[Hiring] Senior Marine Accident Investigator @National Transportation Safety Board

Role Description

This position is a Senior Marine Accident Investigator (Nautical) located in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Office of Marine Safety (OMS). OMS investigates major marine casualties to determine the probable cause and identify safety recommendations that will prevent similar events in the future.

• As investigator in charge (IIC) on NTSB led accident investigations, leads all aspects of the investigation including close cooperation with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) investigating officer, management of the NTSB investigative team and parties to the investigation, setting and maintaining the schedule and budget including on scene work, follow-up visits and team overtime.
• Keeps management informed of progress and developments in the investigation.
• Responsible for the investigation of factors affecting vessel operators and persons involved in the operation and management of marine transportation systems.
• Organize, manage, and coordinate the nautical/operational aspects of investigations for major marine casualties and developing and presenting factual and analytical reports with safety recommendations for adoption by the Board.
• Analyze evidence gathered to reconstruct the events before, during, and after the accident by applying the principles of scientific methodology, logic, statistics, and other fields related to the operations of vessels.
• Write and complete factual reports, exhibits, outlines, and analytical reports.
• Present as IIC or Group Chairperson the technical views/facts before the full Board for acceptance, rejection, modification, or further study.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 in the federal service.
• Specialized experience includes:
  • Serving as a chief mate or master operating/navigating on a commercial vessel over 1600 gross tons.
  • Overseeing shipboard emergency drills and/or actual emergency situations at sea in a leadership role.
  • Operating under and determining compliance with maritime laws, regulations, and applicable standards.
  • Ensuring proper vessel documentation and the certification and safe and proper operating condition of systems (navigation, stability, communication, lifesaving, firefighting, and pollution prevention) and machinery.
  • Providing technical expertise and training to junior marine officers and crew.
  • Leading operational activities aboard commercial seagoing vessels related to vessel and crew member safety.
  • Operational experience working within and/or directly auditing a commercial safety management system in accordance with International Safety Management (ISM) Code.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship.
• If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959, you must register under the Military Selective Service Act.
• Resume and supporting documents required.
• 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 previously met requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.
• Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not exceed two standard single-sided pages.
• Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
• A Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
• THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
• This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by agency policy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and various benefits.
• Work-life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness, and transit benefits.