Summary
The incumbent will serve as a Senior Technical Writer-Editor responsible for managing and coordinating the development of major accident reports that describe and analyze the facts and circumstances of marine accidents and identify conclusions and safety recommendations. In addition, the incumbent writes, rewrites and edits correspondence, memoranda, and other products for the Director’s and the Chairman’s signatures, as well as speeches for the Board Members.
This job is open to
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This position is open only to current, permanent National Transportation Safety Board employees serving in the Competitive Service.
Duties
OMS investigates, or causes to be investigated, any major marine casualty occurring on the navigable waters or territorial seas of the United States, any major marine casualty involving a vessel of the United States, any marine accident involving a public vessel and any other vessel, and any other marine accident that occurs in connection with the transportation of people or property and that involves a problem of a recurring character.
As a Senior Technical Writer-Editor, GS-1083-14, you will perform the following major duties:
- Serves as a technical writer-editor responsible for developing delegated accident reports that describe and analyze the facts and circumstances of marine accidents and identify conclusions and safety recommendations.
- Responsible for developing major (Board) accident reports Organizes and analyzes the information to support identified safety issues and to provide logical, cogent discussion that supports conclusions and safety recommendations.
- Maintains records detailing project milestones on documents for which responsible. Can answer such questions as when a task was started, when it was completed, and how much time was spent on the task.
- Writes, rewrites, and edits correspondence, memoranda, and other products for the Director’s and the Chair’s signatures.
- Drafts speeches for the Board Members. Writes safety recommendation letters from adopted reports.
- Proofreads revised drafts and final documents for typographical and grammatical errors.
- Ensures documents are edited and produced according to established formats and the NTSB Style Guide. Corrects style errors in copy while editing.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- 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.
- A probationary period may be required.
- Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
- You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
- THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
- Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting one of the above Basic Requirements, you must also possess the following:
A. Basic Minimum Qualifications: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Must have included a total of 15 semester hours in an appropriate scientific, technical, or social science field(s), and at least one course above the introductory level in the field(s) covered by the position. (Must provide your official or unofficial transcripts.) For technical manuals and specifications writers or editors, the equivalent of 15 semester hours may have been gained through vocational or educational training above the high school level at a public, private, or Armed Forces school.
OR
B. Experience that required substantial subject-matter or technical knowledge of the field. This experience must have demonstrated the ability to acquire and present technical information through independent reading, interviews with subject-matter specialists, observation of tests and experiments, interpretation of blueprints or diagrams, or other appropriate methods. Such experience may have been acquired as a writer or editor of technical reports, articles, manuals, or specifications.
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:
Specialized experience is defined as: demonstrated experience leading the development and execution of high-quality error free scientific or technical reports and other products related to marine transportation safety or engineered system investigations and working with teams to present the final products to senior leadership; expert experience coordinating with subject matter experts to develop analytical products and supporting arguments – this includes analyzing the facts and circumstances associated, organizing the flow of logic in documents and eliminating editorial errors; expertise with converting technical or scientific information into language suitable for a general audience; expertise in developing and managing project timelines and multiple diverse writing and editing tasks simultaneously; independent research of national and international marine regulatory standards, other pertinent standards and previous safety investigation recommendations and findings for applicability and inclusion in reports; demonstrated knowledge of the Safety Board policies, views, and guidelines governing suitability and presentation of information in Board documents; demonstrated knowledge of the basic principles and vocabulary of marine accident investigation to accurately communicate facts and circumstances of marine accidents to professional mariners, industry experts and other interested audiences.
For more information see link: //www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1000/technical-writing-and-editing-series-1083/
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
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Must have included a total of 15 semester hours in an appropriate scientific, technical, or social science field(s), and at least one course above the introductory level in the field(s) covered by the position. For technical manuals and specifications writers or editors, the equivalent of 15 semester hours may have been gained through vocational or educational training above the high school level at a public, private, or Armed Forces school.
-OR-
Six months experience that required substantial subject-matter or technical knowledge of the field. This experience must have demonstrated the ability to acquire and present technical information through independent reading, interviews with subject-matter specialists, observation of tests and experiments, interpretation of blueprints or diagrams, or other appropriate methods. Such experience may have been acquired as a writer or editor of technical reports, articles, manuals, or specifications. In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must meet the Specialized Experience as indicated below.
You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GENERAL EDUCATION: All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at an institution that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications. For a list of schools that meet these criteria, see https://www.ed.gov/accreditation?src=rn. Applications submitted without the required supporting documents will not be accepted. An unofficial transcript; statement from the institution’s registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation is acceptable at the time of application. Education submitted must be appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at: http://www.ed.gov
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
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
- 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/
- THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR TELEWORK BASED ON CURRENT 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, your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
- 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.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine your qualifications. Experience must be clearly reflected in your resume. Applicants must first meet any mandatory education and/or licensure requirements before experience is evaluated. Failure to meet any mandatory requirement as outlined in the qualifications section will disqualify you from further consideration. If education and/or licensure requirements are met, your application will be further evaluated based on training, experience and other factors critical to successful job performance such as:
- Oral Communication
- Planning and Evaluating
- Reasoning
- Teamwork
- Technology Application
- Writing
If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
- 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.
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.
- Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.
The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:
- A Complete Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume: employer’s name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM’s video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoF
- Responses to the questionnaire.
- College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
- ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status, listing your Position Title, Series and Grade and Step, Tenure (Block 24 -1 or 2) and Position Occupied (Block 34 -1). Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. (Do not submit your Award SF-50).
- A copy of your most recent performance appraisal, or a statement as to why you do not have this document.
- DD-214 (member copy 4), SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
- Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable.
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least “fully successful” (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: For more information on LMWFA, visit: https://chcoc.gov/content/implementing-policy-guidance-land-management-workforce-flexibility-act
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
- How to Apply
- To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/11/2023.
- To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
- To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12133065.
- To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
NOTE: If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Applications: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information at least 1 business day before the closing date.
Agency contact information
Human Resources Division
Email
humanresourcesdivision@ntsb.gov
Address
Office of Marine Safety 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW Washington, DC 20594 US
Next steps
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.
The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:
- A Complete Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume: employer’s name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM’s video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoF
- Responses to the questionnaire.
- College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
- ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status, listing your Position Title, Series and Grade and Step, Tenure (Block 24 -1 or 2) and Position Occupied (Block 34 -1). Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. (Do not submit your Award SF-50).
- A copy of your most recent performance appraisal, or a statement as to why you do not have this document.
- DD-214 (member copy 4), SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
- Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable.
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least “fully successful” (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: For more information on LMWFA, visit: https://chcoc.gov/content/implementing-policy-guidance-land-management-workforce-flexibility-act
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
- To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/11/2023.
- To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
- To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12133065.
- To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
NOTE: If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Applications: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information at least 1 business day before the closing date.
Agency contact information
Human Resources Division
humanresourcesdivision@ntsb.gov
Address
Office of Marine Safety 490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW Washington, DC 20594 US
Next steps
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request