Sr. Human Performance (Factors) Accident Investigator - Direct Hire

As a Sr. Human Performance (Factors) Accident Investigator - Direct Hire, GS-1801-14, you will perform the following major duties: Serves as group chair in the NTSB's party process for incidents and accident investigations, which involves organizing and conducting on-scene investigative activities with the group members, and involves communicating the investigation status and plans to the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), the Division Chief, and other group chairs. Identifies and assesses the significance of human performance (individual, work group, organizational) factors found during on-scene investigations.

Evaluates system safety processes, safety management system (SMS) maturity, and organizational safety culture factors. Analyzes and interprets the data uncovered. The purpose of such analysis is to 1) advance the knowledge of human performance factors in the safe operation of transportation systems; 2) provide practical\ applications of theory from the behavioral sciences and human factors field to improve transportation safety; and 3) form a basis for the application of practical solutions to prevent future accidents of similar nature.

Determines requirements for human performance tests, studies, research, and/or assistance that may be necessary for an investigation. Monitors these activities and evaluates findings in terms of relevancy to the probable cause and/or safety recommendations and actions. Prepares timely and accurate factual and analytical reports that present the human performance findings and conclusions to support or substantiate the probable cause of an accident.

The factual report documents the evidence obtained on the performance of people and their work environment relevant to an accident. The analysis report discusses the significance of the human performance evidence, along with support from relevant technical literature, leading to findings and conclusions that support the probable cause of an incident or accident. Participates in the preparation of formal NTSB incident and accident reports to ensure the accurate presentation and interpretation of human performance in transportation issues.

There is no education substitution at this grade level.

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply.

Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/ Your application must include your resume and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Referral: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person) at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices.

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 90 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: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

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 http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. 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 http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/30/2026. To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12937183. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.

NOTE: If you cannot apply online, please send an e-mail which includes the vacancy announcement number, position title and the reason you are not able to apply on-line to [email protected] at least 1 business day before the closing date.

The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE: A Complete Two-Page Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments.

Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information MUST be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk Responses to the questionnaire. You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire.

You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional. Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.