This position is assigned to the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), National Science Foundation and is located in Alexandria, VA. The mission of OPP is to support research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in the Polar Regions, through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations and through the provision of logistics support and infrastructure in the remote Polar Regions.
Summary
This position is assigned to the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), National Science Foundation and is located in Alexandria, VA. The mission of OPP is to support research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in the Polar Regions, through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations and through the provision of logistics support and infrastructure in the remote Polar Regions.
The Safety and Occupational Health Officer in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing safety- and health-related programs and supervising staff to safeguard all OPP-supported personnel and assets in both Polar Regions. The safety and welfare of personnel in the remote and hostile Polar Regions are critical to mission accomplishment.
Non-supervisory Work
Develops, recommends, implements and manages safety and risk management policy for OPP, including the process by which final programmatic decisions are made in instances of conflict between national scientific priorities and operational safety.
Develops safety and occupational health standards applicable to all OPP-supported personnel. In addition, recommends appropriate incorporation of these standards and their enforcement into Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between NSF and DoD or other agencies, as needed.
Prepares and implements Safety and Occupational Health Program Directives. Prepares and pursues action plans to implement the recommendations of periodic audits, reports, and other documents. Consults with and provides risk management technical authority advice to OPP staff, support contractors, and agencies and research personnel operating the polar regions under the aegis of NSF.
Develops, coordinates and monitors the broad spectrum of long range OPP Safety plans, programs, policies, methods, and activities planned and carried out by the OPP Staff to protect personnel and material from accidental loss and to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.
As the safety and occupational safety expert, the employee furnishes technical guidance to top-level OPP leaders and personnel of other government agencies. Results of the employee's guidance affect OPP's worldwide activities. Responsible for policy and program formulation, and control, guidance and technical authority advice related to the safety of facilities, equipment, processes, operations and scientific activities affecting staff and contractor personnel. Responsible for safety policy and implementation that is guided, to the extent practicable in the Antarctic setting, by the Occupational and Safety Health Act.
Provides technical authority consultation to high level officials in OPP. Serves on boards and committees and represents the OPP in interagency meetings and negotiations. Participates in Federal and professional safety associations. Maintains liaison with Professional Associations and Federal Agencies such as the Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Reviews proposed legislation to assess the potential impact on the OPP safety program and activities, prepares OPP comments, and participates in hearings or meetings to represent and ensure consideration of OPP views as a recognized technical authority.
Supervisory Work
The employee serves as the first-level supervisor for the team. Performs the following supervisory duties: 1) plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work; 2) assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees; 3) evaluates work performance of subordinates: 4) gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters; 5) interviews candidates for positions in the Office, and recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment to such positions; 6) hears and resolves complaints from employees; 7) effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, and recommends other action in more serious cases; 8) identifies developmental and training needs of employees; 9) finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed; and, 10) develops performance standards.
COR for Safety Contracts or IAAS
Ensures that all contracts or IAAs for safety support are executed per the specifications and in accordance with federal law. Involves staying trained and certified as required by federal law and NSF policies and use of NSF contract systems. Coordinates with Contracting Officer and keep supervisor aware of status for all agreements/contracts. Seeks funding approvals as required coordinating with other OPP program managers/officers.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The person selected to fill this position must pass the physical examination and medical screening required for travel to the Polar Regions.
This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% or less.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
US citizenship.
Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
Supervisory/managerial probationary period.
It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
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
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent.
You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-15 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal service, performing such duties as: Serving as a Safety Manager for a geographical area with multiple stations; implementing a comprehensive safety and occupational health program; conducting serious accident investigations to determine casual factors; conducting worksite evaluations to identify hazards, reviewing compliance, and training employees; analyzing safety data for trends and risks; preparing reports, briefings, training materials, and policy proposals; and, fostering an adaptive workplace culture to encourage innovation, increase customer service, and reduce costs.
Candidates who have an Undergraduate and/or Graduate degree in one of the major fields of study listed are highly preferred: safety or occupational health fields (safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology.
Education
Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.
Additional information
Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least “Very Good” on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources
Veteran's Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation as specified on the SF-15.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away.
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
Ratings will be assigned based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.
Review your resume and responses carefully. Responses that are not fully supported by the information in your application package may result in adjustments to your score. A Human Resources Representative will validate the qualifications of those candidates eligible to be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." At NSF, this means a score of 90.0 or higher.
In the merit promotion selection process, due weight will be given to incentive awards and performance appraisals.
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away.
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
If you are an NSF employee on or eligible for a permanent, competitive service position or you are an NSF employee who is reinstatement eligible based on prior Federal permanent, competitive service, you need not submit documents to confirm status. All applicants are required to provide a resume, in any format they choose. Cover letters are optional.
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.
Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully faxed (or uploaded) before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
If you are an NSF employee on or eligible for a permanent, competitive service position or you are an NSF employee who is reinstatement eligible based on prior Federal permanent, competitive service, you need not submit documents to confirm status. All applicants are required to provide a resume, in any format they choose. Cover letters are optional.
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.
Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully faxed (or uploaded) before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
