Become a Leader in Mine Safety: Deputy Director at MSHA
Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for worker safety and national-level program management? The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), is currently seeking a highly qualified Deputy Director of Technical Support. This GS-15 leadership position is perfect for experienced managers ready to shape the future of mining safety across the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As the Deputy Director, you serve as the alter ego to the Director. Your duties will include:
- Strategic Oversight: Planning, coordinating, and evaluating technical support programs.
- Team Leadership: Supervising a diverse staff, including engineers, analysts, and support personnel, while exercising full authority over performance standards and disciplinary actions.
- Policy Development: Drafting and analyzing regulations, policy papers, and technical reports.
- Representation: Serving as an advisor to senior DOL officials and representing MSHA in Congressional hearings and litigation.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-15 role, you must demonstrate the following:
- Specialized Experience: 52 weeks equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service.
- Regulatory Familiarity: Deep understanding of the Mine Act and associated MSHA policies.
- Management Prowess: Proven capability in leading complex technical projects and managing personnel.
Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience | 52 weeks at GS-14 equivalent |
| Education | No substitution allowed |
| Citizenship | Must be U.S. Citizen |
| Background | High Risk (HR) investigation required |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $126,384 – $164,301 per year. Employees also receive comprehensive federal benefits, including health insurance, generous leave, and robust retirement contributions through the FERS system.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Limit: The two-page resume limit is non-negotiable.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly state start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked to satisfy the 52-week rule.
- Tailor Your Resume: Directly map your experience to the key competencies like Interpersonal Skills and Technical Competence.
If you have the technical expertise and the leadership drive to improve workplace safety, this is your chance to lead at the federal level. Apply before August 26, 2026, to be considered for this vital role.
Why This Deputy Director Job Matters
Shape the future of mining safety and lead a critical technical team at the Department of Labor.
Deputy Director Job Overview
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is seeking a strategic leader for the position of Deputy Director of Technical Support. This high-impact role acts as the alter ego to the Director, overseeing specialized engineering and scientific expertise that safeguards mine operations nationwide. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, influence federal policy, and represent the agency in high-stakes environments.
Requirements for Deputy Director
- Must be a current federal employee with 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Mine Act and MSHA regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Proven track record in technical writing, regulatory development, and advising senior management on complex policy issues.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, assign, and evaluate the work of a professional and administrative staff.
- Ability to represent the agency at Congressional hearings and in sensitive legal or technical matters.
- Must be U.S. Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Director
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific programs.
- Expertise in identifying and implementing new mining technology for safety and health.
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with external stakeholders, unions, and inter-agency committees.
- Expertise in long-range strategic planning and operational coordination.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and step increases.
- ✓Health and life insurance options.
- ✓Retirement plans (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework options.
💡 How to Apply Deputy Director Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Deputy Director Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS.gov and upload a resume (limited to two pages).
- Review the vacancy questionnaire to ensure your resume explicitly reflects the required competencies.
- Apply through the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
- Complete the secondary application in the Department of Labor (DOL) Talent Acquisition System.
- Upload all required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and optional performance appraisals.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume provides specific dates (month/year) and hours worked to verify the 52-week specialized experience requirement.
- Save your work frequently, as the system has a 30-minute timeout.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Use the 'Application Status' feature on the DOL dashboard to monitor your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specialized experience requirement?
You need at least 52 weeks of experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level involving MSHA regulatory knowledge, policy development, and supervisory experience.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, at the GS-15 level, there is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience.
What is the resume length restriction?
In alignment with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes are strictly limited to two (2) pages. Applications with longer resumes will not be considered.
Where is this position located?
The position is available in Washington, D.C.; South Park, PA; or Triadelphia, WV.
What is the security level?
This is a High Risk (HR) position requiring a background investigation.
Job from Mine Safety And Health Administration
The Department of Labor is committed to protecting the welfare of workers and ensuring safe workplaces. Within this mission, MSHA plays a critical role in providing engineering, scientific, and technical expertise to mining operations. As a Deputy Director, you will stand at the intersection of government policy and industrial safety, ensuring that the best technology and regulations are implemented to save lives.