Human Factors Scientist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. AWA-AJI-24-1220MN-93147 Department Federal Aviation Administration
Salary $123,884.00 to $192,056.00 Grade J to J
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/12/2024 Close Date 11/21/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Safety and Technical Training, Policy & Performance Directorate, Safety Performance Group (AJI-3400). This Group is responsible for creating and managing safety performance metrics and for incorporating human performance management programs, data and efforts to maximize safety performance.

Duties

The Human Factors Scientist applies comprehensive technical knowledge of scientific principals related to human factors, industrial/ organizational psychology, safety and training to update and prioritize risk mitigation strategies that integrate human factors into the Air Traffic Organization. The Scientist performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of the manager. This work is a critical area of human performance and directly affects the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).

As a principal technical specialist, the Scientist uses experience and comprehensive technical knowledge of human performance related factors such as human performance safety investigations and taxonomies, safety culture, and human performance management to research, analyze and lead teams in identifying and assessing issues involving safety culture, training performance and human performance. Solves complex problems and develops improved technical processes, systems or safety mitigations for the operational workforce. Considers the objectives of Safety and Technical Training and the ATO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing, and editing reports for final approval prior to external distribution. Develops and recommends innovative changes to NAS systems, equipment and procedures.

Applies knowledge of program/project management principles to define, organize, and assign resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Allocates resources to accomplish large work activities within established schedules. Has a direct responsibility for program/project management. Develops plans for technical operations human performance management programs and activities. Develops plans to facilitate program reviews to predict potential issues and proposes recommendations to mitigate risks. Investigates, collects and analyzes human factors and performance data to identifies and assesses existing or potential issues, risks, and solutions involving human factors and performance in civil aviation operations. Examines the role of environmental, social, financial, emotional, and other health and wellbeing factors on human performance. Prepares results and conclusions; writes reports and presents findings which may address topics from training, selection, change management, ergonomics, industrial organizational psychology, educational psychology, and applied cognition. Develops plans, techniques and policies to address current and anticipated training problems and issues. Leads and contributes to focus groups, workshops and programs.

Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as a senior technical point of contact for human factors and performance. Communicates results to all levels internally within AJI and externally with other FAA lines of business, other governmental agencies and private industry. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on policies. Works across functional and/or organizational lines to coordinate significant technical matters with representatives of external organizations. Supports the development of Human Performance Standards of Excellence for the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization.

Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the Scientist is allowed considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation require. The Team Manager rarely reviews work typically though status reports and at project completion to ensure technical compliance and alignment with requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities typically impact
directly on the objectives of one or more major subdivisions or LOB's/SO's and may impact on the objectives of the FAA.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE IS DEFINED AS:

Experience using human performance related factors such as human performance safety investigations and taxonomies to lead teams in researching, analyzing, identifying and assessing issues involving safety culture, training performance and human performance.

Experience developing techniques and plans to improved technical processes, systems or safety mitigations for the operational workforce.

You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.*

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or Selective Placement Factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; priority grouping; or (3) alphabetical, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**

Education

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).

Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.

Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.

Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.

Degree: Behavioral or Social Science (or related disciplines appropriate to the position); or a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; or four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

*Applicants who are not currently in the 101 occupational series in the Federal Government and fail to provide a copy of an unofficial or official transcript will not receive consideration for this vacancy. If you do not have an official transcript (original, with the raised seal), you should contact your school immediately to request it.

Preview Job Questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

1) As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.

2) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: http://jobs.faa.gov/FAACoreCompensation.htm

3) Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

4) This Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust) position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

5) The selectee will be assigned to the Human Performance Team, AJI-3420.

6) This announcement is also being advertised under VA #AWA-AJI-24-1220MN-93119. Please review both vacancy announcements before making an application to determine your eligibility to apply.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.

Review our 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.

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.

Required Documents

Only supplemental documentation (e.g. transcript, certifications, and/or veterans' documentation) will be accepted in combination with your on-line application or faxed to 202-267-7032. These documents must be uploaded or faxed on or before the closing date of the announcement. All submitted documents must reference the announcement number.



This position has a positive education requirement; college transcripts are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 101 series.

College transcripts must be submitted from current FAA employees applying for internal vacancies if they have never held a position in the 101 series with the FAA.

College transcripts are not required from current FAA employees who are currently occupying a 101 series.

If selected, official transcripts are required prior to employment.

All Veterans: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit either a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 Copy or equivalent), or a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must also submit a completed SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference, and supporting documents outlined on the SF-15. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

If you are claiming 10 point preference but fail to submit the supporting documents outlined on the SF-15, you will be tentatively assessed as a 5 point preference eligible provided your DD Form 214 reflects that you have the service required to qualify for preference. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

Veterans currently on active duty claiming veterans' preference: You will be granted tentative preference if you submit a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions and your application shows that you have the required service. Prior to being appointed, you must provide to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office a DD Form 214 documenting discharge/release and showing that the service was honorable or general. If you are on terminal leave, you must provide documentation certifying authorized terminal leave.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Forms:
  • SF-15  : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

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.

How to Apply

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.

We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)

  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)

  • Employer's name and address

  • Supervisor name and phone number

  • Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

  • Salary (optional)


Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Agency contact information

Michael Nance
Phone
1 (202) 267-8981
Fax
1 (202) 267-8330
Email
michael.a-ctr.nance@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.