Duties

These positions are responsible for providing technical expertise during accident investigations regarding investigation activities, conclusions, and enforcement action.

Investigation and Policy (50%):

• Advises the Program Manager on accident investigation activities, conclusions, and enforcement actions. Actively participates in Agency efforts to address changes required as a result of accident investigations and may be required to serve on ad hoc committees established to develop strategies for resolving problems in the mining industry. Participates in developing regulatory requirements pertaining to accident investigations.
• Writes, rewrites, edits, and proofreads accident investigation reports to list, describe, and expound on facts, circumstances, causes, and corrective and enforcement actions. Participates in the review of writing, rewriting, editing, and proofreading accident reports from others. Ensures information in the final report is clear, logical, and cogent; is consistent with the Agency's mission and policies; aligns with the intended audience; and adheres to format and style conventions.
• May direct or participate in accident investigations. Examines or participates in the examination of accident sites; interviews survivors, witnesses, and other parties.
• Reviews and analyzes engineering reports, mine records, investigation reports, inspection reports, and other highly technical, complex, and sensitive documents. Identifies and prioritizes critical content.
• Analyzes historical accident and enforcement data to determine trends and make recommendations to reduce accidents. Coordinates and/or advises the Program Manager on regulatory requirements pertaining to accident investigations. Coordinates and/or prepares revisions and interpretations of policy manuals and instructions affecting accident investigations in Enforcement and the Agency.
• Participates in writing/revising policies regarding implementation and interpretation of mandatory mine safety and health standards and applicable enforcement guidelines pertinent to accident investigations. Serves as a technical coordinator, advisor, and editor of manuals and handbooks, specifying requirements applicable to accident investigations.

Information and Guidance (25%):

• Reviews documents, directives, and correspondence generated in Enforcement or other Agency components. Develops executive summaries and briefing papers for the Program Manager to advise the Administrator and higher-level officials and recommends optional actions or positions to be taken.
• Disseminates complex technical, regulatory, and safety-related information to top Agency officials and field entities, mine operators, labor manufacturers, State inspection agencies, other Federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
• Keeps the Program Manager informed of new developments in mining and milling methods, mining technology, and state-of-the-art equipment. Keeps the Program Manager informed of accident trends in order to develop an Agency position or strategy regarding recurring accident causes. Keeps the Program Manager informed of accident trends in order to develop an Agency position or strategy regarding recurring accident causes. Keeps the Program Manager informed of Agency regulations, policies, procedures, and legal rulings in all areas of safety and health that may impact accident investigations.
• Attends meetings and conferences. Represents the Program Manager at meetings with top officials, representatives from the mining community, and special interest groups.
• Coordinates or participates in special projects. These projects normally involve issues of a highly controversial, technical, or sensitive nature requiring the development of a specific solution and encompassing issues of concern raised by outside groups.
• Testifies as an MSHA expert witness at hearings regarding mine safety and health enforcement as it relates to accident investigations. Testifies at Congressional Committee or Subcommittee hearings or inquiries as a recognized authority in this area.

Mine Rescue (25%):

• Assists in the coordination and deployment of mine rescue and recovery resources with the Districts and Technical Support. Verifies the deployment of Family Liaisons as needed. The incumbent may participate at the mine site.
• During a mine emergency, assists in the establishment of an HQ Command Center, and coordinates with the Districts and/or Command Center to provide the Administrator and other staff maps and data to assist in decision-making processes. May provide regular updates to headquarters and Agency leadership ensuring appropriate personnel are apprised of the event and may provide on-site assistance.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
• Must be at least 16 years old and a U.S. Citizen.
• Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
• Requires a valid drivers license.

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.

Currently, implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 14043 has been suspended pursuant to an injunction pending further litigation.

Qualifications

The Mine Safety and Health Specialist, GS-1822, has specific basic requirements described in an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR). Applicants must meet the below specialized experience requirement from the IOR:

Experience performing mine safety and health inspection, analysis and evaluation of health/safety aspects of mining industry operations and processes; or evaluation, analysis or development of agency programs.

Examples of creditable experience include: Direct on-site inspection; special accident investigation; development of mine safety and health standards; data analysis and evaluation of operational mine safety and health programs; special assessments; and development of industry-wide training or safety and health awareness programs.

In addition to meeting the IOR above, applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled, and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-12 grade level in federal service having demonstrated experience in all of the following:

• Direct on-site inspections or investigations and accident investigations enforcing the Mine Act.
• Conduct accident investigations, develop conclusions, and issue enforcement actions.
• Review, write, re-write, edit, and proofread accident investigation reports.
• Assist in alleviating direct, indirect, and root causes of accidents.
• Assist with fatal and non-fatal accident investigations.

To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-13 grade level in federal service having demonstrated experience in all of the following:

• Direct on-site inspections or investigations and accident investigations enforcing the Mine Act.
• Conduct accident investigations, develop conclusions, and issue enforcement actions.
• Review, write, re-write, edit, and proofread accident investigation reports.
• Formulate accident investigation programs and policies.
• Develop accident investigation standards.
• Analyze and assist in alleviating direct, indirect, and root causes of accidents.
  Assist and coordinate fatal and non-fatal accident investigations.

Education

There is no substitution for education at the posted grade levels.

Additional information

Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have speech disabilities, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.

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.

Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION , ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION , FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

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.

Department of Labor may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional information is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-and-leave-flexibilities-for-recruitment-and-retention/

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.