Technical Writer-Editor (Direct-Hire)

Summary This position will be located in various offices within the NTSB. As a Technical Writer-Editor, the incumbent will be responsible for managing and coordinating the development of major accident reports that describe and analyze the facts of accidents and identify conclusions and safety recommendations. Responsibilities As a Technical Writer-Editor (Direct-Hire),GS-1083-11, you will perform the following major duties: - Writes and edits investigative reports that describe and analyze the facts and circumstances of transportation accidents and determine a probable cause. -Uses technical data and written information obtained from the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), Group Chairs' reports, public hearings, interview transcripts, party submissions, and other sources to support the development of identified safety issues and to provide logical, cogent discussion that supports analysis. -Evaluates the collected evidential material and their sources for validity, reliability, and substance. -Edits documents to correct grammar, punctuation, style, and format, eliminating jargon and redundancies. Assists in the development and preparation of the visual presentation of investigative findings. At the GS-12, in addition to duties above, typical duties may include: -Independently researches and collects information for reports. Organizes and analyzes the information to support identified safety issues and to provide logical, cogent discussion that supports conclusions and safety recommendations. Evaluates the collected evidential material and their sources for validity, reliability, and substance. -Initiates meetings with the investigation team to identify and clarify safety issues, develop effective strategies for presenting those issues in the Board's report, and ensure that tasks necessary to meet the report development plan can be completed according to schedule. -Proofreads final documents for typographical, style, and grammatical errors. Ensure that all references to graphics, tables, and recommendation numbers in final documents are accurate and that the presentation of information in documents is consistent with NTSB policies and objectives. At GS-13, in addition to duties above, typical duties may include: -Uses technical data and written information obtained from the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), Group Chairs' reports, public hearing, interview transcripts, party submissions, and other sources to support the development of safety issues and analysis. - Keeps current on-Board Members' views on the suitability and presentation of information in NTSB documents and ensures that documents are consistent with NTSB policies and objectives. -Develops report timelines and ensures adherence to project milestones on documents for which they are responsible. Apprises supervisor of conflicting priorities regarding assignments, as well as progress toward and potential obstacles to timely delivery of products. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following Basic Requirements: A. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Education 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 above, you must also possess the following: GS-11 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 B. 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; Conducting final proofreading and review of proposed publications for style, design, layout, and editorial aspects before publishing. OR C. Combination of Education and Experience. 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. 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 related to safety evaluation, research or investigations and working with teams to present the final products to senior leadership. 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. 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. 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 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: 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: 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 80 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: 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 Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy. 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 The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.