This position is located with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), located in Arlington, VA. The Mine Safety and Health Specialist is responsible for the design, development, implementation and monitoring of highly technical programs in the mining industry that impact and interface with other safety and health programs. This position is inside the bargaining unit.

Duties

The GS-13 position is developmental, leading to the full performance level, GS-14. Leads or actively participates in the development and revision of mandatory safety standards. Consults with other offices and recommends new or revised regulations and represents the MSHA at public hearings. Provides technical guidance, service and staff assistance in all areas of mining to Headquarters and the Field. Develops and holds seminars in assigned program area to promote applicable new technology to assist in developing new programs for improving techniques aimed toward eliminating accidents. Manages the development and implementation of training classes or seminars for field personnel and others. Approves, implements and monitors field evaluations of mining or safety systems at complex mining operations. Analyzes data and monitors state-of-the art mine technology which has significant implications on national safety programs. Recommends approval or disapproval of petitions for modification of standards filed under 101 (c) of the Act. Analyzes and disseminates complex technical, regulatory or safety related information. Promotes, plans, manages and evaluates one or more of the following programs: Roof Control, Ventilation, Electrical, Mine Emergencies, Impoundments and other miscellaneous safety areas in underground and surface mines. Communicates orally regarding mining technology and related safety enforcement issues. Presents speeches at conferences, symposiums or seminars. Testifies as an MSHA expert witness at hearings regarding mine safety and enforcement. Testifies at Congressional Committees or Subcommittee hearings or inquiries. Designs, implements and monitors highly specialized, multi-faceted, and adaptable mine safety programs which impact and interface with other safety programs. Evaluates. monitors and reviews district and national safety related enforcement programs and information, such as pattern of violations. Conducts comprehensive analyses of data from wide variety of mine accidents that are critical interest to MSHA. Evaluates and advises supervisor on state-of-the-art activities in mine equipment development and technology. Prepares in-depth technical reports at conclusion of analyses which identify causes of recurring mine accidents, data trends and recommends new enforcement strategies, method of prevention, and corrective actions to eliminate identified problems and weaknesses. Writes directives and policies regarding implementation and interpretation of mine safety standards, inspection procedures and enforcement guidelines on safety standards. Plans, organizes, directs and monitors the creation and revision of inspection handbooks. Writes technical reports, briefing papers, speeches, bulletins, correspondence, etc. Prepares and reviews manuscripts, speeches, reports, draft regulations, etc.

Requirements

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

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 and specialized experience for the specific grade level to qualify. To qualify for Mine Safety and Health Specialist position, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience 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 health/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 is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. For the GS-13 grade level: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12 in Federal Service. Specialized experience must include at least three (3) of the following: Direct on-site inspections or investigations and/or conducting accident investigations. Serve as a Subject Matter Expert providing advice and recommendations to others on matters related to mine safety policies. Apply analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to develop new procedures. Provide guidance in the enforcement of Mine Safety and Health standards. Produce, edit, and proofread, written logical, technical and analytical reports and documents. For the GS-14 grade level: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-13 in Federal Service. Specialized experience must include at least five (5) of the following: Direct on-site inspections or investigations and/or conducting accident investigations. Serve as a Subject Matter Expert providing advice and recommendations to others on matters related to mine safety policies. Apply analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to develop new procedures. Provide oversight and guidance in the enforcement of Mine Safety and Health standards. Produce, edit, and proofread, written logical, technical and analytical reports and documents. Planning, developing, and implementing safety measures accomplishing MSHA's mission. NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education

There is no educational substitution in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-13/14 levels.

Contacts

• Address Mine Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20210 US
• Name: Ronnette Williams
• Phone: 202-693-3739
• Email: [email protected]