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This position is assigned to the Office of Polar Environment, Health and Safety (PESH), 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.
Learn more about this agency06/16/2020 to 07/15/2020
$121,316 - $157,709 per year
GS 14
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
25% or less - This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
Yes—Relocation Expenses may be paid, contingent upon availability of funds.
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
14
No
No
OPP-2020-0008
571062300
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Any U.S. citizen and ICTAP/CTAP eligible employees. This opportunity is also open to current/former competitive service employees or those with status only under announcement OPP-2020-0007.
Safety and Occupational Health Program Management
Leads inspections of government-owned and operated research stations, field camps, airfields, construction sites, operations, and maintenance activities to determine Safety Program adherence and adequacy. Reviews safety documents to ensure they adequately identify and address safety and health hazards for the work being performed. Investigates conditions, practices, and equipment in order to identify hazards and suggest remedial actions to be taken to eliminate, control, or correct any hazards. In addition, determines adequacy of type and use of personal protective equipment. Prepares safety inspection report of findings. Discusses findings with Supervisors in an effort to develop new or revise existing, insufficient procedures. Ensures that deployment medical program is being executed within federal law and NSF OPP policy so that risk is mitigated to acceptable level due to complex health challenges in remote environments. Develops, provides, and evaluates safety and occupational health training to ensure standard is met.
Coordinates with engineers, geologists, biologists, chemists, and other specialists to ensure that planning and design processes include appropriate provisions for the protection of NSF employees, contractors, visitors, military, and other partners and stays engaged through the design, and construction phases of projects. Reviews designs, plans, and specifications designed by contractor Architect and Engineering (A&E) contractors to ensure compliance with all applicable safety and occupational health standards and acceptable practices. Interprets primary standards published in the Federal Register, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards, NSF OPP Safety policy, Corps of Engineers (COE) and established safety best practices to ensure NSF OPP programs and activities are congruent with them.
Applies subject matter expertise to draft safety and occupational health policy and strategic objectives for the Annual SMAP (Safety Management Action Plan) based on reviews of past incidents, lessons learned, and safety research. Plans, develops, implements, and monitors the effectiveness of safety promotional and educational campaigns designed to meet both general and specific goals for the reduction of accident occurrences with a focus on leading metrics.
Collaborates with and provides authoritative advice to the NSF OPP Safety and Occupational Health Officer/PM in the overall implementation of the NSF OPP Safety and Occupational Health Program.
Ensures that accident investigations analyze the precipitating factors and accident causes. Collects and evaluates accident data to determine trends and make recommendations in an effort to eliminate or control detected hazards. Conducts and participates in formal investigations to find causes of major accidents; helps research recommendations for specific investigative techniques, appropriate standards and practices, and interpretation of accumulated evidence as necessary to ensure a full, effective investigation and proper documentation of conclusions.
Leads short-term studies to identify potential occupational health hazards or investigate employee safety complaints. This may require the performance of monitoring using scientific devices to evaluate toxic, flammable, and/or explosive vapors, gases, fumes, or radioactive material; measure noise levels; illumination, or ventilation systems. Develops technical reports or findings and recommendations.
Contracting Officers Representative (COR) for Safety Contracts and Interagency Agreements (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, Safety and Occupational Health Officer/Program Manager aware of status for all agreements/contracts. Seeks funding approvals as required coordinating with other OPP program managers/officers.
Competencies:
Safety Engineering
Compliance Inspection
Project Management
Contracting/Procurement
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Teamwork/Collaboration
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% of the time.
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 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 position is in the bargaining unit.
To qualify at the GS-14 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 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 (this includes specifically evaluating Lead; Cadmium; Noise; Ergonomics; Silica; Asbestos ; Organic solvents; Mold, biologicals, and/or indoor air quality; Confined space; Ventilation; Radiation (e.g., Ionizing and/or Non-ionizing); Welding fumes; Formaldehyde; Hazardous waste site); 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.
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% of the time.
Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.
This announcement has been amended to extend the closing date to Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
Relocation Expenses may be paid, contingent upon availability of funds.
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.
For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
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% of the time.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category.
Veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category.
The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.
Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or CTAP must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." In NSF categories, this means at least “Very Good.”
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 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 position is in the bargaining unit.
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.
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 do not have internet access or if you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Representative listed in the vacancy announcement.
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.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website
We highly recommend that all candidates opt to receive email notifications for job status updates.
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/571062300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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