The primary purpose of this position is the performance of Federal pipeline safety compliance inspections; evaluate intrastate and interstate pipeline operators subject to Federal authority; investigate pipeline failures; and represent the Office of Pipeline Safety in all matter related to pipeline safety before Federal, state and industry authorities.
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience creating or reviewing engineering design and/or construction proposals/specifications for compliance with procedural, regulatory or related requirements. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience applying engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to duties concerned with the design, and construction of gas or liquid pipeline systems of operators. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. To qualify for the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include: Experience conducting safety program reviews, engineering analyses, and evaluations of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipelines in accordance with safety regulations. Experience reviewing design specifications for pipeline systems. Experience providing technical determinations, and resolutions of compliance issues arising from pipeline safety inspections. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience. 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: Compliance Inspection: Ability to direct an enforcement program in order to determine probable violations, assess preliminary civil penalties, issue proposed compliance orders, issue corrective action order, act as a senior official at enforcement hearings, evaluate response material, recommend final enforcement actions and issue warning letters. Technical Competence: Skill in assuring that field actions comply with national policies, objectives, and regulations, as well as ensuring those regional programs are compatible with environmental, social, and economic goals and needs. General Engineering: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications. 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/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
As a General Engineer (Inspector), you will: Conduct safety program reviews and provide engineering analyses and evaluations of potential pipeline safety regulatory deficiencies. Interpret and apply Federal regulations and monitor the design, construction, operation and maintenance of gas and liquid pipeline systems. Evaluate projects to determine compliance with existing Federal safety regulations. Recognize discrepancies or inconsistencies between information reported or made available to the office of Pipeline safety and the true nature of the activity under review. Participate in technical conferences, symposia and meetings as a technical expert and authority on safety issues related to the pipeline industry. The ideal candidate is a General Engineer who is seeking a challenging assignment performing Federal pipeline safety compliance inspections; evaluating intrastate and interstate pipeline operators subject to Federal authority; investigating pipeline failures; and representing the Office of Pipeline Safety in all matters related to pipeline safety before Federal, state and industry authorities.