This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/517256300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
*** THIS IS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY POSITION AND MAY BE FILLED AS AN SUPERVISORY GENERAL ENGINEER, INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST, PHYSICAL SCIENTIST OR CHEMIST***
Relocation Bonus, PCS Expense and Recruitment Incentives are not authorized.
Selection(s) can be made at any advertised occupational series.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
This position is outside the bargaining unit.
11/19/2018 to 12/10/2018
$89,506 - $116,358 per year
GS 13
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - 10%
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
13 - This position has no further promotion potential.
Yes
No
MS-19-PHIL-MSHA-0001
517256300
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
Current Federal employees with competitive status in the local commuting area; Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility in the local commuting area. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles in the local commuting area and Veteran Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles. Qualified Land Management Eligibles. Also advertised as job announcement #DE-19-PHIL-MSHA-0001 for non-status applicants; to be considered for each, apply to BOTH jobs.
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration, Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center (PSHTC), Physical and Toxic Agents Division in South Park, PA.
The Physical and Toxic Agents Division provides technical assistance to MSHA enforcement personnel and mine operators nationwide in the recognition, evaluation, and control of broad industrial hygiene health hazards associated with coal and metal/non-metal mining industries. Field investigations and fatal/non-fatal accident investigations are conducted with respect to physical and toxic hazards. Information regarding harmful physical and toxic agents in the mining environment is gathered and analyzed for exposure determination and development of practical exposure controls. The Division conducts surveys, demonstrations, and experiments to provide the latest scientific data in support of enforcement activities and to assist mine operators in achieving compliance with established exposure standards. The Division maintains specialized instrumentation, analytical, and experimental laboratories, including: radon and acoustical instrument calibration laboratories; experimental laboratories for the evaluation of industrial hygiene instrumentation, hearing protection, and noise controls; and gas chromatography laboratories, including an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accredited laboratory for the analysis of organic compounds. Additionally, the Division manages and maintains several mobile gas laboratories for emergency response and deployment to mine fires or other emergency events.
The incumbent services as the Supervisor of the Toxic Agents Branch, responsible for the planning, implementation, direction, and review of work performed by subordinate professional and technician employees. Develops and maintains in-house capabilities for the evaluation and interpretation of the products of combustion formed during mine fires. Directs, maintains, and develops gas chromatography analytical laboratories, including mobile gas laboratories for deployment and on-site gas analysis during mine emergencies. Directs a group of professionals in responding to field and accident investigations involving chemical hazards; provides technical expertise in the area of instrumentation and methodology for the measurement of toxic agents in the mining environment. Plans and coordinates individual assigned projects involving the measurement and assessment of toxic hazards; makes technical decisions when problems arise. Technically evaluates and makes recommendations on research projects; serves on technical committees for projects in area of technical expertise. Assists other professionals in the field of industrial hygiene for the measurement and assessment of toxic agents in developing standards through participation in technical standard committees. Provides expert testimony in the area of instrumentation and measurement of toxic agents for the purpose of standards and regulation development and litigation; represents the Division at technical meetings as an expert in instrumentation, measurement, and assessment of toxic agents both within the Department and outside the Department, for the purpose of developing consistent measurement and assessment policy.
Plans and assigns work to subordinates, setting priorities, and preparing schedules for completion of work, considering the difficulty of the assignments and capabilities of employees. Gives advice, counsel, or instructions to individual employees on both work and administrative matters. Ensures that employees are kept informed on all matters, which may affect their employment. Interviews candidates for positions in the Branch, making recommendations for appointment, promotion, or reassignment. Evaluates the performance of subordinates.
Hears and resolves complaints from employees. Refers more serious complaints which are not resolved to higher-level supervisors. Effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands. Recommends action in more serious cases. Identifies developmental and training needs of employees, providing or making provisions for such developmental training.
Ensures equal opportunity for all Branch employees for training, promotion, awards and recognition and other career development opportunities. Responsible for the on the job safety and health of Branch employees; supporting established safety programs, identifying and correcting safety hazards, reviewing and reporting loss incidents and inspection of work areas; Labor-Management relations and any applicable labor agreements.
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.
Federal Employees Please Note: Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met and reflects your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. competitive/excepted). In some cases you may need to submit more than one SF-50.
Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
THIS POSITION HAS AN INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR EACH ADVERTISED OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE SERIES THEY ARE APPLYING FOR IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.
GENERAL ENGINEER
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
OR
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
OR
OR
Evaluation of Education: All science or engineering courses offered in fulfillment of the above requirements must be acceptable for credit toward the completion of a standard 4-year professional curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in science or engineering at an accredited college or university.
PHYSICAL SCIENTIST
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
A. 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
B. 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.
CHEMIST
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
A. 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
B. 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 DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE
In addition to meeting the applicable Individual Occupational Requirement, Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12, in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position being filled. Examples of specialized experience include:
There is no educational substitution in lieu of experience at this grade level.
*Please note that all applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for each Occupational Series for which they wish to be considered as stated in this announcement's "Qualifications" section.
Federal Employees Please Note: Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met and reflects your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. competitive/excepted). In some cases you may need to submit more than one SF-50.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
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.
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:
Industrial Hygiene Knowledge: Broad professional knowledge of industrial hygiene principles and practices to provide technical assistance and coordinate industrial hygiene studies, surveys, evaluations, and accident investigations with an emphasis on chemical (liquids, gases, vapors, and fumes) and radiological hazards. Knowledge of health hazards in various industrial work environments. Industrial Hygiene Instrumentation Knowledge: Knowledge of industrial hygiene instrumentation utilized to collect samples and characterize hazardous exposures to chemical (liquids, gases, vapors, and fumes) and radiological hazards. Analytical Laboratory Knowledge: Knowledge of analytical chemistry to manage Gas Chromatography laboratories and provide consultation to technical personnel. Knowledge of OSHA, NIOSH, or EPA sampling and analytical methods for the development of in-house analytical methods and procedures. Interpersonal/Communication Skills: Provides industrial hygiene consultative and training services to Agency, other governmental entities, and industry personnel. Represents the Agency on technical committees and in litigation proceedings. Responds to requests for technical information from a variety of sources including MSHA personnel, other government agencies, and the general public. Technical Writing: Prepares technical reports, memoranda, letters, presentations and briefings to document or transmit orally technical information for use and guidance of Agency personnel and other professionals. Leadership/Management: Directs industrial hygiene and analytical activities within the branch. Establishes priorities, goals, and timelines and monitors employee progress. Recruits, selects, hires, trains, and evaluates the performance and development needs of employees. Resolve conflicts and promote teamwork. . Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of OSHA regulations to ensure health and safety of Agency employees. Skill in communicating and interpreting regulatory requirements. MSHA-Specific Knowledge: Knowledge of MSHA regulations, policies, and procedures.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. 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. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document.
The following documents are required from all applicants (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):
ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEE? If applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service, please provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action” which shows your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying. Your SF-50 must identify the highest grade you held on a permanent basis, Pay Plan/Pay Schedule, Series, and Grade/Pay Band, and career status. Multiple SF-50 may be submitted to demonstrate your highest previous rate and eligibility.
*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.
- 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.
- Land Management Eligibles: a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) proving your eligibility for appointment under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act. This service must have been performed in the competitive service, under a time limited appointment in a Land Management Agency, as defined by P.L. 114-47. For more information, click here.
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 and 2 are acceptable vs. Copy 1 which s not acceptable to adjudicate veteran's preference)
- 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.
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.
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.
Note: If you are unsure, refer to your last or most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) or ask your servicing Human Resources Specialist.) If you don’t know what type of appointment you are on, you may find copies of your SF-50s in your electronic personnel folder (eOPF).
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”.
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.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to Step 7 on: Using DOORS and USAJOBS Help Guide. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here for instructions.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. 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. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document.
The following documents are required from all applicants (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):
ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEE? If applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service, please provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action” which shows your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying. Your SF-50 must identify the highest grade you held on a permanent basis, Pay Plan/Pay Schedule, Series, and Grade/Pay Band, and career status. Multiple SF-50 may be submitted to demonstrate your highest previous rate and eligibility.
*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.
- 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.
- Land Management Eligibles: a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) proving your eligibility for appointment under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act. This service must have been performed in the competitive service, under a time limited appointment in a Land Management Agency, as defined by P.L. 114-47. For more information, click here.
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 and 2 are acceptable vs. Copy 1 which s not acceptable to adjudicate veteran's preference)
- 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.
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.
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.
Note: If you are unsure, refer to your last or most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) or ask your servicing Human Resources Specialist.) If you don’t know what type of appointment you are on, you may find copies of your SF-50s in your electronic personnel folder (eOPF).
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”.
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.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to Step 7 on: Using DOORS and USAJOBS Help Guide. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here for instructions.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/517256300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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