reports, reviews reports for accuracy, and maintains standard operating procedures for all Center laboratory processes. Provides a quarterly Quality Assurance report to the Center Chief, which identifies deficiencies, corrective actions, and continuing needs of the laboratories. Conducts evaluations of current laboratory processes in order to upgrade and improve laboratory methods and for the development of new analytical procedures. This involves studying and evaluating the precision and accuracy of existing laboratory procedures. It also includes the modification of existing procedures to maximize the efficiency of routine sample analysis and utilization of personnel. Keeps abreast of developments in analytical methods through training and contacts within MSHA, manufacturers, and research organizations. Works with MSHA’s Program Evaluation and Information Resources (PEIR) on developing modifications to computer tracking systems, and submits paperwork as required to initiate programming changes. Provides technical assistance, consultation, and guidance of a complex nature to MSHA staff, including solicitors and enforcement personnel, the mining industry, other government agencies, and private laboratories on sampling issues, methods, analytical reports, and policy recommendations relating to all types of analyses performed at the MSHA labs. The employee is an Agency technical Expert on laboratory operations, sample analyses, sample reporting and methodologies. Statistical analyses are conducted as necessary for determining compliance with establish policies and procedures. Conducts internal audits of laboratories in preparation for re-accreditation and provides recommendations for improving laboratory processes.
Incidental driver of a government passenger vehicle. Performs other duties as assigned.
At the GS-13 level, this is a developmental position to the full performance level GS-14. The incumbent performs the duties with a higher degree of supervision and guidance than at the GS-14 level.
Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
Requires a valid drivers license.
Subject to financial disclosure requirements.
Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
U.S. Citizenship.
Must be at least 16 years of age.
Applicants must meet time-in-grade, time-after-competitive-appointment and qualifications requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the vacancy to be eligible for consideration for selection. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Qualifications
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met in addition to meeting the specialized experience.
1.Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic individual occupational requirement, applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ANY ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Specialized experience sought for this position:
GS-13 Applicants must have at least 52 weeks experience at the next lower level in the normal career progression of the position being filled. When compared to Federal experience, this experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level of GS-12. This experience may have been gained in either the Federal or Private sectors demonstrating a professional knowledge of chemistry concepts, principles, quality control procedures, statistics and mathematics in order to evaluate and eliminate toxic agents and hazards. Examples of specialized experience include:
Conducting internal audits of laboratories in preparation for accreditation, and providing recommendations for improving laboratory processes;
Provides technical assistance, consultation, and guidance of a complex nature to internal and external contact on sampling issues, methods, analytical reports, and policy recommendations relating to all types of analyses performed;
Develops, maintain and coordinates the laboratory hazardous waste measurement and disposal plan, chemical hygiene plan, and quality assurance program.
Prepares or reviews technical manuscripts and presents talks and presentations before scientific groups.
Prepares correspondence, technical reports, cost estimates, fact sheets, status reports and schedules.
GS-14In addition to the experience required for the GS-13, Applicants must have at least 52 weeks experience at the next lower level in the normal career progression of the position being filled. When compared to Federal experience, this experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level of GS-13. This experience may have been gained in either the Federal or Private sectors demonstrating a thorough professional knowledge of chemistry concepts, principles, quality control procedures, statistics and mathematics in order to develop and apply standards practices, methods and techniques in the area of quality assessment. Examples of specialized experience include:
Overseeing a comprehensive Quality Control program ensuring the reliability of various analyses;
Conducting evaluations of laboratory processes in order to upgrade and improve laboratory methods;
Providing direction and guidance to the Laboratory Directors and lower-graded chemists in the process of achieving and maintaining professional recognition.
There is no substitution of education for this experience.
Education
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.
If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.
Additional information
DOL seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse customers we serve. DOL fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility and fairness so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
All MSHA employees and their spouses, and minor children are prohibited by regulation from having any interest, direct or indirect, in any mine or mining company which may be directly affected by the work of MSHA through its investigations, technical research, or other activities. These interests are prohibited under the Department of Labor's Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct Regulations at 5 CFR 5201.105. Certain MSHA employees are required to file a financial disclosure report. For questions, please contact the vacancy contact on this announcement.
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.
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.
Click here for Evaluation details. For Displaced Employees ONLY: if you meet the eligibility requirements for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will be considered "well-qualified" if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review DOL Account Eligibility Questions #24 and 27 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP/CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies: Analysis/Problem Solving: Ability to seek and evaluate different approaches and to adapt analytical procedures and methodology as necessary to accommodate new types of analyses. Professional Knowledge: Professional knowledge of chemistry concepts and principles, quality control procedures, statistics and mathematics in order to develop and apply standards practices, methods and techniques in the area of quality assessment of the analyses of the various labs in the Center. Working knowledge of other scientific disciplines such as physics and industrial hygiene and the ability to present the results in a scientific manner. Ability to oversee the development of quality control reports, reviews reports for accuracy, and maintains standard operating procedures for all Center laboratory processes. Demonstrated ability to work independently in the fields of quality control assessment and evaluation for both physical and chemical analyses, specifically those employing infrared spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, x+ay diffraction, microscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, specific ion electrodes or classic volumetric tikation techniques, liquid chromatography and ultraviolet fluorescence spectrophotometry. Ability to provide quarterly Quality Assurance reports to the Center Chief, which identifies deficiencies corrective actions and continuing needs of the laboratories. Ability to develop modifications to computer tracking systems and submits paperwork as required to initiate programming changes. Expert knowledge of laboratory operations, sample analyses, sample reporting and methodologies. Ability to conduct internal audits of laboratories in preparation for reaccreditation and provides recommendations for improving laboratory processes. Communication Skills: Ability to make oral and written reports and presentations and prepare graphs and charts clearly, concisely, and effectively. Computer Skills: Skill in use of Microsoft office suite, especially Excel and Access to support production of analytical products.
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview). Your evaluation may also include a review by an HR Specialist or panel and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.
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.
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.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
The following documents are required from ALL applicants:
- Most Recent SF-50 that indicates current grade, step, and competitive status - All status candidates or reinstatement eligibles MUST submit.
WARNING: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step and competitive status. For current DOL employees, an award SF-50 DOES NOT indicate grade and step. Ensure you submit your most recent SF-50 indicating grade, step and competitive status to establish your eligibility for this position.
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation signed and dated within 18 months is requested by the agency, but will not disqualify candidates if not submitted. If not submitted during the application process, one may/will be requested at the time of the interview if the opportunity is extended. Applies to current and former Federal employees.
The following documents are required if applicable:
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents - Only required if requesting priority consideration under ICTAP/CTAP Eligibility.
- DD-214 - verifying military service, eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) and showing character of discharge (ex. Member Copy 4 vs. Copy 1)
- Special/Non-Competitive Appointing Authority Documents - Applicants who are eligible for consideration, and wish to be considered, under one of the following non-competitive hiring authorities must submit appropriate documentation (click on the links below to see the documentation requirements):
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
– Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - submit if using education as a basis for qualifying for this position. If so, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, PHD, etc). If specific course work is required to qualify, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
OFFICIAL Transcripts MUST BE RECEIVED prior to selection and report date. Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS) Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL) On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 progress steps indicated by circles at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd progress step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th progress step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Review and Submit” step, click “Submit Application” The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration
The Curtis Center
170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 600 East
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
The following documents are required from ALL applicants:
- Most Recent SF-50 that indicates current grade, step, and competitive status - All status candidates or reinstatement eligibles MUST submit.
WARNING: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step and competitive status. For current DOL employees, an award SF-50 DOES NOT indicate grade and step. Ensure you submit your most recent SF-50 indicating grade, step and competitive status to establish your eligibility for this position.
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation signed and dated within 18 months is requested by the agency, but will not disqualify candidates if not submitted. If not submitted during the application process, one may/will be requested at the time of the interview if the opportunity is extended. Applies to current and former Federal employees.
The following documents are required if applicable:
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents - Only required if requesting priority consideration under ICTAP/CTAP Eligibility.
- DD-214 - verifying military service, eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) and showing character of discharge (ex. Member Copy 4 vs. Copy 1)
- Special/Non-Competitive Appointing Authority Documents - Applicants who are eligible for consideration, and wish to be considered, under one of the following non-competitive hiring authorities must submit appropriate documentation (click on the links below to see the documentation requirements):
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
– Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - submit if using education as a basis for qualifying for this position. If so, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, PHD, etc). If specific course work is required to qualify, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
OFFICIAL Transcripts MUST BE RECEIVED prior to selection and report date. Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS) Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL) On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 progress steps indicated by circles at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd progress step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th progress step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Review and Submit” step, click “Submit Application” The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration
The Curtis Center
170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 600 East
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
