Sr. Human Performance (Factors) Accident Investigator - Direct Hire

Job Description

Summary This position is located in various offices within National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The incumbent is responsible for investigations of human performance issues contributing to transportation accidents. Human performance issues involve people and their work environment relevant to an accident and those factors affecting the behavioral and decision-making performance of individuals. Learn more about this agency Duties As a Sr. Human Performance (Factors) Accident Investigator - Direct Hire, GS-1801-14, you will perform the following major duties: Serves as group chair in the NTSB's party process for incidents and accident investigations, which involves organizing and conducting on-scene investigative activities with the group members, and involves communicating the investigation status and plans to the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), the Division Chief, and other group chairs. Identifies and assesses the significance of human performance (individual, work group, organizational) factors found during on-scene investigations. Evaluates system safety processes, safety management system (SMS) maturity, and organizational safety culture factors. Analyzes and interprets the data uncovered. The purpose of such analysis is to 1) advance the knowledge of human performance factors in the safe operation of transportation systems; 2) provide practical applications of theory from the behavioral sciences and human factors field to improve transportation safety; and 3) form a basis for the application of practical solutions to prevent future accidents of similar nature. Determines requirements for human performance tests, studies, research, and/or assistance that may be necessary for an investigation. Monitors these activities and evaluates findings in terms of relevancy to the probable cause and/or safety recommendations and actions. Prepares timely and accurate factual and analytical reports that present the human performance findings and conclusions to support or substantiate the probable cause of an accident. The factual report documents the evidence obtained on the performance of people and their work environment relevant to an accident. The analysis report discusses the significance of the human performance evidence, along with support from relevant technical literature, leading to findings and conclusions that support the probable cause of an incident or accident. Participates in the preparation of formal NTSB incident and accident reports to ensure the accurate presentation and interpretation of human performance in transportation issues. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be regi or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. 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. This position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually. THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy) Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must meet the following Specialized Experience Statement: GS-14: I have one or more years of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service that is typically in or related to the work of this position. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in conducting and managing human performance investigations on transportation incidents and accidents; understanding of the principles, methods, and tools used to identify and apply information about human behavior, abilities, limitations, and other characteristics to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs and environments for effective human use; Experience assembling and organizing technical data and research to prepare factual and analytical reports, and oral presentations incorporating relevant human factors issues and findings; experience presenting complex technical ideas and terminology using plain language; experience writing and preparing formal responses, such as responses to proposed regulations or policies, inquiries from oversight agencies (Congressional, Federal or State), industry stakeholders and the public. For more information see link: General Schedule Qualification Standards 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 There is no education substitution at this grade level. 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: http://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 http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy. 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 http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits
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Date Posted

04/18/2026

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