About this role
Job SummaryYou will serve as a Crash Investigation Specialist in the Crash Investigation Division (CID) within the Office of Data Acquisition (ODA). The Crash Investigation Division supports NCSA data systems that are used throughout the Agency for regulatory action and defect evaluation by crash data researchers, public and private institutions, and the auto/child restraint industries. The data must be as accurate, complete, and as timely as possible.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience in the development, organization, management, and evaluation of large nationwide crash investigation data collection systems or programs, including lead roles in designing, developing, building, maintaining, and quality controlling motor vehicle crash databases. Experience in continuous evaluation and monitoring of crash data collection field operations to ensure accurate, consistent, and uniform data collection, and demonstrating measurable results by providing substantive feedback to data crash technicians to improve the quality and accuracy of the collected data. Experience in preparing technical reports and detailed assessments of motor vehicle crash investigations, and providing expert training on NHTSA crash investigation protocols, procedures, and guidelines, including playing a lead role in developing training syllabi and serving as an instructor in formal classroom training. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Knowledge: Crash data collection techniques and procedures, and ability to apply evidence to occupant kinematics. Problem-solving and critical thinking: Knowledge and experience in applying scientific principles and theories in analyzing and reconstructing motor vehicle crashes. Communication: Ability to prepare technical reports and detailed assessments including concise briefings of motor vehicle crash investigations. Management: Knowledge of the structure use and quality control of national or state databases used to track motor vehicle crash data collection and to identify potential safety problems and causes. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesThe Crash Investigation Specialist: Conducts high-quality field investigations of special interest motor vehicle crashes and reviews special interest motor vehicle crashes identified by the Agency or the Chief of Crash Investigations for Agency dissemination. Coordinates with the Crash Investigation Division staff, to assure all required changes or updates needed in the Crash Investigation Division data collection programs are carried out. Participates as a national expert in the development and maintenance of the various crash data collection programs and databases. Provides timely written replies to correspondence from the public, automotive industries, and government agencies concerning special projects, prepares reports for the Office Director, Division Chief and other team leaders regarding the status and operations of the various projects. The ideal candidate has expert experience in determining occupant kinematics in all types of crashes. Proficiently determining the involved physical components and ultimately reconstructing the crash events and code the detailed crash data based on NHTSA guidelines, protocols, and procedures. This level must also be able to develop and deliver technical training and substantive feedback to crash technicians to improve the quality of NHTSA data.RequirementsCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it's still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.