Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Labor, (DOL), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances (OSRV).

This position is outside the bargaining unit.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Major duties for this position include but are not limited to, the following:

GS-14

• Plans and directs special studies and/or projects related to the Agency's regulatory and non-regulatory activities, and makes recommendations based on findings.
• Studies sampling and other statistical data to evaluate the risk of disease after exposure to occupational health hazards found in the mining environment.
• Requires expertise in the evaluation of health effects related to a great variety of workplace hazards identified in studies being carried out by other governmental agencies at the national and/or international level and by the industry.
• Reviews and evaluates health data, assesses health hazards, and prepares integrated hazard assessment documents needed to support MSHA' s regulatory and non-regulatory programs.
• Represents, negotiates and speaks for the Office and, where appropriate, the Agency on intra and inter Agency workgroups, task forces, panels and committees, and at national and international meetings and symposia concerned with health issues affecting the Agency.
• Develops health standards and by reviewing existing health standards to determine whether they are achieving the risk reductions and health benefits necessary; and, where appropriate, recommending improvements to existing health standards.
• Serves as an expert in the broad area of occupational health and related policy.

GS-15

• Serves as an expert and consultant to the supervisor on health data and other information related to hazard exposure such as dust, noise, and other pollutants in the environment.
• Reviews and evaluates health data, assesses health hazards, and prepares integrated hazard assessment documents needed to support MSHA's regulatory and non-regulatory programs.
• Manages and coordinates MSHA's rule-making activities, and collaborates with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other MSHA offices in reviewing and defining Agency data concerning the health and safety effects of chemicals, toxic substances and harmful physical agents, and in harmonizing health and safety issues among various domestic and international agencies.
• Conducts reviews of health literature to identify methods, concepts and data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hazard assessments. Provides support to the Office of the Solicitor (SOL) in preparation for, and during judicial review of final or existing MSHA standards.
• Represents, negotiates and speaks for the Office and where appropriate, the Agency on intra and inter Agency work-groups, task forces, panels and committees, and at national and international meetings and symposia concerned with health issues affecting the Agency.
• Serves as a senior level advisor on health policy and develops policy recommendations that assist in proposing Agency health policy to the Assistant Secretary and DOL.
• Maintains active liaison with MSHA's senior technical advisors in order to ensure that health policy projects reflect the Agency's views.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - 10% or less

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
15 - 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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

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.

Qualifications

Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must meet the following.

To qualify at the GS-14 level: Applicants must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience conducting or leading research, writing regulatory text related to health science, leading discussions or work groups, developing and managing databases and spreadsheets commonly used in the standards development, research, and analysis processes.

To qualify at the GS-15 level: Applicants must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience conducting or leading research, writing regulatory text related to health science, leading discussions or work groups, developing and managing databases and spreadsheets commonly used in the standards development, research, and analysis processes.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

In addition to the above, for a GS-14, applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-13, in the Federal Service.

Specialized experience: GS-14 must demonstrate experience in ALL of the following:

• Professional knowledge in addressing major, critical health issues; expertise in the evaluation of health effects related to a great variety of workplace hazards being carried out by other governmental agencies at the national and/or international level and by the industry.
• Skill in developing health standards and reviewing existing health standards.
• Skill in written and oral communication and preparation and presentation of highly complex technical material.
• Skill in identifying issues, defining problems, analyzing and conducting complex policy research and evaluations in order to develop detailed reports, regulatory guidance, and options for policy and resource issues.

In addition to the above, for a GS-15, applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-14, in the Federal Service.

Specialized experience: GS-15 must demonstrate experience in ALL of the following:

Knowledge required to address major, critical health issues, and expertise in the evaluation of health effects related to a great variety of workplace hazards identified in studies being carried out by other governmental agencies at the national and/or international level and by the industry.

• Ability to conduct pertinent studies of occupational health hazards found in the mining environment, and analyzes the effects of disease associated with exposure levels to these hazards by developing evaluations of health effects.
• Ability to serve as an expert in the broad area of occupational health and related policy.
• Ability to provide support to the Office of the Solicitor (SOL) in preparation for, and during judicial review of final or existing MSHA standards.
• Skill in written and oral communication, to be able to prepare and present highly complex technical material that is clear, accurate and pertinent to Department programs.
• Ability to identify issues, define problems, analyze and conduct complex policy research and evaluations in order to develop detailed reports, regulatory guidance, and options for policy and resource issues.

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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:

Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, quantitative and qualitative methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.

Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.

Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.

Standards - Knowledge of occupational health and safety standards or guidelines.

Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Teamwork - Encourages demonstrates and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; work with others to achieve goals.

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 Office of Human Resources (OHR) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the OHR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.

Click here for Evaluation details.

INFORMATION FOR CTAP/ICTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under CTAP or ICTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligible(s) 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 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.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

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.

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.

- Resumes are required - provide a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one from your computer and USAJOBS profile. To receive full consideration for relevant and specialized experience, please list the month, year, and the number of work hours worked for the experience listed on your resume. We also suggest that you preview the vacancy questions, and confirm that your resume supports your question responses.

- 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 the character of discharge (ex. Member Copy 4 and 2 are acceptable vs. Copy 1 which is not acceptable to adjudicate veteran's preference)

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): (a) Persons with Severe Disabilities (SCHEDULE A) (b) 30% or More Compensable Disabled Veterans (DAV) (c) Military Spouses (MISP ) or, (d) Veteran's Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

- Land Management Eligible(s): 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. 114-328. For more information, click here .

- 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) - 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.