A complete application consists of:

• An application
• A current resume/CV
• Transcripts – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to USDOT@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Your research will advance safety in oil and gas industry through review of information about accident precursors and potential hazards associated with offshore operations, including risks related to pipeline safety and transport in offshore.

You will gain technical prowess and knowledge in standards and processes by working hand in hand with subject matter experts in various areas of drilling, production, and decommissioning in oil and gas operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). You will report directly to the Close Call Data Program Manager. 

You will be compiling and consolidating information about an incident collected from the written incident reports submitted to the Close Call Data Program. Preliminary analytical report for the incident will be produced using analysis and conceptualization to develop a comprehensive description of what happened in the incident. As well as, reviewing and analyzing data to identify reporting trends and produce industry-wide statistics.

As a member of the review team evaluating equipment failure notification and safety analysis reports (required to be submitted by 30 CFR 250.730 and 250.803) you will be providing technical input to assist in identify factors that may contribute to unsafe events and the error recovery mechanisms that prevented an adverse consequence from occurring.

There will be opportunities to engage with industry and participate in a variety of meetings and work groups that support Close Call Data Program activities.

Federal experience will be gained working with regulations and statues primarily contained in 30 CFR Sections 250.730 and 250.803. You will have the opportunity to develop close working relations with other DOT offices, and other Federal agencies collaborating for improvement in offshore safety and protection of the environment. You will participate in interagency efforts related to identifying and addressing needed safety improvement actions which will have impact for years to come.

Who are we?  We are the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The BTS is the Principal Federal Statistical Agency that provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment.  Within BTS the Close Call Data program collects and analyzes voluntary and confidential data reported by employees on “close calls”—events or unsafe conditions that could have resulted in an accident but did not—to help the participating industries identify hazards and better manage risk.  

The ideal candidate will have a combination of the following:

• Experience presenting results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform next steps
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Research training will involve interaction with various offices and work units, and with peers and other subject matter experts, to obtain information, collaborate on projects, and validate findings and conclusions
• Knowledge in oil and gas industry operations (drilling and production)
• Experience  with at least one of the following:
     - Barrier Failures
     - Blowout Preventers (BOPs) (operational experience involving the installation, operation or maintenance of BOPs in
       the field, or through design or manufacture of BOPs)
     - Safety and Pollution Prevention Equipment (SPPE)  (operational experience involving the installation, operation or
       maintenance of SPPE in the field, or through design or manufacture of SPPE)

Confidentiality Requirements
1. Understand and adhere to confidentiality laws; 
2. Practice confidentiality procedures outlined in BTS’ “Confidentiality Procedures Manual”;  
3. Understand their responsibility and obligation to protect confidential information; 
4. Participate in annual confidentiality training; and 
5. Sign the BTS “Agent Nondisclosure Pledge” and “Departure Certification for Nondisclosure of Confidential Information” forms.

Stipend: $92,000
Professional Development: $2,000
Relocation : $2,000
Health Insurance stipend*: $3,000

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (5 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )

Bachelor's degree (master's degree desired) in related field (preferably in petroleum or chemical engineering)
Professional Engineer (desired)