Highway Investigator - DIRECT HIRE

Duties The position of Highway Investigator is responsible for organizing and coordinating the investigation of highway transportation crashes and developing and presenting reports with highway safety recommendations for adoption by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Duties and responsibilities include: At the GS-11 Level: Serving as a General Highway Investigator on field and major highway crash investigations.
Securing and analyzing evidence necessary to thoroughly investigate pertinent crash events before, during, and after a collision.
Documenting on-scene evidence through use of photography and/or electronic mapping equipment including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, and interviewing operators, witnesses, or vehicle occupants involved in the crash.
Writing and completing factual reports, exhibits, outlines and analytical reports.
Determining appropriate methods for documentation and collection of physical evidence, scene data, recorded vehicle and infrastructure data, vehicle damage, and records factual crash data.
Conducting surveys and special studies on highway crashes or other highway related transportation events and responsible for the preparation of accurate and effective reports.
Participating in all planning and strategy meetings related to an investigation and its report.
Orally presenting the technical views/facts of an investigation before the full Board for acceptance, rejection, modification, or further study.
Establishing and maintaining liaison, providing consultation, and exchanging information concerning highway safety with other federal agencies, industry, labor, manufacturers, national and professional organizations, associations, etc.
, that have a role in the development, implementation, and/or enforcement of highway safety regulations, standards, laws, policies, and practices.
At the GS-12 Level: In addition to the duties at the lower grade level, duties include: Serving as a General Highway Investigator and Group Chairperson on field and major highway crash investigations.
Conducting expert analysis and assessment of pertinent issues and if required, developing recommendations.
At the GS-13 Level: In addition to the duties at the lower grade levels, duties include: Serving as Lead Investigator for field investigations when required.
Requirements Conditions of Employment U.
S.
Citizenship is required.
Selective Service registration is required for males age 18 or older unless an exception is met.
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: YES - Bargaining unit represented by NTSB-AFGE Local 2211.
Direct Deposit is required.
A probationary period may be required.
You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
If selection is made below the full performance level, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition.
However, promotions are not automatic or guaranteed and will depend on the performance and supervisor approval.
Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must meet at least one of the minimum grade qualifications: GS11: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector).
Specialized experience is experience in highway crash investigations to include at minimum: Collecting and analyzing evidence/data necessary to conduct all aspects of highway crash investigations and develop appropriate findings related to crash events.
Using specialized equipment to electronically or photographically document the crash environment including but not limited to physical evidence, environmental factors influencing sight distances, roadway conditions, and vehicle damage.
Using the products, training, or knowledge necessary to analyze data obtained from vehicle event data recorders, airbag control modules, telematics systems, and advanced driver assistance systems to interpret vehicle dynamics and driver interactions during crash events.
Assembling and organizing technical data and research, writing factual and analytical investigation reports.
OR Ph.
D.
or equivalent doctoral degree; OR 3 full years of progressively higher level education leading to such a degree; OR LL.
M.
, if related GS12: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector).
Specialized experience is experience in highway crash investigations to include at minimum: Collecting and analyzing evidence/data necessary to conduct all aspects of highway crash investigations and develop appropriate findings related to crash events.
Using specialized equipment to electronically or photographically document the crash environment including but not limited to physical evidence, environmental factors influencing sight distances, roadway conditions, and vehicle damage.
Using the products, training, or knowledge necessary to analyze data obtained from vehicle event data recorders, airbag control modules, telematics systems, and advanced driver assistance systems to interpret vehicle dynamics and driver interactions during crash events.
Assembling and organizing technical data and research, writing factual and analytical investigation reports.
Providing consultation and/or exchanging information concerning highway safety with other stakeholders such as other federal agencies, industry, labor, manufacturers, national and professional organizations, associations.
GS13: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector).
Specialized experience is experience in highway crash investigations to include at minimum: Collecting and analyzing evidence/data necessary to conduct all aspects of highway crash investigations and develop appropriate findings related to crash events.
Independently using specialized equipment to electronically or photographically document the crash environment including but not limited to physical evidence, environmental factors influencing sight distances, roadway conditions, and vehicle damage.
Independently using the products and knowledge necessary to analyze data obtained from vehicle event data recorders, airbag control modules, telematics systems, and advanced driver assistance systems to interpret vehicle dynamics and driver interactions during crash events.
Examining aspects of highway design and/or advanced vehicle technologies to identify issues and propose recommendations related to vehicle and highway transportation safety.
Assembling, organizing, and/or analyzing technical data and research, writing factual and analytical investigation reports, and preparing presentations incorporating vehicle factors issues, terminology, and findings.
For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801 (opm.
gov) NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position.
Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
Education EDUCATION As stated in the qualifications section.
GENERAL EDUCATION: All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at an institution that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications.
For a list of schools that meet these criteria, see https://www.
ed.
gov/accreditation?src=rn.
Applications submitted without the required supporting documents will not be accepted.
An unofficial transcript; statement from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation is acceptable at the time of application.
Education submitted must be appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.
S.
Department of Education.
For additional information, refer to the U.
S.
Department of Education web site at: https://www.
ed.
gov FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.
S.
education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.
S.
accredited college or university.
For further information, visit: https://www2.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html Additional information The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
A RELOCATION or RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE MAY BE OFFERED TO HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES.
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.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed.
To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) meet the basic qualification standards (including minimum educational and experience requirements; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 90 and above on the rating criteria for this position; and, (4) submit the appropriate documentation (to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
For more information visit: https://www.
opm.
gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.
asp Note: ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.
S.
C.
8337(h) or 8456.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions.
OPM's web site at https://www.
opm.
gov/qualifications.
Multiple and subsequent vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.
uscis.
gov/e-verify.
Benefits 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority.
The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy.
For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.
Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.
e.
DD-214, or other substantiating documents).
View information on veterans' preference.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.
If you are qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
Benefits 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.
Required Documents 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.
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire.
You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package.
Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
Cover letter is optional.
The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE: A Complete Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments.
Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications.
The following information should be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.
g.
GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.
Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: https://www.
youtube.
com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk Responses to the questionnaire.
College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
DD-214 (member copy 4), SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station.
For more information visit: https://www.
opm.
gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.
asp 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.
How to Apply 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 01/17/2024.
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/12221668.
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 MID-ATLANTIC SERVICE BRANCH Email NORFOLKMAIL@OPM.
GOV Address Office of Highway Safety 490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW Washington, DC 20594 US Next steps Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire.
You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package.
Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
Cover letter is optional.
The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE: A Complete Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments.
Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications.
The following information should be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.
g.
GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.
Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: https://www.
youtube.
com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk Responses to the questionnaire.
College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
DD-214 (member copy 4), SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station.
For more information visit: https://www.
opm.
gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.
asp 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 This job is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency The public (must be U.
S.
citizen).
Direct-Hire Authority will be used to fill this position.
Veterans preference and category rating of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.