This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/629326100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is in the Office of the Chief, Quality Assurance and Materials Testing Division, Approval and Certification Center (A&CC). The Division is responsible for developing and implementing programs related to the quality assurance provisions of Title 30, Code of Federal Regulations (30 CPR) pertaining to mining products for which an approval action is required.
This position is inside the Bargaining Unit.
01/04/2022 to 01/19/2022
$44,740 - $71,146 per year
GS 07 - 09
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
25% or less - The incumbent must be willing and able to travel at least five consecutive days, one time per month.
Yes— A relocation incentive may be authorized.
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
12 - There is no obligation to provide future promotions if you are selected. Promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, meet all the performance requirements, and supervisor’s recommendation to the next grade.
No
No
DE-22-DAL-MSHA-037
629326100
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Open to the Public. Also advertised as job #MS-22-DAL-MSHA-037 for status applicants, VEOA eligible, [HR to edit] Vet Recruitment Appointment; 30% or more compensable disabled veterans; Sch A eligibles; Peace Corps (PC) or AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers or PC Employees. To be considered for each vacancy, apply to BOTH jobs.
This position has a full performance level of GS-12. The below duties are at the full performance level, GS-12.
Serves as a principal materials flammability and product safety specialist to assess and insure through technical evaluation, testing, review, and inspections, that manufacturers, producers, and distributors of a wide variety of materials produced for mine use are in compliance with MSHA regulations and criteria related to flammability, fire resistance, and product strength. Such materials include conveyor belts, hoses, electric cables, brattice cloth, hydraulic fluids, and sealants.
Determines the adequacy of physical and chemical formulations, test data, technical specifications, toxicity information, and product quality programs. Informs applicants of deficiencies and/or information needed in applications and whether applications may be considered as an extension of an approval or will be required to be evaluated as a new approval.
Conducts investigations, to assess the suitability of ventilation controls with respect to resistance and strength with respect to MSHA regulations and procedures. Evaluates new materials and associated technology for introduction into the mining industry.
Assures that proper test equipment and procedures are followed during testing. Develops and modifies methods or procedures for evaluating the physical and flammability properties of materials. Determines specialized equipment and the instruments needed to acquire laboratory tests, microscopic and data collection systems, and scanning equipment used in technical investigations. Recommends, sets up and evaluates new and modified equipment.
Provides technical assistance advice to MSHA personnel, manufacturers, mining personnel, safety and testing experts and others involved in the manufacture, use and evaluation of mine materials. Provides independent review and analysis of technical data and approaches to the solution of issues and problems regarding product fire safety and investigations of materials involved in mine accidents. Prepares test plans and establishes time schedules for evaluating material evidence obtained from mine accidents and technical investigations. Evaluates the relative merits of new or unique materials and materials technology used or proposed for use in the mining industry.
Assembles information, makes technical computations, and analyzes data to show findings that may have an impact on material flammability, technical investigations, and fire test methods.
Plans, organizes, and initiates work assignments to accomplish technical evaluations and review of materials, devices, and test methods. Informs applicants and other interested parties of the procedures for approval or for evaluating the suitability of products for mine use. Independently coordinates tests involving the product manufacturer, testing laboratory and the employee or his representative. Responsible for technical and field evaluations and accident investigations with respect to product fire safety and materials technology.
Independently evaluates and judges complex and non-routine requests for approval or suitability determination of mine materials and the application of materials in the mining environment. Determines that the technical and administrative requirements and criteria are met. The application of employee reviews, provides interpretation, and determines the manner in which the product is tested. The employee also determines if a previously evaluated product needs to be tested for proposed changes to the product.
Maintains knowledge of the state-of-the-art to keep abreast of developments in materials fire safety for product fire safety and test methods. Recommends approaches to conducting technical investigations and resolving test problems.
Prepares technical material for presentation, publication, and dissemination in the field of product fire safety, use of fire resistant products, and the test methods applicable to evaluating combustion properties of materials. Makes oral presentations at meetings, seminars, and workshops for State and Federal enforcement personnel, worker's representatives, and officials or other interested parties. Participates in projects that may be needed for the development and preparation of regulations and policies.
Provides technical direction and guidance to lower grade employees in conducting product flame test audits of approved or accepted materials. Reviews test results and product data. Participates in discussions on product audit failures to determine the assignment of a safety hazard and to assist in the resolution of the product's noncompliance.
Provides technical direction and guidance to lower grade employees in the evaluation of materials, test procedures and methods in the setup and modification of tests, and in the preparation of findings and reports. Serves as a lead team member in the work phases of accident and other technical investigations and studies.
Also advertised as job #MS-22-DAL-MSHA-037 for status applicants, VEOA eligible, Vet Recruitment Appointment; 30% or more compensable disabled veterans; Sch A eligibles; Peace Corps (PC) or AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers or PC Employees. To be considered for each vacancy, apply to BOTH jobs.
Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Notification Concerning COVID-19 Vaccinations. As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal executive branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to submit documentation of proof of vaccination or to be in the process of requesting an exception to the vaccination requirement before appointment or onboarding with the agency. The agency will provide additional information regarding which forms of documentation can be accepted and how you can request to be considered for a legally required exception from this requirement.
GS-7: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-5, in the Federal Service.
Applicants who meet the basic requirements described in the individual occupational requirements are fully qualified for the specified entry grade (generally grade GS-5). Applicants who wish to qualify for positions at higher grade levels (generally grade GS-7 and above) must also possess 52 weeks of Specialized Experience in addition to meeting the basic requirements.
For the GS-7 grade level, specialized experience is met by possessing 52 weeks of specialized experience at the next lower grade level, GS-5 in the federal service in a related field of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience are:
OR, Possessing a degree in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science and Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by my class standing. I graduated in the upper third of my class or major university subdivision.
OR, Possessing a Bachelor's Degree in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science and Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by my grade point average (GPA). I have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 year's of education.
OR, Possessing a Bachelor's Degree in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science and Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by my grade point average (GPA). I have a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 in courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum.
OR, Possessing a Bachelor's Degree in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science and Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by my grade point average (GPA). I have a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in my major field.
OR, Possessing a Bachelor's Degree in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science and Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by my grade point average (GPA). I have a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in my major field during the final two years of the curriculum.
OR, Possessing a Bachelor's Degree in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science and Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by my election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
OR, Possessing a combination of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-05 level and Graduate Level course work in physical science, engineering, or math that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science that provided the specific knowledge's, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.
GS-9: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-7, in the Federal Service.
Applicants who meet the basic requirements described in the individual occupational requirements are fully qualified for the specified entry grade (generally grade GS-5). Applicants who wish to qualify for positions at higher grade levels (generally grade GS-7 and above) must also possess 52 weeks of Specialized Experience in addition to meeting the basic requirements.
For the GS-9 grade level, specialized experience is met by possessing 52 weeks of specialized experience at the next lower grade level, GS-7 in the federal service in a related field of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience are:
OR, Possessing a Master's Degree or Equivalent Graduate Degree that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.
OR, Possessing 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.
OR, Possessing a combination of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in or related to the work of this position and Graduate Level Education that provided the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.
General Physical Science Series, 1301 Individual Occupational Requirements; Basic Requirements:
Chemistry Series, 1320 Individual Occupational Requirements; Basic Requirements:
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.
Transcripts must be in English.
Position Telework eligibility is determined by management based on position duties during the recruitment process. Employee participation in telework on a routine or situational basis is determined by management primarily based on business needs. Employees participating in telework are subject to the terms and conditions of the Department of Labor’s Telework Program.
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.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses.
Categories
Category A - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and has successful experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity.
Category B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies required by this position.
Category C - Meets the specialized experience described in the minimum qualifications requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies.
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.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
Physical Sciences - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to investigate and apply the relations between space, time, matter, and energy in the areas of gravity, atomic principles, mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and related natural phenomena.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Technical Problem Solving - Troubleshoots, diagnoses, analyzes, and identifies system malfunctions to determine the source and cause of the problem.
Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
The information you provide on your resume may be verified by a review of your work experience, employment start/end dates/hours worked and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview). The examining Office of Human Resources (OHR) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the OHR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)
INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligible(s) who are placed into Category B or higher will be considered "well-qualified." Be sure to review DOL Account Eligibility Questions #24 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation. Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information.
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. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. 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.
Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - If you are using education as a basis for qualifying for this position, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, Ph.D., etc.). If specific coursework is required to qualify, you must supply an unofficial transcript from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your unofficial transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
NOTE: The OFFICIAL Transcript(s) MUST BE RECEIVED, if you are selected, and prior to receiving the firm offer with a start date.
Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
- Veterans Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting honorable or general discharge or release within 120 days, click Active Duty). Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to https://www.fedshirevets.gov
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
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, including submission of the required documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section.
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 USAJOBS Help Center.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to 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 USAJOBS 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 the 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: USAJOBS Help Guide.
USAJOBS will no longer send status email notifications. You can check your application status in the TAS by logging into USAJOBS and in the Applicant Dashboard, click the hiring agency Talent Acquisition System (TAS). If the TAS does not provide application tracking information, contact the agency point of contact on the job announcement.
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. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. 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.
Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - If you are using education as a basis for qualifying for this position, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, Ph.D., etc.). If specific coursework is required to qualify, you must supply an unofficial transcript from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your unofficial transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
NOTE: The OFFICIAL Transcript(s) MUST BE RECEIVED, if you are selected, and prior to receiving the firm offer with a start date.
Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
- Veterans Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting honorable or general discharge or release within 120 days, click Active Duty). Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to https://www.fedshirevets.gov
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
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, including submission of the required documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section.
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 USAJOBS Help Center.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to 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 USAJOBS 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 the 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: USAJOBS Help Guide.
USAJOBS will no longer send status email notifications. You can check your application status in the TAS by logging into USAJOBS and in the Applicant Dashboard, click the hiring agency Talent Acquisition System (TAS). If the TAS does not provide application tracking information, contact the agency point of contact on the job announcement.
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/629326100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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