Summary This position provides technical assistance and laboratory services for the inspection program within the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Enforcement. The primary focus is the calibration and repair of sampling instruments used by inspection personnel and ensuring instruments and supplies are readily available to the inspection force. This position is inside the bargaining unit. Responsibilities Calibrates a wide variety of instruments used in the inspection program including those which measure mine gases, noise, respirable dust and other physical agents. Inspects instruments which are not functioning properly or will not calibrate properly to determine the source of the problem and make needed repairs. Maintains an adequate supply of repair parts and expendable supplies for the various sampling instruments, ensuring sufficient stock is on hand to support the inspection program. Maintains cap lamps and chargers for the duty station by inspecting, testing and replacing defective parts, ensuring batteries are charged to full capacity. Advises and assists mine operators in setting up a respirable dust pump calibration facility so that mine operators can check the flow of rate and calibration of their sampling equipment. Consulting with suppliers on parts or equipment that may be defective and coordinate the exchange of products with vendors. Provides training to Field Offices regarding dust sampling equipment, record keeping and reporting requirements, as well as the use, care and maintenance of self-contained self-rescue devices. Provides direct assistance to field offices in the preparation of responses to DOL, Agency and other investigative sources by making recommendations for corrective action and coordinating as required. Maintains complete history for each instrument, including calibration records, repair history and service life. Conducts annual respirator fit testing and compiles and maintains records pertaining to such testing. Uses word processing equipment and software to create, store and retrieve work documents including correspondence and reports in a variety of formats. Enters, retrieves, compiles and prints inspection-related data for MSIS system. Maintains files and records including automated databases or spreadsheets, regarding MSHA conducted sampling and operator conducted sampling. Reviews dust data cards for accuracy and packages and mails dust samples to the laboratory for analysis. May be called upon to testify in court hearings as to the accurate calibration or repair of sampling instruments. Conducts field inspections to ensure proper laboratory techniques are being followed. Conducts testing of mining personnel to qualify them as certified dust samplers. Audits activities including records, service files, deficiency reports in order to ensure that appropriate action has been taken. Studies program operations and reports in order to determine program trends, detect weaknesses and identify deficiencies in regulatory requirements compliance including equipment integrity and effectiveness in meeting appropriate requirements. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience and/or education requirements as defined below. If qualifying based on experience, be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume. The Physical Science Technician Series, GS-1311, has basic occupational requirements for positions covered by this standard. Applicants must meet the following basic requirements (IOR) to qualify: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to a least the next lower grade level, GS-06 in the Federal Service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy. Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as general or specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. In addition to the Basic Occupational Requirement listed above, applicants must meet ONE of the following to qualify for the GS-07: Specialized experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level, GS-06 of Federal service in at least three of the following: 1) Tests and calibrates mine hazard detection instruments; 2) Reads schematics and comprehends relevant technical literature; 3) Follows respirator fit testing procedures; 4) Operates, maintains, and uses self-contained self-rescuers; 5) Follows procedures and requirements for certification of dust samplers; and/or 6) Analyzes and evaluates data/information. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education that is directly related to physical sciences; OR An equivalent combination of specialized experience and education as described above. Education Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service. If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum coursework requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information. Additional Information Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the Required Documents section for additional requirements. MSHA NON-INSPECTOR JOBS ONLY (Mandatory by law): All MSHA employees and their spouses, and minor children are prohibited by regulation from having any interest, direct or indirect, in any mine or mining company that may be directly affected by the work of MSHA through its investigations, technical research, or other activities. These interests are prohibited under the Department of Labor's Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct Regulations at 5 CFR 5201.105. Certain MSHA employees are required to file a financial disclosure report. This position is inside the bargaining unit. If the duty location is within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the position will be included in the Local 12, AFGE bargaining unit. If the duty location is outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the position will be included in the NCFLL bargaining unit. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have speech disabilities, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. The mission of the Department of Labor (DOL) is to protect the welfare of workers and job seekers, improve working conditions, expand high-quality employment opportunities, and assure work-related benefits and rights for all workers. As such, the Department is committed to fostering a workplace and workforce that promote equal employment opportunity, reflects the diversity of the people we seek to serve, and models a culture of respect, equity, inclusion, and accessibility where every employee feels heard, supported, and empowered. Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES The Fair Chance Act (FCA) prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOL employee has violated your rights under the FCA, you may file a complaint of the alleged violation following our agency's complaint process Guidelines for Reporting Violations of the Fair Chance Act. Note: The FCA does not apply to some positions specified under the Act, such as law enforcement or national security positions. As a condition of employment, all personnel must undergo a background investigation for access to DOL facilities, systems, information and/or classified materials before they can enter on duty: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy. Department of Labor may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional information is available here.