Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations), Houston FSDO, SWSD09B
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted: December 31, 2025 (15 days ago)
This job has been posted for 2-4 weeks. Consider applying soon if interested.
Federal Aviation Administration
Department of Transportation
Location
Salary
$55,328 - $79,443
per year
Type
Closes
Base salary range: $41,966 - $54,557
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-6. Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves supporting aviation safety inspectors by handling technical tasks like reviewing records, gathering data, and assisting with investigations and certifications to ensure safe air travel.
It's a hands-on role in a government office in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where you'll use computers and research skills to help prevent accidents and enforce rules.
A good fit would be someone with practical experience in aviation operations who enjoys detail-oriented work and problem-solving in a team setting.
Incumbent serves as an Aviation Safety Technician (AST) providing technical support to Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI's) and the public.
Performs or assists with a wide range of certification, surveillance, and investigation duties requiring research and evaluation in accordance with current FAA safety directives/orders.
The duty station is Allentown Pennsylvania.
To qualify for this position at the FG-8 grade, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG/GS-7 level.
Specialized experience is defined as: 1) demonstrated accomplishment in practical technical aviation operations; 2) experience in using computerized database systems; 3) experience in preparing technical reports; and 4) experience in researching, analyzing and providing recommendations.
To qualify for this position at the FG-9, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-E, GS-/FG-8 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 is defined as: 1) demonstrated accomplishment in practical technical aviation operations; 2) experience in using computerized database systems; 3) experience in preparing technical reports; and 4) experience in researching, analyzing and providing recommendations.
In addition, experience must also include the following: 1) experience in gathering and compiling aviation safety data; 2) experience in assisting in aviation investigations such as complaints, occurrences, incidents, accidents and/or violations.
Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact rating or may result in not being considered for the job.
Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Major Duties:
Provides expert technical knowledge and support to aviation safety inspectors, the general public, stakeholders, and airmen regarding a wide variety of aviation-related topics.
Extracts safety data and information from FAA records to identify trends for items that affect aviation safety and enters technical findings in agency approved databases.
This individual will provide technical assistance and/or support with certification, surveillance, investigation, and/or enforcement, examples include, but are not limited to: Certification Support • Provides technical support to ASI's during certification of operators and air agencies.
• Reviews airmen certification files, submitted by designees for accuracy. • Reviews inspection authorization files for renewal eligibility. • Conducts Operational Color Vision Tests.
• Reviews designee management system to determine renewal eligibility. • Compiles data for technical reports. Surveillance Support • Assists ASI's with surveillance of aviation events.
• Assists in drafting and issuing waivers and authorizations.
Investigation Support • Drafts Enforcement Investigative Reports (EIR) for review and final approval by an ASL • Acts as the Point of Contact (POC) for safety assets (PPE) related to accident investigations.
Enforcement Support Incumbent will be responsible for enforcement functions including conducting violations, voluntary disclosure, suspect illegal charters, incidents, navigation and altitude deviation investigations.
Other • Provides technical support for special inspections, including a variety of the functions described in the previous paragraphs.
• May conduct meetings or portions of meetings in support of technical work functions. • Prepares technical correspondence in support of assigned work functions.
• Provides administrative support and project tracking utilizing required computer software.
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