Demo

Crash Investigation Specialist

DOT, NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN
Washington, DC Other
POSTED ON 6/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/2/2026

You will serve as a Crash Investigation Specialist in the Crash Investigation Division (CID) within the Office of Data Acquisition (ODA). The Crash Investigation Division supports NCSA data systems that are used throughout the Agency for regulatory action and defect evaluation by crash data researchers, public and private institutions, and the auto/child restraint industries. The data must be as accurate, complete, and as timely as possible.

 

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. 

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

  • Experience in the development, organization, management, and evaluation of large nationwide crash investigation data collection systems or programs, including lead roles in designing, developing, building, maintaining, and quality controlling motor vehicle crash databases.
  • Experience in continuous evaluation and monitoring of crash data collection field operations to ensure accurate, consistent, and uniform data collection, and demonstrating measurable results by providing substantive feedback to data crash technicians to improve the quality and accuracy of the collected data. 
  • Experience in preparing technical reports and detailed assessments of motor vehicle crash investigations, and providing expert training on NHTSA crash investigation protocols, procedures, and guidelines, including playing a lead role in developing training syllabi and serving as an instructor in formal classroom training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  • Technical Knowledge: Crash data collection techniques and procedures, and ability to apply evidence to occupant kinematics.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking: Knowledge and experience in applying scientific principles and theories in analyzing and reconstructing motor vehicle crashes.
  • Communication: Ability to prepare technical reports and detailed assessments including concise briefings of motor vehicle crash investigations.
  • Management: Knowledge of the structure use and quality control of national or state databases used to track motor vehicle crash data collection and to identify potential safety problems and causes.


For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Responsibilities:

The Crash Investigation Specialist:

  • Conducts high-quality field investigations of special interest motor vehicle crashes and reviews special interest motor vehicle crashes identified by the Agency or the Chief of Crash Investigations for Agency dissemination.
  • Coordinates with the Crash Investigation Division staff, to assure all required changes or updates needed in the Crash Investigation Division data collection programs are carried out.
  • Participates as a national expert in the development and maintenance of the various crash data collection programs and databases.
  • Provides timely written replies to correspondence from the public, automotive industries, and government agencies concerning special projects, prepares reports for the Office Director, Division Chief and other team leaders regarding the status and operations of the various projects.

The ideal candidate has expert experience in determining occupant kinematics in all types of crashes. Proficiently determining the involved physical components and ultimately reconstructing the crash events and code the detailed crash data based on NHTSA guidelines, protocols, and procedures. This level must also be able to develop and deliver technical training and substantive feedback to crash technicians to improve the quality of NHTSA data.

Salary : $143,913

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