HistoricalUse of illegal drugs by presidential employees could result in the failure of Departmental and bureau programs and missions, expose the Department to civil liability, and

United States Department of the InteriorOFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, D-C. 20240

January 15, 1991

Memorandum

To: Personnel Officers

From: Director of Personnel

Sub.iect: Revised Testing Designated Position Pool

On January 14, 1991, the Assistant Secretary - Policy, Management and Budgetapproved the Department's revised listing of testing designated positions (TDPs).Attachment i 1) is a copy of the new revised TOP pool. The new pool becomeseffective immediately. 11 is especially important that there should b^j notesting of applicants for positions that are no longer in the testing pool. Forthose applicants already in the pipeline to be tested, those tests u i 11 hecompleted. Effective immediately, however, no new tests shall be requested orauthorized for applicants for positions not included in the revised TDP pool.Please ensure that all field personnel offices are advised of this changeregarding the new pool.

Based on Attachment (11, please initiate appropriate actions to begin writer-insthe positions into PAY/PERS. Because the pool is smaller you may be removingthe testing designation in many cases. The actual number of positions in thepool has declined to approximately 7600. Additionally, be advised that voucannot only code positions by series. You myst also, ensure that the duties thatmade the position a_TDP_are in the position description (PD). For example, f^rForesters (GS-0460), only those that have firefighting responsibilities in theirPD should be included. Those with no firefighting: responsibilities should notbe entered. Please exercise great care in ensuring that the proper positionsare coded into PAY/PERS.

All necessary coding must be completed no later than February 15, 1991. On thatdate, please provide By Office, Attention; Drug Program Coordination Divisionwith a written certification that the coding has been completed. If vou have•my questions or need additional information, my point of contact is Da\e Mathewsat 208-5638.

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: A '

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

TESTING DESIGNATED POSITIONS

APPENDIX A

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PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEES

This category encompasses Departmental executives who are appointed by thePresident. These employees include: the Secretary, Assistant Secretaries andbureau heads. As such, they provide executive direction and policy developmentfor Department- and/or bureau-wide programs. Presidential appointees formulateand inplement policy, procedures, goals and objectives for programs and initia-tives at the national level. Some appointees have both national and interna-tional responsibilities. The conduct of their duties, therefore, requires thehighest level of personal integrity and credibility, as well as the exercise ofsound personal judgment. Presidential appointees ultimately are responsible forall decisions regarding the nation's natural resources, as well as the healthand safety of their employees.

Use of illegal drugs by presidential employees could result in the failure ofDepartmental and bureau programs and missions, expose the Department to civilliability, and undermine public confidence in the agency. Impairment ofperformance by the use of illegal drugs may adversely impact stewardship of thenation's natural resources.

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Presidential Appointees

Office of the SecretaryPositions - Secretary: 1

Deputy Secretary: 1Assistant Secretaries: 6

Bureau of MinesPosition - Director:

Office of Inspector GeneralPosition - Inspector General:

U. S. Geological SurveyPosition - Director: 1

Fish and Wildlife ServicePosition - Director: 1

Bureau of Indian AffairsPosition - Coinissioner:

Bureau of ReclaaationPosition - Connission:

Office of the SolicitorPosition - Solicitor: 1

Bureau of Land ManagementPosition - Director: 1

Office of Surface MiningPosition - Director: 1

National Indian Gaming CommissionPosition - Chairman: 1

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TOP SECRET CLEARANCES

This category encompasses employees with "Top Secret" security clearances. "TopSecret" information at the Department of the Interior includes scientific,technological, and defense-related data. "Top Secret" information is thatwhich, if disclosed improperly, reasonably could be expected to causeexceptionally grave damage to national security. Consequently, employees with"Top Secret" security clearances are required to safeguard classifiedinformation in their possession. Possession and use of classified informationmust be coordinated through the Department's Division of Enforcement andSecurity Management. Employees with "Top Secret" security clearances undergoextensive background investigations and receive special training in the handlingof classified information. Security clearances regularly are reviewed andupdated.

Illegal drug use by employees with "Top Secret" security clearances may resultin unauthorized disclosure of classified information which could causeexceptionally grave damage to national security. Accordingly, employees in thiscategory must reaain free from the mental impairment caused by illegal drug use.

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Top Secret Clearances

Minerals Management Service

Number of employees in category: 27

Bureau of Mines


Office of Inspector General


Office of the Secretary


U. S. Geological Survey

Kumber of employees in category: 372

Fish and Wildlife Service


Bureau of Indian Affairs


Bureau of Reclamation


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Bureau of Land Management


National Park Service


Office of Surface Mining


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MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS

This category encompasses employees who are classified as Motor VehicleOperators in job series number 5703 and Driver Education Instructors in jobseries number 1710. These employees generally are required to spend most oftheir duty hours behind the wheel on public thoroughfares as well as on Federalinstallations or Indian reservations. While some of the employees included inthis category carry passengers as a routine and frequent portion of their dutiesthe other employees in this category are those who are likely to carrvpassengers at least from time to time.

Motor Vehicle Operators in this category include those who are required to drivebuses, automobiles, vans or trucks. Motor Vehicle Operators may be required tonegotiate rough, unpaved roads, field, open terrain, or paved highways and mayhave to drive in remote locations and during extremely hazardous, inclementweather.

As an example of the Department's Motor Vehicle Operators, some automobiledrivers are assigned principally to ferry passengers, who may be dignitaries,members of the public, or fellow employees at locations such as the Washington,D.C. metropolitan area, national parks, and Hoover Dam. As another example, theBureau of Indian Affairs employs one hundred school bus drivers to deliverstudents to and from school and home on Indian re<- Tvations. Several bureausemploy Motor Vehicle Operators who operate trucks a;id other equipment on publicroads and at dams, construction sites, or other worksites. These truck driversmay haul materials and equipment to and from worksir.es or occasionally may towequipment and other vehicles on public roads or on Federal installations. Inthe course of their duties, these truck drivers are likely to carry co-workerswith them, either on a frequent basis or at least from time to time.

Finally, the Department employs several Driver Education Instructors who areresponsible for teaching driving skills to youngsters participating in Job Corpsprograms. In the course of conducting this training, Driver EducationInstructors operate vehicles while the students are in the vehicle or monitorthe operation of the vehicles by the students on public throroughfares and onFederal installations. They are responsible for assuring that the vehicles usedduring the training are operated safely and that the employees being trainedlearn safe driving skills.

These employees must remain alert in order to be able to make instant judgmentswhile driving, thereby ensuring the safety of their passengers, themselves, andthe public with whom they are sharing the road. Physical and mental reflexesmust be sharp at all times. Because motor vehicle operators are required tospend most of their time driving, a single drug-related lapse may havecatastrophic effects.

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Motor Vehicle Operators


Position: Motor Vehicle Operator WG-5703













Nunber of employees in category: 100




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Position: Motor Vehicle Operator WG-5703Driver Education Instructor GS-1710





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TRAIN OPERATIONS

This category encompasses employees who have direct responsibility for thesafety of railroad equipment and passengers. Foremost among the Department'strain operations is the National Park Service's developing Steamtown, PA,National Historic Site, which provides a unique railroad heritage experience tothe public. Visitors to Steamtown during the main season can take a fifty-six-mile, three-hour rail excursion to neighboring locations on one of the site'sfull-size steam locomotives. Additionally, visitors year-round may take shortsteam locomotive shuttles within the site itself. Additional excursion routesare being developed as the site's programs grow. These excursions begin withinthe site boundaries and move onto privately-owned tracks outside the park,operating along with other railroad companies. Federal Railway Administrationsafety standards and procedures are followed as a matter of course.

NFS employees in this category operate and maintain full-size diesel and steamlocomotives, as well as inspect and perform maintenance on passenger and freightcars, tracks and associated structures. The Trainmaster is responsible for thesafety of the entire railroad operation at Steamtown. He performs frequentinspections of locomotives, passenger cars, tracks and associated structures.Railroad Mechanics build, repair and perform general maintenance on passengerand freight cars and coaches. They routinely test and recondition the bearingsthat make up brake systems as part of necessary overhauls and generalmaintenance programs. Railroad Mechanics are responsible for maintaining allcar and track equipment and determine when equipment must be replaced.Locomotive Engineers actually operate diesel and steam locomotives during dailyshuttle runs. They must get the train safely through all crossings, and mustremain alert to spot track hazards, as well as unsafe mechanical conditionsinside or outside of the train. They control speed and braking so as to avoida derailment or collision. Breaker/ Switchers help move locomotives and trainsby throwing switches, setting brakes, coupling and uncoupling cars, flagging andsignaling. They are responsible for spotting operating hazards, malfunctioningor defective equipment, or track obstructions. Conductors coordinate activitiesof both trains and crews for safety in movement, coupling, and uncoupling.Conductors must ensure that conditions aboard trains remain safe for trainmovement, that cargo is secure and that cars are sealed properly. RailroadMaintenance Vehicle Operators operate self-propelled maintenance cars overtracks to lay, remove, align, adjust or repair ties, rails, switches, and otherrailway parts. They operate directly on tracks amid train traffic, and mustmaintain tracks in a safe manner. Finally, Miscellaneous TransportationOperators run trolleys and related passenger trains and vehicles for parkvisitors at several facilities. They are responsible for the safety of theirpassengers as well as pedestrians in the vicinity of the tracks.

Illegal drug use by any employees in this category aay lead directly to loss oflife or severe injury to fellow employees and members of the public, no matterwhether a train carries passengers or simply transports its crew along "common

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carrier" tracks. These employees, who actually operate trains or are directl>responsible for equipment and/or passenger safety, must always be alert andunifflpaired in the performance of their duties. Train operators must be able tomake quick decisions directly affecting the safe operation of moving trains,whether in yards, at crossings, or on shared tracks. Similarly, maintenancepersonnel cannot be allowed even one drug-related lapse in their di1ieenceregarding brakes, suspension, couplings, and other safety features. The riskof harm to passengers, crew, and others sharing the tracks and areas adjoiningthe tracks requires that these employees be subject to random testing forillegal drug use.

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Train Operations


Positions: Train Master GS-2101Railroad Mechanic GS-4716Breaker - Switcher and Conductor GS-5736Locomotive Engineer GS-5737Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operator GS-5738Miscellaneous Transportation Operator GS-5701


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AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

This category includes the following types of positions with directresponsibility for safe operation and maintenance of Departmental aircraft:Pilots and other employees who are certified by the Office of Aircraft Servicesto operate Departmental aircraft, aircraft mechanics, service/maintenancepersonnel, aircraft equipment specialists, and a fuel distribution worker.

Employees who are certified by the Department's Office of Aircraft Services maysign out a Departmental aircraft at any tine in the course of performing theirduties, This group is not limited only to those classified as pilots, butincludes other employees such as hydrolegists, geologists, wildlife refugemanagers and biologists who are pilots and who are certified to use Departmentalaircraft in the course of their duties. Such aircraft operators frequentlycarry passengers, who are either fellow employees or members of the publicconducting business with the Department that necessitates the use of theaircraft.

All employees operating aircraft must pass rigorous training and fitness forduty requirements. All are subject to annual physical examinations. Theseemployees must always be alert and unimpaired, mentally and physically, for theemployment of skills necessary for aircraft operation. A single drug-relatedlapse nay cause death or serious injury not only to the pilot and passenger, butto anyone who nay be in the flight path.

Aircraft mechanics, service/raaintenance employees, and equipment specialists areresponsible for the maintenance of aircraft and related equipment in safeoperating condition. Failure of engines, brakes, guidance and attitude controlsor tires, for example, could lead directly to disastrous consequences forpilots, passengers, and members of the public. Physical dexterity and mentalalertness must be maintained at all times while on duty, in order to ensure thatthe aircraft are always in safe operating condition. Mechanics, maintenancepersonnel, and equipment specialists must be alert to spot equipmentdeficiencies and breaches of safety conditions. The Department' s Office ofAircraft Services eaploys an electronics technician, as well, who is responsiblefor maintenance and repair of electronic equipment on Departmental aircraft.Finally, the Bureau of Land Management's fuel distribution worker must ensurethat all aircraft are properly supplied with fuel and that safety procedures arefollowed in handling the highly-flammable fuel. For these reasons, theseemployees must remain free from illegal drug use.Hist

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Aircraft Operations


Position: Pilot GS-2181

Number of enployees in category: 8


Positions: Pilot GS-2182Aircraft Servicing/Maintenance WG-8862Fuel Distribution Worker WG-5413



Positions: Pilot GS-2181Aircraft Equipment Specialist GS-1670Aircraft Mechanic GS-8852

Number of Positions: 18


Position: Pilot GS-2181



Positions: Pilot GS-2181(Others with Departmental Certification)

Number of enployees in category: 51

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Aircraft Mechanic NG-8852Electronics Technician GS-0856


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BOAT OPERATIONS

This category encompasses all personnel who have direct responsibility for thesafety of ship/vessel crews and passengers. The positions identified arepermanent ship operators and crew members. Three of the Department's bureaus,the National Park Service (UPS), the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Fishand Wildlife Service (FWS), have missions requiring the use of vessels.The USGS operates the "S.P. Lee" to conduct various types of scientificexperiments on the high seas, carrying a crew as well as scientific passengers.The crew member positions identified for testing include Ship Master, ChiefEngineer, and Engineer, all of whom have direct responsibility for the operationof the ship and the safety of its passengers. FWS and NFS Small Craft Operatorscommand motor vessels and watercraft in major coastal waterways, the Great Lakeswaterways and the -open seas. Vessels are used for conducting fishery andwildlife surveys, transporting personnel and supplies, search and rescueoperations within the refuge system, and law enforcement activities.

Boat operations personnel insure routine safety of themselves, fellow crewmembers and passengers, as well as uphold their responsibility for safe boatingpractices for the protection of other vessels operating nearby. Because of thepotential hazards associated with vessel operations, these employees must havespecialized knowledge of local channels, currents and conditions. They mustremain alert, exercising sound judgment for proper and safe navigation duringadverse weather conditions or nighttime operations. These employees must remainfree from drug-related impairment.

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Boat Operations

I). S. Geological Survey

Positions: Ship Master WM-9802Chief Engineer WM-9931Engineer WM-9933



Positions: Ship Operator WG-5782Small Craft Operator WG-5786



Position: Small Craft Operator WG-5786


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FIRE FIGHTERS

These employees perform duties involving the suppression of fires and operatefire control equipment and apparatus under critical and hazardous conditions.They work long hours in physically and emotionally demanding situations and arecalled upon to Bake quick decisions in order to save lives. These fire fightingpersonnel perform direct-line fire fighting duties; they engage in the fullrange of initial attack and suppression duties and operate highly specializedfire control equipment. While these employees may have distinct firefightmgduties, each employee in this category is vital to the mission of controllingand suppressing fires. Additionally, because of the very nature of thismission, each employee in this category must be prepared to respond at any timeto an emergency situation. Although some fire fighters occupy positions thatreflect their other non-fire related duties, only employees with firesuppression duties are included in this category. In other words, otheremployees who do not perform fire fighting duties may nevertheless have the samejob titles as those who do perform such duties. However, employees who do nothave fire fighting duties are not included in this category.

Within the ranks of the many employees classified simply as Fire Fighters, thereis a wide diversity of fire fighting duties and responsibilities. At the firescene, for example, Supervisory Fire Fighters establish a command post,immediately begin fire suppression activities, and direct the fire fightingcrews. They assess the magnitude of the emergency, determine whether or not tocall additional fire companies, and have complete authority until the Fire Chiefarrives, at which time they join the fire fighting team. Fire Chiefs andAssistant Fire Chiefs in the Bureau of Reclamation not only direct Governmentand private fire fighting crews at fire emergencies, but also develop andimplement specialized fire suppression and alarm systems that protect complexelectrical equipment associated with pumping and power generation controlequipment at dam sites. Lead Fire Fighters perform fire fighting operations,first aid, rescue operations, fire prevention activities, and training in firesuppression. Fire Fighters drive first-response units, triple combinationtrucks, and pumper trucks pumping 1,000 gallons per minute or more to the firescene. They also operate pumps and foam generators, and closely monitor watersupply and pressure. Fire Fighters are trained as aedical technicians, and inaddition to providing emergency medical assistance at the fire scene, theyprovide emergency medical aid to tourists and Federal employees at dam sites.parks, or other public attractions.

Foresters, Forestry Aids and Forestry Technicians, Range Conservationists, RangeTechnicians and Range Aids, as well as Fire Management Officers/Coordinators aredirectly involved in fire suppression duties for wildland (forest and range]and/or structural fire operations on and off Indian reservations. (NOTE:Throughout the bureaus, Fire Management Officers, GS-401, actually areclassified under other titles that reflect their non-fire related duties, suchas natural resource specialist, biologist, and surface protection specialist.Only those employees who serve as Fire Management Officers/Coordinators are

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included in this category.) Forestry and Range employees perform the same firesuppression duties as those employees classified as Fire Fighters, includingfront-line fire fighting, operation of heavy equipment and motor vehicles, andperforming emergency first aid where necessary. Smoke Jumpers parachute fromlow-flying aircraft into remote, often treacherous, terrain to provide acritical first attack capability. Dispatchers play a crucial role in firefighting "conmand centers," directing personnel and equipment to hot spots,rapidly spreading fires, and emergency evacuation areas. Dispatchers mustcontinually monitor the progress of fires and suppression activities; often thelives of those actually at the scene depend on the dispatchers' performance oftheir duties. Finally, Fire Retardant Mixer Operators are responsible forproperly mixing fire suppression chemicals and loading this material on airtankers and large trucks.

These are truly sensitive positions from the standpoint of public safety.Illegal drug use by incumbents could result directly in loss of life or severephysical injury to the public, the employee, and fellow employees. Firesuppression activities require that fire fighters be physically and mentallyalert to face emergencies and unexpected challenges. The drug-impaired firefigfiter places the lives of coworkers and the public in jeopardy and may causethe destruction of Federal and private property. Fire fighting is a teameffort; an error in judgment by any fire fighter, whether operating equipmentor rescuing individuals, can have unacceptable, disastrous consequences.

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Fire Fighters


Positions: Firefighter GS-OCS1Fire Management Officer/Coordinator GS-Q401Range Conservationist GS-0454Range Technicians/Aid GS-0455Forester GS-046CForestry Technician, Smokejumper GS-0462Dispatcher GS-2151



Positions: Fire Management OfficerRange ConservationistRange TechnicianForesterForestry TechnicianFire DispatcherFire Retardant Mixer Operator


GS-401GS-454GS-455GS-460GS-462GS-2151GS-5001


Positions: Firefighter GS-0081Fire Management Officer/Coordinator GS-0401Range Conservationist GS-0454Range Technicians/Aid GS-0455Forester GS-0460Forestry Technician, Smokejumper GS-0462Fire Dispatcher GS-2151


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Positions: Forester GS-0460Forestry Technician/Aid GS-0462Range Technician GS-0435Fire Management Officer/Coordinator GS-0401

Number of employees in category. 155


Position: Firefighter GS-0081


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LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL REQUIRED TO CARRY FIREARMS

These employees are required to carry firearms in the execution ofresponsibilities involving the enforcement of Federal, state or tribal la<-s.They perform the full range of law enforcement duties and are required toconduct themselves judiciously at all times. These officers are fully trainedin the use of firearms, and are uniformly required to meet stringent physicalfitness requirements.

Police Officers maintain law and order at such locations as Hoover Dam, wildliferefuges, District of Columbia monuments and parks, and Indian reservations.These aen and women oust respond to emergencies, accidents and disturbances ina prompt and careful manner. Police Officers protect Government employees fromharm and facilities from theft or sabotage. They are called upon to subdueviolent criminals, make arrests and transport arrestees to locations for formalcharging. Armed, Commissioned Park Rangers and Refuge Law Enforcement Officersperform similar duties, investigate crimes, have constant contact with thepublic, and often make on-the-spot decisions regarding the personal safety ofother individuals. They also must operate high-speed emergency vehicles incases of accident, injury or commission of crimes. Special Agents, in additionto enforcing Federal laws, enforce special regulations, investigate crimes, andapprehend persons suspected of criminal activity. BLM Rangers protect publicresources enforce laws and regulations regarding use of public lands, and arein contact with users of public land resources on a daily basis. CriminalInvestigators may perform undercover operations, forensic science, and arsoninvestigations, as well as provide training on the safe operation and use ofequipment and approved weapons. Additionally, the Fish & Wildlife Serviceemploys Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers who are classified in a wide-ranging array of positions, reflecting their primary duties. These employeesgenerally are the only law enforcement personnel at a remote installation, thusdo not serve as law enforcement officers on a full-time basis. Nevertheless,they are issued service weapons, and are fully trained in their use and in iv-enforcement techniques.

Finally, the Geological Survey and the Bureau of Indian Affairs employ guardswho, though not commissioned as law enforcement officers, are required to carrybureau-issued f i reams. These employees receive training in the use offirearms. The Geological Survey employees guard secure installations relatedto the Survey's defense sapping work, such of which is classified. The B!Aguards are required to escort prisoners during judicial proceedings followingarrest.

The risks of harm from illegal drug use by armed law enforcement personnel andguards are unacceptable, since the safety of the public and fellow employeescertainly is at stake. The use of drugs is flatly inconsistent with thephysical and mental alertness and that nust acconpany the responsible and safeuse of firearns. The unintentional or unwise discharge of weapons at any time,whether in the course of apprehension of suspected criminals or during a periodof inactivity while on duty directly threatens the safety of members of thepublic and other employees.

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Armed Law Enforcement Personnel


Positions: Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer GS-025Park Police GS-083Criminal Investigator GS-1811



Positions: Ranger GS-1801Criminal Investigator GS-1811

Number of employees In category: 162


Position: Police Officer


GS-083


Positions: Police OfficerCriminal InvestigatorGuard


GS-0083GS-1811GS-0085


Positions: Police Officer GS-083Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer GS-025Refuge Law Enforcenent Officer GS-1802Special Agent GS-1B12

Miscellaneous additional FWS positions with law enforcenentcommissions/service weapons (20 positions)

Outdoor Recreation PlannerFish & Wildlife BiologistBiologist Technician

GS-0023GS-0401,-0486GS-0404

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Refuge Manager/Operations Specialist GS-0485Fishery Biologist GS-0482Forester GS-0460Forestry Aid GS-0462Range Conservationist GS-Q454Aninal Caretaker GS-0485Facility Manager GS-1640Carpenter WG-4607Maintenance Leader/Worker WG-4749Engineering Equipment Operator WG-5716Crane Operator WG-5725Heavy Mobile Equip Operator HG-5803Small Craft Operator WG-5786Automobile Worker WG-5823



Position; Security Guard


GS-085

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DIVE TE_A_M

Dive Team nembers are specialists in a variety of positions throughout severalbureaus who conduct scientific dives or underwater examinations of bureau damand related facilities to ensure the structural integrity, operationalefficiency, and adequacy of water-related facilities.

Underwater investigations of bureau facilities frequently require diving inconditions of cold water, low-to-zero visibility, high velocity, and inclementweather. Access to structures usually is difficult, often involving carryingequipment over riprap, down steep slopes or long ladders. Activity in highplaces or in enclosed and confined spaces is common. Bureau of Reclamationdivers are specially authorized to descend below 100 feet when necessary; adepth that poses extremely high risk of disorientation and nitrogen buildup dueto increased pressure. Scientific divers, primarily in the Geological Survey,and Outer Continental Shelf divers in the Minerals Management Service, performdives in open waters and renote locales.

All divers must undergo rigid training in dive procedures and safety, and mustsatisfy miniauB physical condition requireaents. Divers »ust meet rigid staminarequirements. Preparedness must be constant. For example, Bureau ofReclamation divers oust be available for at least eight dives per year in orderto remain on the dive team. When underwater, divers are highly dependent uponone another for their safety. Divers rarely, if ever, dive alone, and operateon a "buddy systen" while underwater in order to be fully alert to potentialhazards, unsafe conditions, or unusual equipment limitations. Consequently,they must be alert at all tines both when preparing for and undertaking di-.es.Impairment of physical or nental faculties due to illegal drug use by anyindividual could pose life-threatening risks and is unacceptable for the safetyof the entire team.

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Dive Teans






Number of eoployees in category: 14

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MEDICAL PERSONNEL

This category encompasses all personnel responsible for providing direct patientcare to either employees or recreational facility visitors. The positionsinclude Medical Officers, Nurses, and certified Emergency Medical Technicians(EMTs). EMTs include employees in a variety of occupational positions who aretrained in emergency medical techniques.

The Department operates two permanent medical facilities staffed by MedicalOfficers and nurses. One is located in the Headquarters building and the otheris in Bruceton, PA. The primary purpose of these facilities is to providenedical and occupational health services to Departmental employees. The MedicalOfficers and nurses provide complete evaluation of health needs, based onscreening examinations for conditions or concerns such as glaucoma, bloodpressure, diabetes, hearing, vision, or cancer. Additionally, medical staffadminister appropriate treatment for medical conditions, and refer employees totheir private physician or local hospital. The nurses are responsible forordering, inventorying, and dispensing both prescription and non-prescriptionmedications. When necessary and appropriate, the medical staff providecounseling services to employees with problems related to alcohol or drug use.

In addition to the two centralized Departmental medical staffs, the Bureau ofReclamation employs nurses who provide the same kinds of medical services toemployees as in the headquarters medical office. Nurses at field installationshave an unusually high degree of independence, and often may be the only personavailable to provide initial medical treatment.

Additionally, at the Fish & Wildlife Service's Wichita Mountain (Oklahoma)National Wildlife Refuge, a resident nurse provides medical services and healthcare for 120 to 150 students enrolled at any one time in and residing at FWS'sTreasure Lake Job Corps Center. Her medical duties include routine care forordinary daily accidents, illnesses and medical conditions, as well as fullresponsibility for treatment for emergencies, as well. She is responsible forany routine medications required by the students, including the administrationof prescription abdications and inoculations. There is a high turnover ofstudents - as auch as 50 each month - which requires constant attention todetails regarding prescriptions, medication inventories, and treatment records.The youths are involved in a wide range of strenuous, rugged outdoorconservation programs, with all the associated risks of injury such activitiesgenerate. The Center is very remotely located, and the nurse, who lives on thesite with the students, is on call 24 hours a day. She is responsible foremergency treatment of employees at the site, as well, and is the sole providerof nedical treatment and care until a patient can be transported to distant•edical facilities.

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EMTs in the National Park system administer medical assistance to park visitorsexperiencing a variety of medical conditions such as heart attacks, drownings,falls, motor vehicle accidents, etc. EMTs often are the first to arrive on amedical emergency scene and are responsible for initiating treatment andstabilizing seriously ill or injured persons until they can be transported tothe nearest medical facility. They may be required to traverse rough anddangerous terrain, and may be called upon to transport injured persons, as well.

Illegal drug use by medical personnel in this category nay lead directly to lossof life or exacerbation of injuries. Impaired judgment could render incumbentsunable to respond to an eaergency situation in a timely manner, which couldseriously threaten the life of the employee or visitor. Additionally, impairedjudgment could lead to insufficient or improper care. Nurses and physiciansnay administer the wrong type or amount of medication, or may harm a patientthrough the improper handling of injuries or injections. In order to properlyassess a patient's condition and provide appropriate treatment medical personnelnay be required to lift or move incapacitated or unconscious patients, orcommunicate with impaired patients. Further, nurses and physicians may berequired to aonitor patients confined to bed, in order ' to assess and treatchanging health indications. These employees often Bust react instantaneouslyand independently as well as use sound judgment both in emergency and non-emergency situations. Following an appropriate treatment protocol is crucial,and requires constant mental alertness and physical dexterity. Consequently,medical personnel must always remain free from physical and mental impairmentcaused by illegal drug use.

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Medical Personnel


Positions: Medical Officer GS-602Occupational Health Nurse GS-610



Position: Occupational Health Nurse GS-610



Position: Occupational Health Nurse GS-610



Position: Emergency Medical Technician(EMTs include a variety of occupational positions. )

Number of enployees in category; 50Histori

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LIFEGUARDS AND SEARCH MV RESCUE PERSONNEL

The Department employs lifeguards at public swimming facilities, such as oceansand lakes, and in the National Parks. Lifeguards must be physically fit andmust be trained in lifesaving techniques, including drowning resuscitation.They must pass rigorous physical endurance tests. They must be able to subdueand control panicking swiamers - perhaps more than one person at a tine - andcarry them great distances to safety. Lifeguards in recreation areas on theopen ocean must be able to bring imperiled swiamers to safety through strongtides and currents. Once on land, lifeguards must administer resuscitativeprocedures where necessary. They must be clear-headed in order to identifyacute health conditions such as heart attacks and administer appropriateprocedures such as CPR while awaiting professional medical assistance. Membersof the public willingly place their trust in lifeguards for protection ofthemselves and their children. The mental and physical impairment caused byillegal drug use would result in loss of life or serious injury. Lifeguardsmust be able to respond to emergency situations instantaneously andindependently.

Search and rescue personnel, similarly, must be ever alert and ready to becalled into emergency service with minimal supervision. Search and rescuemissions almost invariably involve hazardous, remote terrain and dangerousconditions, such as swift water. The employees in this category are trained inrescue techniques, including first aid. They must exercise instantaneous,independent, and sound judgment in order to locate and rescue members of thepublic visiting Federal installations, as well as fellow employees. Once suchparties are located, search and rescue personnel must plan a course of rescue,as well as assessment and emergency treatment of the victim's medical condition.Accordingly, they must be free of impairment caused by illegal drug use.

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Lifeguards and__Search and Rescue Personnel


Positions: Lifeguards (primarily seasonal) GS-0189Search and Rescue (includes a varietyof occupational positions)



Position: Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) GS-189


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EXPLOSIVES OPERATIONS

The Department has two bureaus that use explosives in research. The Bureau ofMines operates two research centers at which experiments are conducted utilizingexplosives. The centers are located in Pittsburgh, PA, and Minneapolis, MN.Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs 14 explosives handlerswith various position titles. Only individuals directly responsible forconducting explosives operations are included in this category.

The USGS enployees perform experiments in order to generate data for earthquakeand related seismic research. Although the explosive charges are relativelysmall (less than one-half stick of dynamite each), improper handling due to druguse could result in severe physical injury or death to the handler and to fellowemployees. Each charge is required to be buried and detonated so as not tobreak the surface of the ground. Employees are required to wear ear plugs andhard hats, and to retreat 100 feet from the charge. Improper burial orhandling, or failure to adequately evacuate the detonation site, likely woulddirectly result in severe physical ham, including deafness, or loss of limb orlife.

At the Bureau of Mines* Minneapolis center, the Bureau employs individuals whodetonate explosives ranging in size from small-scale model set-ups in anexperimental laboratory to bench-scale blasts in a working quarry. Employeesmust observe safety procedures and wear protective equipment. Positions at thiscenter include Supervisory Physical Scientist, Civil Engineer, Geophysicist, andMining Engineering Technician.

Similarly, at the Bureau of Mines' Pittsburgh center, the Bureau employs FiringOfficers who must ensure that the handling, set-up, and firing of explosivecharges are conducted in a manner consistent with all applicable safetyregulations. The Firing Officers perform these duties on a frequent and regularbasis. Firing Officers include the positions of Physical Science Technician,Electronics Technician, and Mining Engineer.

Incumbents in these positions frequently and regularly handle potentially lethalamounts of explosives and related naterials. Performance of the duties of thesepositions require that the enployees be free of any physical or mentalimpairment caused by illegal drug use. The safety of all personnel workingaround any explosives site is inextricably linked to the safe perfornance ofeach individual. A single drug-related lapse of judgment or dexterity coulddirectly cause the death or serious injury of nearby employees.Hist

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Explosives Handlers


Positions: GeophysicistGeologistPhysical Science TechnicianElectronics Technician


GM-1313GS-1350GS-1311GS-856

Bureau of Mines

Positions: Pittsburgh - Physical Science Technician GS-1311- -Electronics Technician GS-0856- Mining Engineer GS-0880

Minneapolis - Supervisory Physical Scientist GS-1301Civil Engineer GS-0810Geophysicist GS-1313Mining Engineering Technician GS-0802


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PRESSURIZED CQNTAISER_OPERATIONS

This category encompasses personnel associated with helium cylinder operationsat the Bureau of Mines' helium plant in Amarillo, TX- Because of the hazardsassociated with the duties of these employees, and the attendant responsibilityfor public safety as the pressurized containers enter the stream of commerce,only those employees with direct responsibility for maintaining the safetyprotective devices and the integrity of the cylinders are included in thiscategory.

Specifically, this category includes Helium Plant Mechanics and Helium ContainerEquipment Mechanics. Employees in these positions maintain high-pressuregaseous helium trailers and tank cars. They are responsible for insuring thatthe handling and transport of containers are in accordance with Department ofTransportation shipping regulations. The types of equipment for which theincumbents are responsible include tank/trailer brakes, wheel bearings,lighting, etc.

Because of the hazardous nature of pressurized helium, the Bureau must strictlyenforce transportation safety procedures. The Bureau's tanks and trailers areconveyed through public commerce on trucks and train cars. Incumbents regularlyhandle highly pressurized gas that can cause deaths or extensive injury orproperty damage if sudden depressurization were to occur due to human error.Improper handling of liquid helium, which is maintained at -450 degrees F. , canresult in a 700-fold expansion of helium gas which, in high concentrations inair, is fatal. Handling of the pressurized cylinders must be free from accidentor incident that could cause immediate or delayed release of the gas. Theirsound judgment and physical dexterity are essential to safe handling of thehelium. Accordingly, these employees must remain free from impairment causedby illegal drug use.

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Pressurized Container Operations

Bureau of Mines

Positions: Helium Plant Mechanic WG-5378Helium Container Equipment Mechanic WG-5352


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Documents

HistoricalUse of illegal drugs by presidential employees could result in the failure of Departmental and bureau programs and missions, expose the Department to civil liability, and