Summary

This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Directorate of Technical Support. The incumbent serves as Deputy Director of Technical Support, reporting directly to the Director, a Senior Executive Service position.

Technical Support provides engineering, scientific and technical expertise to MSHA's Enforcement, Education and Training, Standards, Regulations and Variances, and Assessments program areas and the mining industries and mine operations.

Duties

Help

Major Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serves as the alter ego of the Director and as such, exercises program responsibility for the planning, coordination, and evaluation of Technical Support services and activities of three subordinate supervisors.
• Serves as a member of inter-agency ad hoc committees; participates with and collaborates in the planning and coordination of long-range Technical Support programs with other key MSHA and DOL officials and others external to DOL.
• Reviews organizational segment strategies to achieve program goals. Develops information and plans related to the strategic planning of future operations of the organization, ensuring that adequate plans are in place for the future operations of the organization.
• Participates with and collaborates in the planning and coordination of long-range program planning with other MSHA Administrators.
• Develops programs, policies, and standard operating procedures and instructions.
• Evaluating the work performance of subordinate supervisors; developing performance standard.
• Advises and assists program officials on program objectives including, program planning; develops programs, policies, and operating instructions to improve the services and mission related activities of the organization, including consideration and implementation of new technology and developments in mining that are relevant to and have potential nation-wide significance for mine safety and health, mining industries, and unions.
• Supervises a staff of five: two (2) GS-0801-15 Supervisory General Engineers, one (1) GS-0343-14 Supervisory Management and Program Analyst; one (1) GS-0801-14 General Engineer; and one (1) GS-0318-9 Secretary.
• The deputy has full supervisory authority including: evaluating the work performance of subordinate supervisors; developing performance standards; giving advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters; making a decision on work problems presented by subordinate supervisors; making or approving selections for the subordinate nonsupervisory position; hearing and resolving group grievances or serious employee complaints; reviewing and approving serious disciplinary actions (e.g., suspensions) involving nonsupervisory subordinates; approving expenses comparable to within-grade increases, extensive overtime, and employee travel; making decisions on non-routine, costly or controversial training needs.
• Represents the director with full authority to represent the views of the program area. Has delegated authority to commit Technical Support specific courses of action consistent with the general view and policy objectives of the director. Serves as MSHA's advisor to the assistant/deputy assistant secretary for MSHA, associate solicitor for MSHA, and other concerned officials in DOL to provide technical advice and guidance at Congressional hearings, litigation, and individual problem situations of a critical and highly sensitive nature.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Candidate required to obtain the necessary security/investigation level.
• Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
• Requires a supervisory probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
• Subject to financial disclosure requirements.

Qualifications

You must meet the Specialized Experience to qualify for the Deputy Director position, as described below.

To qualify for this position, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience and/or education requirements as defined below. If qualifying based on experience, be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume.

For GS-15: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-14 in the Federal Service.

Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Qualifying specialized experience for this position includes:

• Working knowledge and familiarity of the Mine Act and MSHA implementing regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines;
• Demonstrated skill in the development and technical writing of regulations and policies;
• Experience in developing and advising on regulatory projects;
• Experience preparing, reviewing and analyzing correspondence and documents such as: draft regulations, specialized policy papers or analytical reports and issue papers;
• Experience providing advice and procedural direction to senior management officials; and
• Knowledge of management and leadership principles with experience planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates.

Education

There is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience for this position at the GS-15 grade level.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

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.

Review our 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.