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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 can 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
DE-20-PHIL-MSHA-0012
553347500
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.
All U.S. Citizens; ICTAP and CTAP eligibles in the local commuting area of South Park, PA; Also advertised as job #MS-20-PHIL-MSHA-0028 for status applicants; Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles; Land and Base Management Act eligibles; Military Spouse eligibles; 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 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 all legal and regulatory requirements. 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 Fed
Examples of specialized experience include the following:
1. Field investigation of complex ground control problems, including evaluations of roof or rib falls, multiple seam interactions, and/or burst prone areas.
2. Field evaluations of automated temporary roof support systems.
3. Field investigations to determine the effectiveness of new roof support systems.
4. Designing laboratory investigations to evaluate the qualities of new or novel roof support systems.
5. Evaluations of ground control aspects of longwall mining.
6. Pillar stability analyses using NIOSH software, Lamodel, or other underground numerical modeling techniques.
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.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses.
Categories Category A - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and has successful experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity. Category B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies required by this position. Category C - Meets the specialized experience described in the minimum qualifications requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies.
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.
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). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)
INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLES 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 eligibles who are placed into Category [B] or higher will be considered "well-qualified".
Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. 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.
- Veterans Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting honorable or general discharge or release within 120 days, click Active Duty). Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
- 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/553347500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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