Technical Writer-Editor (Direct Hire)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Aviation Safety, Writing and Editing Division. The incumbent serves as a Technical Writer-Editor responsible for writing, rewriting, drafting/editing major aviation reports, safety recommendation letters, special investigation reports, general correspondence and editing written products and other documents drafted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) staff.

This job is open to

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management’s Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran’s preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply.

Duties

This vacancy announcement was updated on Thursday, June 8, 2023, to include an applicant count of 50 applicants.

As a Technical Writer-Editor, GS-1083-11/12/13, you will perform the following major duties:

Evaluates various technical documents, including investigative reports, and correspondence in terms of purpose, audience, scope, content, organization, and logic. Based on the evaluation, independently rewrites or edits to improve noted deficiencies and ensure correct grammar, punctuation, style, tone (for example, eliminates redundancies and jargon, where appropriate, and clarifies confusing information.

When appropriate, discusses editorial, substantive, and other questions and concerns with document authors and explains rationale for suggested changes. Assists in determining relevance of information proffered for inclusion in documents.

Proofreads various documents and correspondence at all stages of development for accuracy and conformity with agency-approved format and style, including typographical, grammatical, and usage errors, and corrects them.

Performs final formatting and proofread of investigative reports adopted for electronic publication and coordinates with agency stakeholders to ensure reports are published in accordance with agreed-upon deadlines.

Provides advice and guidance to Office employees on the policies, procedures, practices, and techniques for preparation and processing of various investigative products and correspondence.

Assists in the development and evaluation of graphic materials, providing recommendations to report writers and subject matter experts when necessary. Ensures that graphics incorporated into assigned documents are appropriate, accurate, and professional in appearance.

Physical Demands: The work is mostly sedentary. Some unscheduled overtime may be required.

Work Environment: The work is normally performed in an office environment. However, there may be opportunities (but not requirement) to visit accident sites, which could present some physical demands and possible risk, depending on the location and the circumstances of the accident.

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.
Probationary period may be required.
You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
If selection is made below the full performance level, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotions are not automatic or guaranteed and will depend on the performance and supervisor approval.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following Basic Requirements:

A. 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. (Must provide your official or unofficial transcripts.)

-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.

In addition to meeting one of the above Basic Requirements, you must also possess the following:

For GS-11:

For GS-12:

For GS-13:

Applicants MUST possess one year of specialized experience with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and are typically in or directly related to the position being filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service, or comparable pay band system. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. 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 transportation safety or engineered system investigations, designing and conducting technical studies, and working with teams to present the final products to senior leadership; demonstrated experience coordinating with subject matter experts to develop analytical products and supporting arguments, including analyzing the facts and circumstances associated, organizing the flow of logic in documents and eliminating editorial errors; demonstrated expertise with converting technical or scientific information into language suitable for a general audience; and demonstrated expertise in developing and managing project timelines and multiple diverse writing and editing tasks simultaneously.

For more information see link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1000/technical-writing-and-editing-series-1083/

Shared Certificates:

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Offices within the National Transportation Safety Board who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

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

EDUCATION

*See Qualifications Section*

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.
The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for the Washington, DC location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages
Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
A RELOCATION or RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE MAY BE OFFERED TO HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES.
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.
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. OPM’s web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications
Telework may be authorized on a case-by-case basis.
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.

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.

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans’ preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you are qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be considered for an interview. Please ensure your experience is clearly reflected in your resume.

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 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=8YX7o1PBoFk
- Responses to the questionnaire.
- College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
- Veterans’ Preference (If Applicable) – If claiming veterans’ preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. For more information on veterans’ preference view FedsHireVets.
- Military Spouses (If Applicable) – You MUST submit verification of the marriage to the service member(i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage) AND (1) a copy of your spouse’s active military orders; OR (2) verification of your spouse’s 100% service-connected disability (e.g., VA Letter and/or DD-214); OR (3) verification of the service member’s death while on active duty (DD-1300/Death Certificate). You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
- 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
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
1. 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 06/21/2023.
2. To begin the process, click the ‘Apply’ 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.
3. To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11999993.
4. 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

AS Aviation 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.
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 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=8YX7o1PBoFk
Responses to the questionnaire.
College transcripts (Unofficial or Official), if qualifying based on education or as a basic requirement.
Veterans’ Preference (If Applicable) – If claiming veterans’ preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. For more information on veterans’ preference view FedsHireVets.
Military Spouses (If Applicable) – You MUST submit verification of the marriage to the service member(i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage) AND (1) a copy of your spouse’s active military orders; OR (2) verification of your spouse’s 100% service-connected disability (e.g., VA Letter and/or DD-214); OR (3) verification of the service member’s death while on active duty (DD-1300/Death Certificate). You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
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

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 06/21/2023.
To begin the process, click the ‘Apply’ 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/11999993.
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

AS Aviation 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.

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

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