Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Emerging Technologies Division, AFS-700. Serves as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety Specialist.

Responsible for applying knowledge of and experience with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for FAA Field personnel and the public governing all matters to unmanned aircraft.

To qualify for the FV-I: To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H, FG/GS-10-12.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Experience includes knowledge with technical administration, certification, and surveillance; The development and execution of programs that improve organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and/or meet strategic objectives; Advanced knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft System Safety standards to evaluate, analyze, and formulate decisions using the laws, regulations, and safety standards pertaining to the operation and airworthiness of UAS engaged in commercial, general, and agricultural operations, and its associated systems.

To qualify for the FV-J: To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Experience includes analyzing and performing aircraft certification and surveillance services in order to make recommendation for improvements and providing advice and guidance to management.

Researching, developing and evaluating aspects of aviation safety systems data to effectively meet operational requirements and program goals. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION.

See "How to Apply" for more information. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcements. Major Duties:

FV-I: The incumbent will perform multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced professional.

Applies experience and advanced technical knowledge of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for FAA Field personnel and the public governing all matters to unmanned aircraft.

Performs special studies and assists in developing plans, policies, procedures, guidance, resources, and similar documents on operational and administrative matters.

Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines.

Applies advanced knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft System Safety standards to evaluate, analyze, and formulate decisions using the laws, regulations, and safety standards pertaining to the operation and airworthiness of UAS engaged in commercial, general, and agricultural operations, and its associated systems.

Performs safety duties concerned with the inspection and surveillance of unmanned aircraft and its associated systems. Collaborates closely with other USS and/or Manager(s).

Analyzes and monitors broad program elements; Evaluates safety activities of complex UAS organizations; Evaluates program change proposals; Examines and issues airworthiness certificates and makes airworthy determinations as appropriate (UAS only).

Examines certificates, and monitors UAS mechanic, UAS remote pilot operator, other UAS aviation organizations for compliance with safety regulations FV-J: The incumbent will perform multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist.

Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities.

The incumbent will apply experience and comprehensive technical knowledge of aviation safety standards associated with matters related to unmanned aircraft and will independently provide a full range of program support and analytical/investigative expertise.

The incumbent will research, develop, and evaluate all aspects of aviation safety systems data to effectively meet operational requirements and program goals.

Receives instruction in terms of the objectives of assignments and are expected to deal with problem and unusual situations on their own.

Defines, organizes and assigns resources to accomplish organization objectives.

Allocates resources and works with team members or individually to accomplish large work activities within the established schedules.

Leads activities associated with analytical studies using investigative/research methodologies and techniques to identify emerging and changing performance, risks, and development of performance strategies and metrics.

Monitor's operators' complex maintenance facility and determine if it is adequately staffed and equipped to perform work in compliance with applicable UAS safety standards.

(In comparison, FV-I employees interact with aviation organizations on a narrower, more specific assignment.) Evaluates and issue certificates for UAS maintenance.

Continually monitor the activities of UAS operators and their maintenance practices to ensure that they comply with their UAS programs as necessary.

Monitors UAS which have undergone major alterations and/or repairs, ensuring compliance with appropriate UAS safety standard, technical orders and bulletins, manufacturers' specifications, etc.

All levels will perform other duties as assigned.