This is a Supervisory Special Investigator/Conference Litigation position; responsible for the District's special investigations and conference litigation program. The position serves as the supervisor over a technical and support staff and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating the special investigations and conference litigation program. This position is outside the bargaining unit.

Duties

Serves as senior advisor and consultant to the District Manager on all technical matters related to the special investigations and conference litigation policies of MSHA. Plans and develops District special investigative and conference litigation methods and procedures aimed at ensuring the most effective utilization of personnel trained in investigative and litigation techniques. Ensures the District's special investigation and technical program is in compliance with Agency policies, procedures and manuals. Maintains liaison with the Chief, Technical Compliance and Investigation Division in accomplishing this function. Supervises/conducts investigations of discrimination complaints filed under Section 105(c) of Public Law 95-164 by miners, representatives of miners, or applicants for employment. Supervise/conducts special investigations to determine possible willful violations regarding citations or orders of violations that were found by the District review process to be of a knowing or possible willful nature. Supervises or conducts special investigations with respect to serious accidents, multiple fatalities, or disasters after rescue and recovery operations are completed. This includes securing evidence and maintaining chain of custody, issuing citations or orders of violations, making determinations regarding possible willful violations, and participating as necessary in civil or criminal proceedings which may follow. Prepares or supervises the preparation of reports. Reviews written reports of investigation, including diagrams, statistics and narratives of special or technical investigations for determining possible knowing and willful violations. Present findings and recommendations to the District Manager. Authorized by MSHA and SOL to serve as the MSHA representative at judicial hearings before a Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. Prepares pre- and post trial pleadings and discovery, including pre-hearing orders and post-trial briefs. Establishes and maintains liaison with SOL in order to provide documentation and information on cases in litigation. Liaison activities include continuous discussions concerning issues involved in specific matters or disputes involving field enforcement staff. This also includes coordination of pending litigation and providing MSHA input into settlements negotiated by SOL. Makes personal examinations of mining and milling operations to keep fully informed on the latest technical developments in mining and equipment. As an expert on special investigative and conference litigation matters, represents the District at meetings and conferences with mining company representatives, unions, manufacturers, and the general public. Serves on various ad hoc committees as requested by the Regional Manager or the Administrator. Conducts on-site accompaniments with special investigators and conference litigation representatives. Supervises a technical staff. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Evaluates performance, gives advice, counsel, or instruction to subordinate employees. Handles disciplinary measures. Knows management's role and responsibilities in labor management relations and is completely familiar with terms of local agreements. Ensures equal opportunity for all employees. Assists employees in developing skills and knowledge so that the full utilization of talents may be attained. Actively supports the equal opportunity program. Is aware of the possibilities of on-the-job hazards to employees. Instructs employees on safety requirements for job assignments.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Candidate required to obtain the necessary security/investigation level.
• Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
• Requires a supervisory probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Requires medical exam and must maintain physical requirements.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
• Subject to financial disclosure requirements.

Qualifications

The Mine Safety and Health Inspection Series, GS-1822, has basic requirements for positions covered by this standard. Applicants must meet both the basic requirements (Individual Occupational Requirements) and specialized experience for the specific grade level to qualify. To qualify for this position, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience and/or education requirements as defined below. If qualifying based on experience, be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume. Basic Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level: Performing mine safety and health inspection, analysis and evaluation of safety aspects of mining industry operations and processes; or evaluation, analysis or development of agency programs. Examples of creditable experience include: Direct on-site inspection; special accident investigation; development of mine safety and health standards; data analysis and evaluation of operational mine safety and health programs; special assessments; and development of industry-wide training or safety and health awareness programs. Specialized Experience: For the GS-13 grade level: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12, in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must include four of the following: Make determinations on or investigates knowing and/or willful violations; Write technical reports or citations of mine safety and health investigations or inspections; Participate in part 100 informal conferences; Testify in mining related court cases; Conduct investigations of accidents and/or fatalities within a hazardous working environment; Facilitate meetings with miners for the purpose of interviewing, disseminating information, or conducting meetings. Medical Requirements Applicants and employees must be physically able to perform arduous duties efficiently and without hazard to themselves or others. Medical examination is required for all applicants for positions that involve regular or intermittent performance of inspection, investigation, rescue duties, or duties involving on-site visits. Medical conditions that constitute a hazard to safe and efficient job performance are disqualifying. The presence of medical disorders that would be aggravated by the environmental conditions of these positions and thereby hinder safe and efficient job performance are also disqualifying. Remediable defects and/or curable diseases will not permanently disqualify an applicant for appointment, but may result in the applicant's suspension from the appropriate list of eligibles pending submission of medical evidence or correction of the condition. Uncorrected distant vision must test at least 20/50 Snellen in one eye and 20/70 in the other, correctable with eyeglasses (contact lenses are not acceptable) to at least 20/30 Snellen in one eye and 20/50 in the other. Near vision must be sufficient to read without strain printed material the size of typewritten characters Normal depth perception and field of vision are required, as is the ability to distinguish basic colors. Applicants, with or without the use of a hearing aid, must have no hearing loss in either ear of more than 40 decibels in the 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz ranges.

Education

There is no educational substitution in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

Contacts

• Address Mine Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20210 US
• Name: Claire Geister
• Email: [email protected]