An official website of the United States government
This position is located in the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Pittsburgh Safety & Health Technology Center (PSHTC), South Park, PA in the Roof Control Division. This division is responsible for providing engineering and geological support.
- Selection may be made to anyone of the series.
- This position is inside the bargaining unit.
- Additional selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
- PCS Expenses will not be reimbursed.
12/04/2019 to 12/25/2019
$91,150 - $118,493 per year
GS 13
2 vacancies in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - 10%
No
Permanent
Full-time - Full time
Competitive
13 - This position is at the Full-Performance Level (GS-13).
No
No
MS-20-PHIL-MSHA-0028
553347100
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
Current Federal employees w/competitive status; Former Federal employees w/reinstatement eligibility; ICTAP and CTAP eligibles in the local commuting area of South Park, PA.; Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles; Land and Base Management Act eligibles; Military Spouse eligibles; Also advertised as job #DE-20-PHIL-MSHA-0012 for non-status applicants; to be considered for each, apply to BOTH jobs.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operating as a technical authority and expert advisor, the incumbent applies his/her advanced knowledge of ground control theories, principles, and practices to a variety of investigative, preventative, and developmental functions that provide for a safer mine environment. The major duties of the position include but are not limited to the following:
Serves as a Technical Support representative on MSHA accident investigation teams involved in ground control related accidents in coal, metal, and nonmetal mines. Responsibility during these accident investigations includes establishing the cause of the ground failure, laboratory testing of roof support products when applicable, and recommending preventative measures. Provides expert advice and court testimony during hearings pertaining to ground control accident investigations. Uses information gained from investigations as input to MSHA policy, safety standards and regulations, and to advance the state-of-the-art in ground control.
Independently conducts or leads a team of engineers and geologists in conducting engineering studies and/or geological evaluations of the most complex ground control problems. The incumbent will often have to make decisions which will be considered extreme within the context of standard rock mechanics techniques. These decisions will be the foundation for establishing the support method and safety precautions to be followed in mining the area in question.
The incumbent is responsible for providing ground control related consulting and advisory services of a complex nature to MSHA, the mining industry and other government agencies. Technical and theoretical data on methods of evaluating, supporting and controlling mine roof is also complex and in many cases unproven and controversial. Therefore, the incumbent must utilize both technical and practical experience skills to evaluate the effectiveness of mine roof supports, establish criteria and/or specifications and standards and develop safe installation practice.
As a nationally recognized expert in the use of automated temporary roof support and cabs/canopies in the mining industry, the incumbent leads and directs Technical Support’s program regarding in-lieu-of-canopy approvals and cab/canopy evaluations. Evaluates the impact of technological advancements and MSHA policy /regulatory changes on previously granted in-lieu-of approvals and future requests for approvals. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with roof bolter manufacturers. Often the results of the work can become MSHA policy.
Or expert in laboratory testing and in-mine evaluation of artificial ground support, the incumbent leads and directs Technical Support's program regarding ground control product testing both in the laboratory and in the field. Develops and maintains a quality control program for ensuring the precision and accuracy of laboratory and field testing. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with ground control product manufacturers. Often the results of the work can become MSHA policy.
Or in remote sensing-linear analysis and geologic evaluations of ground conditions, the incumbent leads and directs Technical Support's program regarding geology-related laboratory and field activities. Develops and maintains a quality control program for ensuring the precision and accuracy of analyses.
The incumbent leads and directs Technical Support's program regarding mine design and ground condition evaluation through numerical modeling. Develops and monitors the use of standardized procedures for ensuring the accuracy of the computer models generated continually evaluates the state-of-the-art in computer modeling for application to ground control issues in mining.
When new or novel ground support methods and products are suggested or introduced to the mining industry, the incumbent will conduct complex in-mine evaluations necessary to determine their effectiveness.
Develops courses and serves as an instructor for the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beckley, West Virginia in his/her area of expertise.
Serves as a member on MSHA technical committees which review existing and/or develop new ground control related standards.
As a technical expert in ground control, reviews drafts of NIOSH technical papers, evaluates current and proposed research projects, and suggests areas of research necessary to improve mine safety and to gain compliance with provisions of the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Publishes technical and professional papers in his/her area of expertise, which are used extensively within MSHA as well as other government agencies, the mining industry, and professional organizations.
Keeps abreast of developments in ground control equipment, products, and instrumentation through training and contacts with the mining industry, manufacturers, and research organizations.
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.
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
OR
AND
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12, in the Federal Service.
Examples of specialized experience include the following:
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ANY ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
There is no educational substitution at the GS-13.
THIS POSITION HAS A POSITIVE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT THAT MUST BE MET.
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.
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.
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.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Click here for Evaluation details. For Displaced Employees ONLY: if you meet the eligibility requirements for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles 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 and 27 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP/CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Analysis/Problem Solving: An expert knowledge of underground mining equipment and the application of ATRS systems and cabs and canopies to such equipment. A knowledge of the use of roof monitoring instrumentation to determine the effectiveness of support systems. Skill in applying creativity and experienced judgment in extending and developing new methods or approaches when evaluating roof support systems and the causes of adverse ground conditions. Ability to research and evaluate technical papers, engineering texts, complex consultant's reports, and roof/ground control plans to find information related to problems.
MSHA Knowledge: Knowledge of the 30 CFR, Mine Act, Coal and Metal/Nonmetal roof/ground control procedures and underground mining methods.
Consulting: Ability to represent the Agency in a professional and effective manner when consulting or coordinating within the Agency or external organizations on projects.
Interpersonal/Communication: Ability to work in a team and reach consensus.
Writing: Knowledge of technical writing methods. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD. Ability to write technical reports based on information gathered from field investigations, lab tests, and literature searches incorporating tables, graphs, and diagrams. Skill in preparing multi-media presentations.
Management: Knowledge of leadership and management principles. Experience in building I and leading small teams.
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 Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.
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.
- 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.
- Land Management Eligibles: 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.
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 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) Military Spouses (MISP)
(b) Other
- 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) - submit if using education as a basis for qualifying for this position. If so, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, PHD, etc). If specific course work is required to qualify, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
OFFICIAL Transcripts MUST BE RECEIVED prior to selection and report date. Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
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, to include 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 https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents
Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in 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 www.usajobs.gov 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 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 Step 7 on: Using DOORS and USAJOBS Help Guide. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here for instructions.
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/553347100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
