Summary
This position is in the Office of Aviation Safety, located in either Federal Way, WA (WPR), Aurora, CO (CEN), or Washington, DC (ERA). The incumbent will have knowledge and experience of general aviation flight operations, maintenance and inspection of small aircraft and a strong working knowledge of civil aircraft accident investigation and aviation safety.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens
Duties
OAS investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents, including those involving unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), public aircraft, and commercial space launches, and other significant aviation incidents, proposes the probable causes of these events, and develops recommendations to minimize recurrence.
The salary ranges for these positions to include locality are as follows:
(Aurora, CO) GS-09 - $66,670 - $86,670
(Federal Way, WA) GS-09 - $67,147 - $87,291
(Washington, DC) GS-09 - $68,405 - $88,926
Pay setting for first time new hires to the Federal Government, salary will likely be set at the Step 1. See 2024 Salary Tables https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/
As an Air Safety Investigator, GS-1815-09, you will perform the following major duties:
At the GS-09 level, typical duties may include:
- Conducting straightforward aviation accident/incident investigations of civil aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 91, primarily involving small aircraft;
- Assisting with collection of and documenting factual information, data, and evidence relevant to aircraft accident/incident investigations;
- Prepares comprehensive written products of low to moderate complexity that document the investigative activities as assigned;
- Briefs NTSB management on the facts and circumstances of accidents/incidents that they are assigned to assist with investigating;
- Assists in the development and completion of safety recommendations, corrective actions, and other necessary changes to improve aviation safety.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:The work regularly requires long periods of walking to and around accident sites, as well as frequent bending, crouching, and stretching to examine wreckage. The employee must be able to climb steep terrain or walk for long distances to reach the accident site in a variety of extreme weather and atmospheric conditions. The employee must possess a fitness level that allows them to effectively wear and operate appropriate personal protective equipment.
Much of the work is normally performed in an office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. For work-at-home arrangements, the employee is required to designate an area in his/her home as the official workstation. The space for working at home should be a separate room or area in a room that is adequate for the performance of the employee's official duties. At times, the employee will be required to serve in an on-call capacity, which will require tasks to be performed beyond traditional business hours, and may require travel to remote work sites.
The work also often requires exposure to a variety of weather conditions and other environmental discomforts such as snow, rain, temperature extremes, swampy or mountainous areas. The employee usually wears personal protective equipment like safety shoes, goggles, gloves, protective coveralls, and/or a respirator. Occasionally the aircraft wreckage may contain hazardous materials, which may require additional precautions.
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.).
- Suitability for Federal employment.
- Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Bargaining Unit Position: YES - Bargaining unit represented by NTSB-AFGE Local 2211.
- Direct Deposit is required.
- A probationary period may be required.
- You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
- This position is also being announced through Government-Wide procedures under Announcement AS-12381400-24-KAT. To be considered under both Public (US Citizens) and Government-Wide procedures, you must apply to both announcements.
- THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR FULL TIME REMOTE TELEWORK. After a selection is made, the incumbent must report to the approved duty location Regional Office (WPR, ERA or CEN).
- Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum eligibility requirements for these positions are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, meeting the appropriate education and/or experience requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position.
CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS:
For all grades and specializations, applicants must possess a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating, the appropriate military rating, or other certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements of the commercial pilot certificate, e.g., an airline transport pilot certificate.
MINIMUM FLIGHT HOURS REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS:
Your resume must clearly state your hours of flight experience in each of the categories required for this announcement (total flight time, pilot-in-command, small airplane). If your resume does not contain this information, you will not be considered for the position. Please list your flight hours in your resume as shown in the below chart for Total Flight Time, Pilot-in-Command and Small Airplanes.
| Category |
Flight Hours for
GS-9 |
| Total Flight Time |
1,000 |
| Pilot-in-Command |
500 |
| Small Airplanes |
250 |
Flight Hour Type Definitions:
- Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. Each 2 hours acquired as a co-pilot, an FAA certificated flight engineer on a commercial air carrier, or a military flight officer on a military air carrier may be substituted for 1 hour of flight time in meeting the minimum total flight time requirements.
- Pilot-in-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
- Small Airplanes --(gross weight less than 12,500 pounds). Hours may have been acquired as pilot-in-command or total flight time.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
-- Valid State driver's license (unexpired);
-- Fluency in the English language;
-- No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
-- High school graduate or equivalent.
-- Medical Requirements - Applicants for all positions must possess a current first or second class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations. Both meet the intent of the requirement.
Interview Before appointment, candidates are required to appear for an interview. The purpose of the interview is to determine whether candidates possess the personal characteristics necessary to perform the duties of aviation safety investigator positions successfully. Candidates will be questioned about information on their applications during the interview, and will be required to show appropriate certificates and log books.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
FOR GS-09: To minimally qualify for the GS-09 level, the applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level which demonstrates a basic knowledge of aviation accident investigation practices, procedures, and techniques as they apply to aircraft operated under 14 CFR Parts 91, 121, or 135. Examples include work acting as pilot of civil aircraft; and work examining/documenting/inspecting aircraft or reviewing aircraft or aviation personnel records.
NOTE: Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience and include the applicable civil FAR part for the work done by that operator (e.g., 14 CFR Part 91, 121, 135, etc.), as well as list all the civil aircraft types that you might have operated and/or maintained during employment. If applicable, your resume may also list additional experience obtained during military service, in addition to the required experience obtained in support of civil aircraft operations. If your resume does not contain all of this information, you will not be considered for the position. Education may not be used as an alternate means to meet the experience requirements of these positions.
For more information see link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/air-safety-investigating-series-1815/
NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be rated using the Category Rating System. Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Screening Questions/Occupational Questionnaire for consistency. Applicants must first meet any mandatory education/licensure/certification requirements before experience is evaluated. Failure to meet any mandatory requirement as outlined in the qualifications section will disqualify you from further consideration. Based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training in relation to these competencies, you will be placed into one of the following three categories:
- Highly Qualified - Applicants with a background that demonstrates a superior level of possession of all competencies.·
- Well Qualified - Applicants with a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of possession of the competencies.·
- Qualified - Applicants possessing the specialized experience described above and any education or selective factor if also required.
The Category Rating Method does not add Veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Documented preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification/eligibility requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% will be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Experience must be clearly reflected in your resume. If mandatory education/licensure/certification requirements are met, your application will be further evaluated based on training, experience and other factors critical to successful job performance such as:
- Accident Investigation
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Aircraft Operations
- Communication
- Project Management
- Reasoning and Analysis
If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience or your application may be removed from further consideration.
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.
The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:
- A Complete Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
- Responses to the questionnaire.
- DD-214 (member copy 4), SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation: (1) Proof of Eligibility; (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
- To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/02/2024.
- To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
- To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12381849.
- To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
NOTE: If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Applications: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information at least 1 business day before the closing date.
Next steps
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement.
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