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The position is located in the Office of Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations. This Office is responsible for investigating, analyzing, developing, and preparing detailed reports and proposed probable cause determinations of US railroad, pipeline and hazardous materials accidents, and making related safety recommendations. The incumbent serves as the Deputy Director.

Learn more about this agency

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

12/20/2024 to 01/20/2025
Salary

$147,649 - $216,240 per year
SES Certified Agency-NTSB Tier 2 Level position and is 6% above the EX Level III
Pay scale & grade

ES 00
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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Washington, DC
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Senior Executive
Promotion potential

00
Job family (Series)
- 0340 Program Management
Supervisory status

Yes
Security clearance

Secret
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

Yes
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

RPH-12640504-25-RR
Control number

825183300

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Clarification from the agency

All qualified U.S. Citizens, Current and former members of the Senior Executive Service, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates.

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The incumbent of this position serves as the Deputy Director, Office of Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations (RPH) at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). As Deputy Director, the incumbent is responsible for supporting the RPH Director, to provide executive-level management and oversight of the Office, which investigates, analyzes, develops, and prepares detailed reports and proposed probable cause determinations of US railroad, pipeline and hazardous materials accidents, and makes related safety recommendations.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

Plans, manages, directs, and evaluates the work of the Office of RPH. Provides direction to professional engineers, accident investigators, and other technical and support staff to assure high quality accident investigations.
Manages the accident investigation process to ensure timely and appropriate response to report to the Board. Under delegated authority, initiates accident investigations to implement the NTSB Congressional mandate and NTSB priorities. Oversees accident report preparation. Ensures all factors of accidents have been identified, objectively examined, and documented. Determines probable cause(s) of each accident.
Develops a strategic and annual operating plan for the implementation of short-term and long-term objectives for the Office.
Coordinates programs with other Federal, state, and local government agencies, industry groups, and foreign governments, as appropriate. Initiates activities aimed at promoting the public image of the work of the NTSB. Meets with high-ranking officials to develop and negotiate the implementation of national and international goals and objectives, as appropriate.
Establishes and maintains liaison with international and domestic industry, safety groups, labor organizations, associations, Congress, Federal regulators, etc. Represents the NTSB and serves as a member of the U.S. delegation at international meetings on accident investigation issues.
Provides authoritative advice and expertise in the development of industry standards and regulations, technology, and new applications of existing technology. Provides Congressional testimony, as needed.

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Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section)
Suitability for Federal Employment
Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Bargaining Unit Position: NO
Direct Deposit is required
Newly appointed SES members must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Selectee will be required to complete and submit an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, prior to entering the position and annually thereafter.
Security and Background Requirements
Veterans preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service
This is a Career reserved position in the Senior Executive Service (SES)
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
The critical nature of the work of this position requires the incumbent to be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Qualifications

You must upload your responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) listed below.

Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. As such, your resume should demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully fulfill responsibilities inherent in most SES positions such as:

- Directing the work of an organizational unit;
- Ensuring the success of one or more specific major programs or projects;
- Monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance; and - Supervising the work of employees; and exercising important policymaking, policy determining, or other executive functions.

Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Mandatory Technical and Executive Core Qualification factors will result in your application being disqualified.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential not technical expertise. They measure whether an individual has the broad executive skills needed to succeed in a variety of SES positions. All applicants must submit a written narrative to address the ECQs. Your narrative must address each of the 5 ECQ's separately and should contain at least two examples per ECQ describing your experiences and accomplishments/results within the last ten (10) years. The narrative should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken and the results of your actions. Applicants should not enter "Refer to Resume" to explain your answer.

The ECQ narrative must not exceed 10 pages overall. Please Note: Current career SES Members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES candidate Development Program graduates who have been certified by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) DO NOT need to address the ECQs.

ECQ 1 - Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. (Competencies: creativity and innovation, external awareness, flexibility, resilience, strategic thinking, vision)

ECQ 2 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organizations vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. (Competencies: conflict management, leveraging diversity, developing others, team building)

ECQ 3 - Results Driven: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. (Competencies: accountability, customer service, decisiveness, entrepreneurship, problem solving, technical credibility)

ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. (Competencies: financial management, human capital management, technology management)

ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. (Competencies: partnering, political savvy, influencing/negotiating)

Fundamental Competencies: These competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Continual Learning, Written Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Public Service Motivation. The Fundamental Competencies are crosscutting; and should be addressed over the course of each ECQ narratives. It is not necessary for you to address the Fundamental Competencies directly as long as the narrative, in its totality, shows mastery of these competencies on the whole.

Applicants must utilize the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model when writing Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ). Use two examples of relevant experience within the past 10 years for each ECQ being sure your experience matches the ECQ criteria.

Challenge - Describe a specific problem or goal.
Context - Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
Action - Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
Result - Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.

Please refer to OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications to assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note to use the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): All applicants must submit written narrative response to the following MTQs. You must address each MTQ separately. Each MTQ narrative must not exceed two (2) pages. Please give examples and explain the complexity of the knowledge possessed and the sensitivity of the issue you handled. if you fail to do so, you will be rated as ineligible.

MTQ 1- Demonstrated leadership within an organization that directs safety operations, support, and innovation and/or policy or program development related to transportation safety concerning railroads, pipelines, or the transportation of hazardous materials.

MTQ 2- : Demonstrated experience and knowledge of principles, practices and technologies used in the transportation industry (e.g., engineering, operations, technologies and regulations related to railroad, pipeline, or other modes of transportation, including the transportation of hazardous materials) sufficient to provide oversight of safety investigations.

Education

There are no educational requirements for this position.

Additional information

NOTE: for Current and/or Former Political Appointees: Effective January 1, 2010, OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES (political) employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Salary: NTSB structures its SES positions into tiers/categories to determine the minimum pay for each position. This is a Tier/Category 2 position. The minimum pay for this position is $147,649 pa and the maximum is $216,240 pa.

SES employees are also eligible to receive performance-based bonus and pay increases.

Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/ for additional information and benefits for SES employees.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. A variety of work life amenities are offered such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness benefits and transit benefits.

Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) are not authorized for this position.

If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.

The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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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.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined in "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement.

Your application will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience. Highly qualified candidates may be interviewed, and a reference check conducted. The NTSB Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results of the evaluation and make a written recommendation on the final selections to the appointing authority. Unless you have already been certified by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past or received certification by an OPM approved Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, your ECQs must be certified by an OPM QRB before appointment may occur.

To view the applicant form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12640504

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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.

Based on your eligibility category, please submit the required documents listed below. Applicants that fail to submit all required documents will lose consideration.
1. Resume - In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. We recommend that your resume addressing the ECQs include examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize their level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of actions taken. Examples should be within the last 10 years.

2. Executive Core and Mandatory Technical Qualifications - A narrative statement addressing each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications - experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities as related to each.
Each ECQ example should be within the last 10 years and each Mandatory Technical Qualification must be addressed separately. It is highly recommended you follow the format provided at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf .

The ECQ narratives must not exceed 10 pages in total. Mandatory Technical Qualification narratives must not exceed 2 pages per qualification.
- If you are a graduate of an approved SES Candidate Development Program, you must include a copy of the OPM certification of eligibility and a narrative statement addressing only the Mandatory Technical Qualifications.
- If you are a current or former SES member, you must submit documentation of your SES status and a narrative statement addressing only the Mandatory Technical Qualifications.
3. NOTIFICATON OF PERSONNEL ACTION (if applicable):
- If you are a current Federal employee, a copy of a recent SF-50, notification of Personnel Action that indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service.
- Current or former career SES members must submit official documentation of their SES Status (i.e. your SES career appointment and/or resignation SF/50)
- Current or former Political Appointees (If applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50 (i.e. your appointment SF-50). OPM must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information.
4. Graduates of an approved SES candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.

5. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (from either the Federal or private sector). Please remove your social security number.

6. Cover Letter, Optional

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.

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.
1. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/20/2025.
2. To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
3. To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12640504.
4. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
NOTE: If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Applications: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information at least 1 business day before the closing date.
Agency contact information

Human Resources Division

Email

humanresourcesdivision@ntsb.gov

Address

Railroad Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Inv
490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW
Washington, DC 20594
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

Based on your eligibility category, please submit the required documents listed below. Applicants that fail to submit all required documents will lose consideration.

1. Resume - In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. We recommend that your resume addressing the ECQs include examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize their level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of actions taken. Examples should be within the last 10 years.

2. Executive Core and Mandatory Technical Qualifications - A narrative statement addressing each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications - experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities as related to each.
Each ECQ example should be within the last 10 years and each Mandatory Technical Qualification must be addressed separately. It is highly recommended you follow the format provided at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf .

The ECQ narratives must not exceed 10 pages in total. Mandatory Technical Qualification narratives must not exceed 2 pages per qualification.

If you are a graduate of an approved SES Candidate Development Program, you must include a copy of the OPM certification of eligibility and a narrative statement addressing only the Mandatory Technical Qualifications.
If you are a current or former SES member, you must submit documentation of your SES status and a narrative statement addressing only the Mandatory Technical Qualifications.

3. NOTIFICATON OF PERSONNEL ACTION (if applicable):

If you are a current Federal employee, a copy of a recent SF-50, notification of Personnel Action that indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service.
Current or former career SES members must submit official documentation of their SES Status (i.e. your SES career appointment and/or resignation SF/50)
Current or former Political Appointees (If applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50 (i.e. your appointment SF-50). OPM must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information.

4. Graduates of an approved SES candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.

5. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (from either the Federal or private sector). Please remove your social security number.

6. Cover Letter, Optional

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.

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.

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/20/2025.
To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12640504.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.

NOTE: If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Applications: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information at least 1 business day before the closing date.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Division

Email: humanresourcesdivision@ntsb.gov
Address: Railroad Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Inv
490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW
Washington, DC 20594
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

12/20/2024 to 01/20/2025
Salary

$147,649 - $216,240 per year
SES Certified Agency-NTSB Tier 2 Level position and is 6% above the EX Level III
Pay scale & grade

ES 00
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Washington, DC
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Senior Executive
Promotion potential

00
Job family (Series)
- 0340 Program Management
Supervisory status

Yes
Security clearance

Secret
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

Yes
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

RPH-12640504-25-RR
Control number

825183300

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/825183300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Deputy Director

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Videos

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent