Transportation Specialist (Inspector) SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Summary You will serve as a Transportation Specialist within any Regional Office of the Office of Pipeline Safety. Conduct safety oversight inspections of a rapidly changing industry to ensure compliance with Federal pipeline safety standards by gas operators and liquid carriers at all types of pipeline facilities transporting natural gas and hazardous liquids. Duties The Transportation Specialist will: Serve within any Region Office of the Office of Pipeline Safety. As such, you will conduct safety oversight inspections of a rapidly changing industry to increase compliance with Federal pipeline safety standards by gas operators and liquid carriers at all types of pipeline facilities transporting natural gas and hazardous liquids, including intrastate and interstate transmission of natural gas and hazardous liquids, intrastate distribution of natural gas, offshore transportation of hazardous liquids and natural gas, deep water port, underground natural gas storage, and liquefied natural gas. Conduct safety program reviews and inspections and maintenance of gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems; prepare reports of findings, including evidence of violations, recommended alternative operational methods procedures, and ensure appropriate follow-up to correct problems cited. Conduct investigations of minor pipeline incidents to determine if there are violations of Federal regulations/laws; assess impact on the surround area; interview witnesses; collect and evaluate related data; follow-up to ensure corrective actions are taken, as necessary. Participate in industry and technical conferences, symposiums, meeting, etc., representing OPS as directed by the Regional Director; may appear as government witness in both formal and informal hearing or court proceedings. The ideal candidate for this position is a career-level industry knowledgeable individual with excellent written and oral communication skills who is seeking challenging assignments representing the Office of Pipeline Safety in myriad matters related to pipeline safety before Federal, state, and industry authorities. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. DRIVER'S LICENSE: The applicant must be able to obtain and retain a valid state-issued driver’s license. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT:  Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 it must include: Experience supporting transportation regulatory programs related to inspection, construction, and operation and maintenance of gas and / or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities regulated by USC Title 49 Parts 190-199. To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone, you must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience participating in safety inspections, preparing training aids, reviewing procedures, and presenting information on code violations for gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities regulated by USC Title 49 Parts 190-199. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience conducting or overseeing safety inspections, preparing training aids, conducting training, reviewing procedures, analyzing and documenting pipeline failures and presenting information on code violations for gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities regulated by USC Title 49 Parts 190-19. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Oral & Written Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including costs and limits.  Accident Investigation: Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Individual Occupational Requirements Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position. TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED (FOR THE GS-09 AND GS-11 ONLY) if you are substituting education for experience. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.  Additional information Salaries for the duty locations are as follows: Trenton, NJ - ($61,722 - $137,128) Atlanta, GA – ($65,271-$123,052) Kansas City, MO – ($65,271 - $118,261) Houston, TX - ($71,181 - $134,195) Lakewood, CO – ($68,819 - $129,742) Ontario, CA - ($71,957 - $135,657) Anchorage, AK – ($69,789 - $131,571) The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. 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 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. Review our 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.