Aviation Safety Inspector (Senior Technical Advisor)

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees, AVS-Wide

Provides both technical and analytical direction to Air Carrier Safety Assurance (ACSA) senior management on complex, critical, and sensitive technical, organizational, and program management issues in direct support of mission-critical assignments throughout the organization. Develops and recommends solutions to current problems and anticipates problems across organizational lines and disciplines. Most issues are addressed independently, with sensitive matters coordinated with and elevated to senior management as appropriate. Works independently and collaboratively to design, develop, and conduct a variety of complex studies related to goals, objectives, plans, policies, standards, and operating procedures, focusing on aviation safety and airworthiness and operational rules. These studies provide data-supported recommendations to enhance management and leadership decision-making. Serves as a consultant to senior, middle, and front-line management on matters related to developing and implementing management tools needed to oversee various programs. Offers advice, guidance, leadership, and direction to senior management, division managers, and field offices on creating and applying effective policies, procedures, and processes. Acts as a coach or trusted counselor/mentor to employees throughout the organization when requested or as directed by management. Utilizes core mutual learning principles to achieve results that include high performance, improved relationships, and individual satisfaction. Capitalizes on prior experience and expert technical knowledge to perform critical tasks requiring the development of new concepts, systems, or innovative approaches. Incumbent performs assignments that are of such breadth, diversity, and intensity that involve numerous complex features to assure that organizations meet applicable 14 CFR Part 121 and 125 Federal Aviation safety regulations. Interprets, audits, evaluates, and analyzes business operations practices related to aviation systems and operators. Provides expert guidance and instruction to address diverse, complex issues that often cross multiple projects/programs or functional/technical areas. Maintains a high level of awareness of current Flight Standards technical, organizational, and administrative programs and activities relating to certification, surveillance, investigation, and inspection. Uses broad discretion to ensure alignment of organizational goals and policies and the requirements of the projects and/or other work activities. Maintains knowledge of other FAA and DOT regulatory and technical programs, procedures, activities, and accomplishments that interface with the Flight Standards Service mission and strategic management plan. Applies a comprehensive knowledge of the appropriate specialization and a broad knowledge of the
Aviation Safety (AVS) mission and goals to assigned programs and areas of responsibility. Work is considered technically authoritative and is normally accepted without change. Completed work may be reviewed for adherence to FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled. Contacts are primarily with officials at the field and national levels. Occasional contact external to the agency may also occur. Utilizes a wide range of automation tools to perform duties and activities. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for an Aviation Safety Inspector in the 1825 series as outlined in the OPM qualification standards or Human Resource Policy Manual Policy Chapter Supplements.

General Requirements for All Positions:

1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
2. Valid State driver's license;
3. Fluency in the English language;
4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, and must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must:

1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and
2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or

2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

Specialized Experience, Training, And Certification Requirements For Specific Positions:

Applicants must meet specific requirements as outlined in the Office of Personnel Management Aviation Safety Series, Qualification Standards for Operations, Avionics, and Maintenance Specialties or Human Resource Policy Manual Policy Chapter Supplements for Aircraft Dispatch, and Cabin Safety specialties. Information may be found on the following website:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviationsafety-series-1825/

https://employees.faa.gov/org/staffoffices/ahr/program_policies/policy_guidance/hr_policies/hrpm/emp/emp_sup/emp-1-7_1825AD/

https://employees.faa.gov/org/staffoffices/ahr/program_policies/policy_guidance/hr_policies/hrpm/emp/emp_sup/emp-1-7_1825CS/

Note - Recency of specialized experience and the need for a valid second-class FAA medical certificate is waived for employees currently in the 1825 series.

Specialized experience: To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience at the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized Experience includes analyzing aviation safety programs to ensure compliance with federal and agency regulations, programs, procedures, and safety standards governing air operations.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Applicants must apply online for consideration. Only supplemental documentation, e.g. SF-50, transcripts or veteran's documentation will be accepted in combination with your on-line application. These documents must be uploaded or faxed to (404) 393-0636 on or before the closing date of this announcement. All faxed documents should reference the announcement number.

If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.

If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.

Next steps