×

Please log in to continue...

Login

Technical Writer-Editor Direct-Hire

Summary

This position is in the Office of Highway Safety, Report Development Division. The Office of Highway Safety investigates highway crashes, including railroad grade-crossing crashes, in coordination with the states and other stakeholders. Incumbent will serve as a Technical Writer-Editor responsible for developing accident reports that describe and analyze the facts and circumstances of highway accidents and identify conclusions and safety recommendations.

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

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Direct-Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veteran’s preference and category rating of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

As a Technical Writer-Editor Direct-Hire, GS-1083-11, you will perform the following major duties:

  • Rewrites and edits correspondence, memoranda, and other products (e.g., recommendation letters, response to notice of proposed rulemaking) for the Office Director’s and the Chair’s signatures.
  • Evaluates crash investigation reports and other technical documents in terms of purpose, audience, scope, content, organization, and logic. Based on that evaluation, independently rewrites and edits documents to improve clarity, organization, logic as well as to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, style, tone, and format.
  • Edits and produces documents according to established formats and the NTSB’s Product Development Guide.
  • Uses technical information obtained from various sources to support identified safety issues and to provide logical, cogent discussion that supports conclusions and safety recommendations.
  • Proofreads drafts and final documents for typographical and grammatical errors. Ensures that all references to graphics, tables, and safety recommendation numbers in final documents are accurate and that the presentation of information in documents is consistent with NTSB’s policies and objectives.

At the GS-12/13: in addition to duties at the lower grade level, typical duties may include:

  • Discusses editorial, substantive, and other questions and concerns about documents with report writers or other subject matter experts and explains rationale for suggested changes. Assists in determining relevance of information proofread for inclusion in documents.
  • Coordinates the review and approval processes for crash investigation reports and other technical documents to ensure these are edited and produced according to established formats and datelines.
  • Participates in updating the Product Development Guide to reflect changes in the agency’s editorial policies and procedures.
  • Writes and make substantiative edits to investigation reports using technical information obtained from the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), Group Chair reports, public hearing(s), interview transcripts, and other sources. Evaluates the collected evidential material as well as the sources providing the evidence for validity, reliability, and substance. Uses the information to support identified safety issues to provide logical, cogent discussion that supports conclusions and safety recommendations.
  • Prepares safety recommendation letters based on recommendations issued in investigative reports.

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.
  • 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. 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.) 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:

GS-11: You MUST have one of the following:

  • A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related

OR

One year of Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal Service (experience may have been gained in the private sector). Specialized experience is experience writing and editing reports of a scientific or technical nature to improve clarity, organization, logic as well as to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, style, tone, and format; experience in managing the production of lengthly documents through editing, reviewing, proofreading , and publishing.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience.

FOR GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service ( Experience may have been gained in the private sector). Specialized experience is experience obtaining and presenting technical information to various audiences through independent reading, interviews with subject-matter experts, observation of tests and experiments, interpretation of technical reports, or other appropriate methods. Experience with editorial protocols and publication procedures.

For GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service ( Experience may have been gained in the private sector). Specialized experience is 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 and working with teams to present the final products to senior leadership. 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. Experience with converting technical or scientific information into language suitable for a general audience. Experience providing advice and guidance to employees on policies, procedures, and techniques for preparing technical documents for public release.

For more information see link: Technical Writing and Editing Series 1083 (opm.gov)

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.

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 Interior 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.

Education

EDUCATION

As stated in the 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.
  • 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.

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Screening Questions/Occupational Questionnaire for consistency. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Experience must be 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.
    • 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.
    • 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 06/02/2023.
    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/11974458.
    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

    Office of Highway 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 06/02/2023.
  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/11974458.
  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

Office of Highway 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
Job Category
Job Type
Salary
Country
City
Career Level
Company
JOB SOURCE