Independent job-search site. Not affiliated with the U.S. government. Applications happen on the official USAJOBS.gov. Learn more
Home/Jobs/Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (Safety and Occupational Health)
Announcement #875041000

Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (Safety and Occupational Health)

Federal employeesSenior executivesOpen to the public

What you'd do

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Safety and Occupational Health is the principal advisor and assistant to the Assistant Secretary of War (Readiness) and focal point for developing and promulgating policies, plans, programs budgets and other activities necessary to develop, guide measure, implement, assess, and oversee all aspects of operational, occupational safety and health, and warfighter performance optimization.

Major duties

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Safety and Occupational Health (DASW(SOH)) is a senior executive leader and expert in all aspects of managing operational and occupational safety and health programs and is responsible for evaluating and providing strategic guidance for the following functional areas: operational safety (including aviation, ground, motor vehicle, afloat, space, and weapons), occupational safety and health, and warfighter performance optimization (WPO). Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develop and work closely with the Military Departments on strategic guidance for the Defense Safety Oversight Council and the Department of War (DoW) Safety Center of Excellence program. Guide, direct, and oversee standing and ad hoc safety working groups and task forces to conduct analyses using a rigorous process of scientific inquiry and provide advice to the senior leaders on preventing non-combat injuries, fatalities, and mishaps across the Department. Lead and manage the diverse staff of SOH and WPO professionals, civilian, military, and contractor, within or reportable to the Office of the DASW(SOH). As the senior civilian SOH employee, foster a culture that rewards technical expertise, professional and collegial interactions, and a strong desire to achieve in the name of safety and health. Seek and leverage broad diversity and full inclusion among current and potential team members. Leverage the data and assessments from appropriate data sources (SOH and WPO data systems) and tools, to identify trends and shortfalls in SOH and mishap reporting, and presents those shortfalls as inputs to programming and budgeting milestones and to DoW leaders as required. Analyze SOH implications of major strategy and force alternatives, coordinate processes for establishing SOH standards, and research the fundamental relationship between safety and the readiness of the forces and its ability to achieve national defense objectives. Utilize assessments from the Total Force Risk Reduction Tool and other DoW exposure systems of record, including the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness Systems Industrial Hygiene and Hearing Conservation modules to identify trends and shortfalls in exposure assessment and risk management and mishap reporting, and to present those shortfalls as inputs at programming and budgeting milestones to DoW leaders, as required. Serve as the principal DoW official for justification of approved DoW operational, occupational safety and health, and WPO issues before Congress. Maintain contact with principal members of Congressional committee staffs and review all inserts to the record for the DoW witness on operational, occupational safety and health, and WPO.

What you need to qualify

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. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the 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 be disqualified. Please see "Required Documents" section below for all resume formatting requirements. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. Do NOT submit a separate narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications: TQ 1: Demonstrated leadership of geographically dispersed, multi-agency safety, occupational health, and WPO workforces. Proven ability to manage diverse groups by focusing on the mission and using data to find and fix risks while remaining professional, resourceful, and flexible. TQ 2: Significant experience in managing operations for large safety and health and WPO programs. This includes handling budgets, using data to track performance, and training a skilled workforce to build a strong safety culture. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a 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. Sub-Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government: Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of the American system of government, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the historical development of the American Nation. Commitment to the Rule of Law: Upholds the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government. Ensures the law is applied fairly and consistently. Civic-Mindedness: Stays up-to-date on important developments in American government and aligns organizational objectives and practices with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Sub-Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility: Strategically manages, allocates and monitors financial resources. Aligns priorities and initiatives to justify budget proposals. Monitors expenditures, cuts unnecessary costs, and uses cost-benefit analysis to set priorities. Managing Resources: Manages resources efficiently and effectively based on current and projected organizational goals, skills, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Leveraging Technology: Explores emerging technology and potential applications. Incorporates technology to enhance efficiency and achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Sub-Competencies: Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in his or her domain. Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses the most pressing, high-priority problems. Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, new information, and new conditions. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the 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. Sub-Competencies: Accountability: Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies in employees supervised. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement in others. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Cultivates a dynamic environment in which employees are not afraid to make mistakes. Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions and considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information where appropriate. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Sub-Competencies: Operational Mindset: Effectively translates strategies into actionable steps and processes. Partners effectively with stakeholders to drive adoption and addresses blockers to ensure successful implementation. Innovation: Applies creativity to improving products and processes, challenges convention, takes measured risks, and considers ways to simplify and remove unnecessary requirements. Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization by evaluating conditions, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organizational goals and values. Note: 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 must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. See "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Before you apply

Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.

Don't miss the next one.

Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.

Free forever. One click to unsubscribe.