Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations (Pipeline)

US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in Washington, DC seeks a Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations (DAAFO) within the Office of Pipeline Safety to oversee a nationwide program ensuring safe and reliable pipeline transportation. The role requires executive experience, strong policy insight, and a commitment to public service.

In collaboration with the AA and DAAPP, you will direct field operations, enforce safety standards, and drive improvements across

Qualifications

• Executive-level experience leading, managing, or overseeing field operations of large-scale pipeline systems or energy infrastructure.
• Proven ability to apply safety standards and integrity management practices across hazardous liquids, natural gas, LNG facilities, or underground storage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee national program to ensure safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the Nation’s pipeline transportation system.
• Collaborate with other senior leaders to implement ECQs and TQs for SES-level policy and program leadership.

Skills

Executive leadership

Regulatory oversight

Policy implementation

Job description

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 an national program to ensure the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the Nation’s pipeline transportation system.

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 not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. 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.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 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 noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:

• Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back,
• FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
• SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"