Marine Transportation Specialist

Summary

This vacancy is for a GS-2101-13, Marine Transportation Specialist, DCO, Asst COMDT for Prevention Policy, Commercial Regulations and Standards, Merchant Mariner Credentialing/Policy Division, Washington, DC.

Duties

You will serve as a Marine Transportation Specialist and be responsible for development, interpretation, and implementation of policies and regulations pertaining to the qualification, training, and credentialing of U.S. Merchant Mariners. This includes developing national and international standards, regulations, and policies; serving as an audit team member or leader of quality and training processes at commercial training institutions and Coast Guard's (CG) facilities; providing management support to a Federal Advisory Committee; providing program support in connection with administrative clemency requests; and adjudicating appeals and making decisions that affect policies and precedents for the Mariner Credentialing Program. . Being a CG civilian makes you a valuable member of the CG team. Typical work assignments include: Serving as a member of the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing, with responsibility for participating in the development, interpretation, and implementation of rules and regulations concerning merchant mariner credentialing, as related to the CG's Maritime Prevention Program. Evaluating mariner appeals and develops (signature ready) final agency action responses for the review and signature of the Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards (CG-5PS); reviewing associated laws, regulations, and policies in order to determine the validity of the mariner's position and developing recommendations for the resolution of the appeal. Establishing policies in the broad areas of merchant mariner training, testing, certification, vetting, documentation, and manning requirements for Mariners serving on certificated and non-certificated U.S. vessels. Originating and developing policies based upon risk management principles for new programs and evaluating the solutions proposed as substitutes or alternatives to existing requirements. Providing technical advice and consultative services to CG field personnel and to representatives of the maritime industry concerning the intent and application of the Mariner Credentialing Program's regulations and policies. Engaging with the public to answer technical questions concerning the intent of the laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to the Mariner Credentialing Program and to its relationship with other CG and federal government pro- grams for training qualifications and the documentation of transportation workers. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information Requirements

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume: Social Security Number (SSN) Date of Birth (DOB) Photos of yourself (if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position) Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Key Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov A one-year probationary period may be required. Under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This position requires a Public Trust clearance. This is not a Bargaining Unit position. Selectee must be able to obtain/maintain a valid state driver's license. Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by the closing date of the vacancy. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit. Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis. Developing policies and standards related to maritime safety and security. Preparing a variety of correspondence, reports, and/or documents related to maritime regulations and proposals. Managing or serving as a team lead for projects responsible for developing maritime standards and regulations. AND Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): Applicant must hold, or have held, a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential with a national endorsement authorizing service as an officer in the deck or engineering department on unlimited tonnage or unlimited horsepower commercial vessels in Oceans service, which includes International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as Amended endorsements. NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. How You Will Be Evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training, along with any applicable assessments, will be rated. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview. The necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to perform this job are: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Administration and Management Planning and Evaluating Oral Communication Written Communication To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13041299 Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must be 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation. CTAP and ICTAP Eligibles: CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. Individuals must be well-qualified by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website. Benefits

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Other Information

Due Weight Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). E-Verify DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Fair Chance Act The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to [email protected]. Suitability Statement If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Shared Certificates Statement Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. Special Employment Consideration The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Moving expenses will be paid in accordance with appropriate regulations. If you are unable to apply online, please contact [email protected]. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 45 days from the date the certificate was issued.