Summary
As Chief Technical Advisor (International Aviation Safety Affairs) of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incumbent serves as the senior technical advisor to Office of Aviation Safety and NTSB senior leadership on international aviation safety and accident investigation issues. As a globally recognized and respected authority, the incumbent engages with US and international authorities and organizations to identify and resolve issues affecting NTSB protocols and policies.
This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Clarification from the agency
Status Candidates (current federal employees and reinstatement eligibles)
Duties
As a Chief Technical Advisor (International Aviation Safety Affairs), SL-1801-00, you will perform the following major duties:
- Serve as the definitive, high-level subject matter expert on international aviation safety for NTSB leadership and domestic stakeholders.
- Manage U.S. participation in foreign aviation investigations and NTSB cases with foreign stakeholders.
- Act as the U.S. representative to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thus serving as the primary NTSB representative and liaison to major international bodies, federal agencies, and foreign authorities.
- Influence, develop, and standardize international accident investigation frameworks and bilateral agreements by refining ICAO Annex 13 protocols, lead global audit readiness (ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme), and evaluate long-term strategic objectives for the Office of Aviation Safety.
- Brief Board Members and agency senior executives on highly sensitive geopolitical situations; collaborate with U.S. manufacturers (e.g., FAA, operators) to protect U.S. aviation products; and contribute to federal rulemakings or Congressional inquiries.
- Author technical papers, lead international symposia, train domestic and foreign investigators on NTSB and international protocols, and handle high-profile media or Transportation Disaster Assistance inquiries regarding foreign accidents.
Requirements
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
- Direct Deposit is required.
- A probationary period may be required.
- You may be required to complete an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, upon entering the position and annually.
- Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE WORK EXCEPT FOR APPLICANTS IN THE WASHINGTON, DC, COMMUTING AREA, WHO WILL BE ASSIGNED TO NTSB HEADQUARTERS.
- Position has been designated as Special Sensitive; incumbent is required to be eligible (and maintain eligibility) for a Top Secret with Special Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
- Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).
- Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position. A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
- Bargaining Unit Position: NO.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must possess the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) required of this position which are shown below. These qualifications would typically be acquired through education, experience, and training which reflect progressive development and achievement in leading teams and/or projects for a comprehensive program in a complex organization. Typically, experience of this nature is gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector or nongovernmental organizations.
Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ's): Applicants should focus on experience within the last 10 years, education, and training. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated in the following:
1. Demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge of domestic and international aviation accident investigations, including procedures related to the investigation and reporting in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 protocols.
2. Experience and demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships, including with officials of the U.S. Department of State and other Federal agencies, foreign government representatives, and international aviation safety organizations, and to effectively interpret and present complex international aviation policy issues and analyses, both orally and in writing, to a wide variety of domestic and foreign audiences.
The applicant's 2-page resume must address evidence of necessary level of skills, characteristics, qualities, specialized knowledge, and technical competence which indicate successful performance in this Senior Level position. This resume must include clear and concise results/accomplishments that emphasize the applicant's level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of assignments, program accomplishments, policy initiatives, and level of contacts. Applicants who fail to show evidence of the MTQs will not be forwarded for further consideration.For more information see link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/general-inspection-investigation-enforcement-and-compliance-series-1801/
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.
Additional information
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
- If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
- All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
- NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
- The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the Structured Resume Review.
Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the Mandatory Technical Qualifications for this position. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, you will be placed in one of the three pre-defined categories. The categories are "Highly Qualified", "Well Qualified" and "Qualified". Candidates placed in the "Highly Qualified" category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager.
- 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.
How you will be evaluated for preference eligibility: 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. 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.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Do
NOT include the following types of information in your resume/application. If any are included, you will be deemed
INELIGIBLE for consideration.
- Classified or government sensitive information
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Photos of yourself
- Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13033025.
Required Documents
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and any assessment questionnaire, if required. 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 Two-Page 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 MUST 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.
- ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status, listing your Position Title, Series and Grade and Step, Tenure (Block 24 -1 or 2) and Position Occupied (Block 34 -1). Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. (Do not submit your Award SF-50).
- DD-214 (member copy 2 or 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.
- Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable.
Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered "ineligible" for this position.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
NOTE: If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns prior to the closing date please send those emails to include the vacancy announcement number, position title and your reason for contacting us to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least one (1) business day before the closing date.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.