This position is location in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Environmental Services Administration, Rail Safety and Emergency Response Division. The mission of DOEE is to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia. As the nation's capital city, the District will become a model of environmental protection and sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with other District agencies, the federal government, business groups, non-profit organizations, and residents, the department will help instill environmental awareness through innovation and best practices.

The position will operate as an Associate Director and will manage day to day operations of the division which include oversight of issues relating to freight and national passenger railroad safety. The Associate Director will oversee the agency environmental emergency response, prepare response plans and procedures, evaluate program effectiveness, communicate with federal and sister agencies, as well as coordinate operational activities with external stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction and oversight to rail safety inspectors and emergency response personnel. Develop assignments through current and long-range programs and managerial requirements of the Agency. Manage the Rail Safety and Environmental Emergency Response Division. Direct inspections to guarantee that findings and actions are defensible. Conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough fact-finding, and review inspection reports to ensure adherence to guidelines and principles.

Ensure all division activities adhere to standard operating procedures for each program. Implement applicable quality management measurements and updates procedures and plans as needed. Prepare reports, perform personnel actions, manage contracts and procurements. Oversee risk management reports and division resources including vehicles, equipment and supplies. Ensure the division maintains its files, correspondence and documents in good order. Mastery knowledge of District and federal rail safety standards related to legislation and regulation, inspection and investigative concepts and procedures to conduct inspections. Advanced knowledge of safety practices and procedures covers the use of standard protective equipment, interpretation of signals and warning placards, and safe operating procedures around railroad facilities for conducting safety inspections and addressing safety concerns. Superior oral and written communication skills for interviewing railroad employees, responding to safety inquiries, and preparing reports on safety inspections and investigations.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, at least one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensure/Certification

Incumbent is required to possess a valid driver's license.

Work Conditions /Environment

During inspections and/or investigations, there are long periods of walking over rocky and uneven surfaces around railroad train yards, repair tracks, and at accident sites. There is exposure to potential as well as known toxic or hazardous chemicals in industrial situations where environmental conditions cannot be controlled.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Varies

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-2121-15

Collective Bargaining: None

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Duration of Appointment: This is a Management Supervisory Service (MSS) regular appointment position which is considered at will and is not covered under a collective bargaining unit. However, experience operating in a union environment would be helpful.

Position Designation: This position designated as “emergency” (DPM chapter 12, Essential and Emergency Employees). May be required to provide 24 hours standby coverage in the event of an environmental emergency.

This position is designated as "safety" sensitive in accordance with DPM Chapter4, Suitability. May be subject to criminal background and traffic records checks, as well as random drug and alcohol testing.

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Dept of Energy and Environment jobs

Supervisory Railroad Safety Inspector