Summary This position is located in the Railroad Division, Office of Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations. The incumbent will serve as a Group Chairperson or Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) with recognized expertise in railroad Motive Power and Equipment and is responsible for organizing, managing, and coordinating the investigation of major railroad transportation accidents. Responsibilities As a Railroad Accident Investigator ( Mechanical), GS-2121-14, you will perform the following major duties: As a group chair, leads and manages a mechanical technical working group comprised of high-level technical personnel from Federal, state and local regulatory agencies, industry representatives and officials, and union officials. Evaluates inspection and testing of motive power, freight and passenger cars, safety appliances, power brakes and onboard technology systems. Evaluates the design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of motive power, freight and passenger cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. As an investigator-in-charge, organizes and manages all phases of railroad accident investigations including the development of major railroad accident reports. Writes comprehensive accident reports that include facts, conditions, circumstances surrounding the accident, safety issue analyses and conclusions, and proposed recommendations, assuring all pertinent safety issues are identified and addressed. Research, reviews, and provides analysis of existing and proposed Federal legislation, regulations, and national industry standards or specifications pertaining to railroad transportation safety. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, applicants must possess the Knowledge/Skill required below. Knowledge of the railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment; Knowledge of the general safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry; Knowledge of railroad accident investigation techniques; and Skill in written and oral communication. Knowledge of the design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations; Knowledge of the installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety appliances and power brakes, their capabilities and limitations; and Knowledge of the applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars, safety appliances, and power brakes. In addition to the Knowledge/Skill listed above, Applicants must meet the Specialized Experience requirement below. GS-14: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector). Specialized experience is defined as: experience with investigating the design, installation, maintenance, and performance of railroad motive power and equipment; experience writing detailed technical railroad accident investigation reports; and experience evaluating railroad safety programs, standards, and regulations to make safety recommendations. For more information see link: Railroad Safety Series 2121 (opm.gov) 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. NTSB may authorize Recruitment Incentives currently offered by the Federal Government for highly qualified candidates who possess unique skills and abilities. 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. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. For more information on VEOA please visit https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/special-hiring-authorities/#veoa Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements identified below please visit https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/special-hiring-authorities/ - Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans - Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses - Other Special Appointment Authorities 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. It is available for your review on OPM's web site at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ 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.