The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is currently accepting applications for a prestigious Director of Human Resources position, representing one of the most sought-after federal HR leadership roles in 2026. This remote GS-15 position offers competitive compensation ranging from $147,945 to $192,331 annually and provides an exceptional opportunity to shape human capital strategy at a critical federal agency.
Key Position Highlights
- Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
- Grade Level: GS-15
- Salary Range: $147,945 – $192,331 per year
- Location: Remote (Anywhere in the U.S.)
- Application Window: February 12-18, 2026
- Announcement Number: CSB-26-MP-12884948CPO
Understanding the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
The CSB serves as an independent federal agency responsible for investigating chemical accidents and hazardous incidents across the United States. This critical mission requires a robust human capital infrastructure, making the Director of Human Resources role absolutely essential to organizational success.
Agency Mission and Importance
According to the Office of Personnel Management, agencies like the CSB require specialized HR leadership to maintain workforce excellence while navigating complex federal regulations and requirements. The Director of Human Resources serves as the principal advisor on all human capital matters affecting the agency’s approximately 40-person workforce.
Comprehensive Position Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
The Director of Human Resources holds executive-level responsibility for the complete spectrum of human resources functions, including:
Policy Development and Implementation
- Developing HR policies consistent with federal law and OPM guidance
- Drafting directives and procedures aligned with regulatory requirements
- Ensuring compliance with Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Human Capital Planning
- Conducting strategic workforce planning initiatives
- Identifying future organizational needs
- Establishing measurable human capital objectives
- Collaborating with senior leadership on workforce development
Technical Oversight
- Managing recruitment and staffing operations
- Overseeing classification and compensation programs
- Administering employee relations and labor relations
- Implementing performance management systems
- Coordinating training and development initiatives
Advisory Functions
The role requires providing sophisticated guidance to executive leadership on sensitive human capital issues with significant organizational impact. This includes navigating complex federal employment law scenarios and implementing best practices from the Society for Human Resource Management.
Qualification Requirements: Meeting GS-15 Standards
Specialized Experience Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-14, encompassing three critical competency areas:
1. Executive-Level HR Leadership Experience providing comprehensive oversight across the full range of human resources functions, including:
- Strategic workforce planning
- Compensation and leave administration
- Executive resources management
- Labor and employee relations
- Recruitment and staffing
- Employee development programs
- Performance management systems
2. Policy Communication Excellence Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver:
- Complex policy documentation
- Executive-level briefings
- Status reports and correspondence
- Clear, concise written communications
3. Senior Advisory Expertise Proven experience advising organizational leadership on:
- Complex human capital challenges
- Sensitive personnel matters
- Issues with significant organizational impact
- Strategic HR initiatives
Time-in-Grade Requirements
Under 5 CFR 300.603, current federal employees must have completed one year at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) to be eligible for consideration.
Application Process and Required Documentation
Essential Application Materials
1. Federal Resume Your resume must include:
- Work schedule and hours per week
- Employment dates (month/year format)
- Detailed duty descriptions
- Maximum 2 pages (only first 2 pages reviewed)
2. SF-50 Documentation Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent non-award SF-50 showing:
- Competitive service status
- Highest grade held
- Duty location
3. Supporting Documentation (if applicable)
- Veterans preference documentation (SF-15 and VA letter)
- CTAP/ICTAP eligibility proof
- Performance appraisals
- Special appointment authority documentation
Application Timeline and Process
Deadline: February 18, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS. The online application system will guide candidates through:
- Resume upload and verification
- Supporting document submission
- Technical assessment questionnaire completion
- Eligibility determination questions
Assessment Preview: View Questionnaire
Eligibility Categories and Special Hiring Authorities
Who Can Apply
This position is open to:
Internal Candidates
- Current CSB employees on career or career-conditional appointments
- Employees eligible under non-competitive procedures
Career Transition Candidates
- CTAP/ICTAP eligible federal employees
- Surplus or displaced workers
Special Appointment Authorities
- Schedule A (persons with disabilities)
- Veterans hiring authorities
- Military spouse preference
- Other special authorities
CTAP/ICTAP Requirements
To qualify under career transition programs, applicants must:
- Meet minimum qualification requirements
- Score at least 85 on the assessment
- Submit required documentation (performance appraisal, eligibility proof, current SF-50)
Compensation and Benefits Package
Salary and Grade Structure
The GS-15 position offers a salary range of $147,945 to $192,331 based on qualifications and experience. This places the role among the highest compensation levels in federal civilian service outside of the Senior Executive Service.
Comprehensive Federal Benefits
According to OPM benefits information, federal employees receive:
Health and Insurance
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program
- Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
- Long-term care insurance options
- Flexible spending accounts
Retirement Benefits
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching
- Social Security coverage
Leave and Work-Life Balance
- Annual leave accrual (26 days at GS-15 level)
- Sick leave accrual
- 11 federal holidays
- Flexible work schedule options
Additional Benefits
- Remote work arrangement
- Professional development opportunities
- Student loan repayment consideration
- Transit subsidies
Position Details and Work Environment
Remote Work Arrangement
This position is designated as fully remote, allowing employees to work from anywhere in the United States. According to federal telework policies, remote positions offer maximum flexibility while maintaining accountability through performance metrics and regular communication.
Travel Requirements
Occasional travel may be required, estimated at less than 25% of work time. Travel typically involves:
- Agency meetings and conferences
- Training sessions
- Stakeholder engagement
- Federal HR community events
Work Schedule
The position offers a flexible work schedule, allowing employees to adjust their work hours within agency parameters while meeting operational needs.
Probationary Periods and Job Security
Initial Probationary Requirements
Selected candidates may be required to serve:
- 1-year general probationary period (if new to federal service)
- 1-year supervisory/managerial probationary period
During this period, performance is evaluated against criteria including:
- Job performance and conduct
- Agency needs and interests
- Advancement of organizational goals
- Efficiency of federal service
Continuing Employment Standards
Per agency policy, continued employment requires written certification that employment advances the public interest, based on comprehensive performance evaluation.
Financial Disclosure and Security Requirements
Confidential Financial Disclosure
This position requires filing OGE Form 450 (Confidential Financial Disclosure Report) prior to entry on duty and annually thereafter, per OGE regulations.
Position Sensitivity
- Sensitivity Level: High Risk (HR)
- Security Clearance: Not Required
- Background Investigation: Required
- Drug Testing: Not required
Trust Determination Process
The position requires:
- Credentialing review
- Suitability/fitness determination
- E-Verify employment eligibility confirmation
Evaluation and Selection Process
Multi-Hurdle Assessment
Candidates are evaluated through a comprehensive process:
Stage 1: Qualification Review
- Resume review against qualification standards
- Documentation verification
- Time-in-grade confirmation
Stage 2: Technical Assessment
- Knowledge-based questionnaire
- Technical expertise evaluation
- Competency measurement
Stage 3: Best Qualified Determination
- Comparative analysis
- Category rating application
- Veteran preference application
Stage 4: Selection
- Referral to selecting official
- Interview process
- Final selection decision
Timeline Expectations
According to the announcement:
- Email confirmation upon application receipt
- Interview invitations sent to qualified candidates
- Final offers typically within several weeks of closing date
- Non-selection notifications after offer confirmation
Strategic Application Tips for Success
Tailoring Your Federal Resume
Highlight Relevant Experience
- Emphasize GS-14 equivalent leadership
- Demonstrate full-spectrum HR knowledge
- Showcase policy development expertise
- Provide specific examples of advisory work
Quantify Achievements
- Size of organizations managed
- Budget responsibility
- Number of employees supported
- Specific policy implementations
Use Federal Resume Format
- Include all required elements
- Follow 2-page limitation strictly
- Use clear, concise language
- Address all three specialized experience criteria
Assessment Questionnaire Strategy
- Read questions carefully
- Provide honest self-assessment
- Support claims with resume evidence
- Avoid overstatement (verified during review)
- Note: Cheating results in removal from consideration
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete documentation
- Missing required forms
- Exceeding page limits
- Vague duty descriptions
- Failing to address all qualification criteria
Career Development and Advancement
Professional Growth Opportunities
The Director of Human Resources role offers significant professional development:
Industry Engagement
- Federal HR Council participation
- OPM collaborative initiatives
- Agency HR director network
- Professional association involvement
Skill Enhancement
- Federal HR certification programs
- Leadership development courses
- Policy implementation training
- Change management expertise
Long-Term Career Prospects
This GS-15 position represents a senior leadership role with potential pathways to:
- Senior Executive Service (SES) positions
- Chief Human Capital Officer roles
- Inter-agency detail opportunities
- Private sector executive transitions
Why Join the Chemical Safety Board
Mission-Driven Work
The CSB’s mission of preventing chemical accidents directly protects American workers and communities. The Director of Human Resources plays a crucial role in ensuring the agency has the talent necessary to fulfill this critical safety mandate.
Small Agency Advantages
With approximately 40 employees, the CSB offers:
- Direct impact on organizational success
- Visibility to executive leadership
- Rapid policy implementation
- Meaningful relationship building
- Reduced bureaucratic obstacles
Federal Service Benefits
Beyond compensation, federal employment provides:
- Job security and stability
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Work-life balance emphasis
- Public service fulfillment
- Retirement security
Additional Resources and Information
Helpful Links for Applicants
- USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
- OPM Classification Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/
- Veterans Preference: https://www.fedshirevets.gov/
- Federal Employee Benefits: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/
Contact Information
Brandon Salazar HR Office Representative Email: brandon_salazar@ibc.doi.gov
CSB Address: 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 910 Washington, DC 20006
Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Mountain Time, Monday-Friday
Conclusion: A Career-Defining Opportunity
The Director of Human Resources position at the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced federal HR professionals seeking to make a significant impact at the executive level. With competitive GS-15 compensation, full remote work flexibility, and the chance to shape human capital strategy at a mission-critical agency, this role offers the perfect combination of professional challenge and work-life balance.
The February 18, 2026 deadline is approaching quickly. Qualified candidates should begin assembling application materials immediately to ensure timely submission through USAJOBS.
For those committed to federal service excellence and passionate about developing high-performing teams in support of chemical safety, this position offers a career-defining opportunity to lead human resources operations at an independent federal agency dedicated to protecting American lives.
Don’t miss this chance to advance your federal HR career—apply today!