Summary This position is a Senior Marine Accident Investigator (Nautical) located in the 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. Responsibilities Pay setting for first time new hires to the Federal Government, salary will likely be set at the Step 1. See 2024 Salary Tables https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ As a Senior Marine Accident Investigator (Nautical) - DIRECT- HIRE, GS-1801-14, you will perform the following major duties: The Office of Marine Safety (OMS) investigates major marine casualties to determine the probable cause of each accident and identify safety recommendations that will prevent similar events in the future. As IIC on major marine casualty investigations, leads all aspects of the investigation including 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. As group chairperson on major marine casualty investigations, leads and manages an assigned investigative specialty group, which is composed of high-level technical personnel from Federal, State and local regulatory agencies, union officials and industry representatives and officials, during the on-scene phase of the investigation under the direction of the IIC. Assures precise handling and documentation of all pertinent evidence in the specialty area. Acts as 24/7 on call duty officer on a rotational basis. Responsible for answering marine accident notification calls; analyzing details and requesting additional information where necessary based on operational experience. Maintains maritime license proficiency and keeps current with marine industry practices and future trends, to ensure the relevance and appropriateness of analyses and recommendations to all segments of the marine transportation industry. Incumbent has operational experience working within and/or directly auditing a safety management system in accordance with International Safety Management (ISM) Code. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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 includes: 1. Serving as a chief mate or master operating/navigating on a commercial vessel over 1600 gross tons; 2. Operating under and determining compliance with 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, and the soundness and acceptable parameters of vessel structures and hulls including maintaining vessel stability; 3. Developing and overseeing shipboard emergency drills and/or actual emergency situations at sea in a leadership role; 4. Providing technical expertise and training to junior marine officers and crew; 5. Leading operational activities aboard seagoing commercial vessels related to vessel and crew member safety; 6.Operational experience working within and/or directly auditing a commercial safety management system in accordance with International Safety Management (ISM) Code and providing feedback or developing new procedures for continuous improvement of that system. For more information see link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/general-inspection-investigation-enforcement-and-compliance-series-1801/ 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. 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.