Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations (Pipeline)

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration•Anchorage, AK

About The Position

The incumbent of this position serves as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations (DAAFO), PHMSA Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS). The incumbent, in collaboration with the Associate Administrator (AA) and the Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy and Programs (DAAPP), oversees a national program to ensure the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the Nation’s pipeline transportation system.

Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
  • Provide all required documents by closing date.
  • A Secret clearance is required.
  • May be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • Complete a one-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
  • If a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • May be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty.
  • Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • A writing sample may be required.
  • Applicants may be asked to prepare and present a presentation, provide a presentation on a scenario-based situation or a similar activity as a part of the applicant evaluation process.
  • This is a drug testing position. You will be required to complete a drug test upon entry of this position and are subjected to random drug testing.
  • Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
  • Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Must show demonstrated Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.
  • Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.
  • Resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s).
  • TQ 1: Demonstrated executive-level experience leading, managing, or overseeing the field operations of large-scale pipeline transportation systems or similar energy infrastructure. This includes direct oversight of regulatory inspections, accident and incident investigations, enforcement actions and penalty assessments, and emergency incident response mechanisms. Candidates must have a proven track record of applying technical safety standards and integrity management practices across hazardous liquid, natural gas (LNG), underground storage, or LNG facilities.
  • TQ 2: Demonstrated technical expertise in evaluating pipeline integrity threats, assessing risk parameters, and translating complex safety regulations and policies into national field implementation guidance. This includes leading high-level technical outreach and establishing collaborative partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, industry executives, oversight bodies (e.g., NTSB, IG, GAO), and public interest groups to advance safety policies and resolve technical disputes.
  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
  • If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for non-competitive appointment to the SES.
  • Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders.
  • Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Nice To Haves

  • If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for non-competitive appointment to the SES.

Responsibilities

  • Is principally responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day field operations/activities of OPS and assists the AA with high-level program planning and administration associated with OPS field operation mission and program responsibilities.
  • Actively participates in long-range planning and the development of programs and applications.
  • Advises the AA and the Office of the Administrator on all hazardous liquid, natural, and other gas pipeline, underground natural gas storage (UNGS), and liquefied natural gas facility (LNG) safety matters.
  • Participates fully in policy determinations falling within assigned responsibilities.
  • Issues implementation guidance for approved policies within the purview of delegated authority.
  • Provides expert advice on national and international policy issues.
  • Manages national field pipeline safety programs with operating parameters.
  • Develops strategic and annual plans, identifies initiatives, and establishes strategic goals.
  • Identifies pipeline safety issues and recommends innovative regulatory and non-regulatory solutions.
  • Develops priorities for the national inspection program to improve safety, ensure compliance with regulations, and progress in the reduction of pipeline integrity threats.

Benefits

  • Annual Leave (paid vacation), Sick Leave, and Holidays - You will earn 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year. In addition, the Federal Government observes 11 regular paid holidays each year.
  • Health Benefits - Employees and family members are eligible for health benefits at reasonable rates with no required medical examinations or restrictions because of age or physical condition.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - You may choose to participate in the FSA Program. This program allows you to set aside money, on a pre-tax basis, for certain kinds of out of pocket medical expenses or dependent care costs of a child or parent
  • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program - You may elect to participate in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.
  • Life Insurance - You may participate in the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance program. The program offers employees an opportunity to acquire life insurance protection at group rates with a government contribution toward the cost of basic insurance.
  • You will be covered by a defined benefit, contributory Federal retirement system that provides benefits for both normal retirement (with as few as 5 years of civilian service) and for circumstances that might occur earlier, such involuntary retirement because of disability.
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - You may participate in a retirement savings investment plan that offers before-tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings.
  • Employee Assistance - Employees and their immediate families can take advantage of free confidential counseling with health professionals as part of the Federal Employees Assistance Program.
  • Transit Benefits - We subsidize up to $315 of mass transit commuting costs each month.
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