General Engineer - Direct Hire - SME

Summary

This position is within PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety. PHMSA protects people and the environment from risks related to hazardous materials transportation by pipeline. The Accident Investigation Division (AID) leads investigations of pipeline, underground natural gas storage, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) events, the identification of accident trends and the sharing of lessons learned to enhance pipeline safety.

Major duties

As a General Engineer (Accident Investigator), you will: Accident and Incident Investigations - Conducts and oversees the investigation of pipeline related failure and safety investigations. May serve as a Primary Operations Supervisor (OPS) Investigator on Federally regulated pipeline failure investigations. Serves as the Federal OPS Coordinator on state regulated pipeline failure investigations. Failure Analysis and Sharing Lessons Learned - Ensures OPS collects the data, technical reports and information needed to conduct thorough and comprehensive failure analysis. Continually monitors the national pipeline infrastructure for incidents and accidents. Gathers information on serious and significant accidents and incidents involving pipelines, providing factual, accurate and timely information. The ideal candidate is an experienced Engineer who is looking for challenging assignments investigating pipeline incidents and accidents. As an Accident Investigator, you will conduct, coordinate, manage and report comprehensive investigations of critical and nationally significant pipeline accidents and safety concerns. This position will coordinate with other federal and state agencies, industry, and the public regarding investigations, accident trends and lessons learned from investigations.

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-12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, it must include: Experience in engineering disciplines concerning the design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair, integrity management, and failure analysis of gas and liquid pipelines. Experience in conducting and/or participating in investigations or projects to improve transportation safety. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience in engineering disciplines concerning the design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair, integrity management, and failure analysis of gas and liquid pipelines. Experience in conducting and/or participating in investigations or projects to improve transportation safety. Experience in risk management, pipeline integrity management, and management systems principles and practices as they relate to protection of physical facilities and structures with critical environmental and safety impact. 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: Incident Management: Knowledge of the tactics, technologies, principles, and processes to protect, analyze, prioritize, and handle incidents. Technical Problem Solving: Troubleshoots, diagnoses, analyzes, and identifies system malfunctions to determine the source and cause of the problem. 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. 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/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may 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. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it's still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.