Summary The position is in the Division of Accident Investigations as the alternative case resolution (ACR) program manager. They advise on the program's policy and ensure consistency, accuracy, and timeliness of enforcement terminology, techniques, regulations, and policy. The position is a management official overseeing a major program that impacts the workforce and mission. Responsibilities Meets and works with District Managers, SSI/CLRs, SIs, CLRs, to attempt informal resolutions before a civil penalty is assessed. Ensures resolutions are timely and consistent. Serve as a troubleshooter and catalyst to MSHA Districts and regional solicitors to identify bottlenecks and problems from a technical perspective; resolving and recommending resolutions; and resolving problems with dockets. Meets with high-level officials such as attorneys from the Solicitor's Office, Administrative Law Judges, and high-level officials within MSHA, the DOL, and other Federal and State agencies. Deals with the issues that relate to mine health and safety violations, citations, orders, conferences, and litigation procedures. Works directly with agency staff to provide overall technical and expert guidance as well as knowledge of regulations and enforcement policies. Serves as the administrator's representative at meetings with stakeholders to obtain their views and suggestions and convey the position of the agency with respect to the implementation of the program. Advises the administrator on all matters concerning the ACR program involving the formulation and revision of policies and strategies for the overall success of the program. Assists with the development, interpretation, and revision of a full range of safety and health standards, inspection procedures, and enforcement guidelines. Provides continuity and review strategies including those proposed by the districts to ensure consistency throughout the agency. Responsible for assuring MSHA is consistent and timely in compliance with the governing regulations and applies expertise to ensure conformity with legal procedures and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission decisions. Provides guidance to help ensure uniformity when the CLR's identify circumstances that would meet selection criteria for a case being litigated. Identifies solutions to issues on or inconsistencies in interpreting and applying enforcement regulations, policies, and procedures consistently and accurately across program areas. Reviews all available tools and reports from other offices to ensure dockets are timely filed and all available resources are being used to support litigations. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You must meet the Basic Requirements and the Specialized Experience to qualify for Mine Safety and Health Specialist (Alternate Case Resolution Program Manager), as described below. The Mine Safety and Health Inspection Series, GS-1822, has basic requirements for positions covered by this standard. Applicants must meet both the basic requirements (Individual Occupational Requirements) and specialized experience for the specific grade level to qualify. 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. Basic Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level: Performing mine safety and health inspection, analysis and evaluation of safety aspects of mining industry operations and processes; or evaluation, analysis or development of agency programs. Examples of creditable experience include: Direct on-site inspection; special accident investigation; development of mine safety and health standards; data analysis and evaluation of operational mine safety and health programs; special assessments; and development of industry-wide training or safety and health awareness programs. Specialized Experience Requirement: For GS-14: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal Service. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Qualifying specialized experience for GS-14 includes at least five (5) of the following: Conduct investigations of discrimination complaints filed by miners, representatives of miners, or applicants for employment. Conduct investigations of possible knowing and or willful violations. Conducting 30 CFR Part 100 conferences. Representing an agency in legal proceedings or at judicial hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Preparing settlement motions, petitions, and/or final orders in legal proceedings Experience working with mining industry related processes and procedures that include health and safety standards, inspection procedures, violations and enforcement guidelines. Experience working with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, MINER Act, court decisions, and revised standards and regulations as they interface with the Acts and MSHA policies. Education There is no educational substitution in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level. Additional Information Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the Required Documents section for additional requirements. 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 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 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. For questions, please contact Tara Werner at werner.tara.d@dol.gov or 972-850-2510. Click here for Telework Position Information This is not a remote work position. The selectee will report to an assigned DOL office location on a regular basis and is eligible for participation in telework as determined by management in accordance with DOL policy. The Department of Labor may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government to attract highly qualified candidates. Click here for Additional Information. Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy. 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. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment. All Department of Labor employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Program under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.