Summary This position is that of Aviation Airworthiness Officer (AAO) for the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services (WS) Program and functions as the AAO for aviation functions within the WS program and oversees airworthiness activities that fall within the WS aviation management program. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Develop airworthiness safety program requirements for WS aviation activities. Assist the WS Aviation Training and Operations Center Manager (ATOCM) in conducting investigations. Assure that agency contractors are properly and adequately organized, staffed, and equipped. Conduct inspections to verify certification requirements (both fixed-wing and helicopter) for all agency and contract aircraft. Evaluate requests from agency and contract pilots/mechanics to make alterations to aircraft and approve or disapprove these requests. Provide guidance to agency and contract pilots and designated maintenance professionals regarding maintenance procedures and record keeping. Review and determine adequacy of manuals associated with the WS airworthiness safety and maintenance programs and revisions. Analyze trends to detect a deterioration in the airworthiness safety and maintenance program. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT: A. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years; B. Valid State driver's license; C. Fluency in the English language; D. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and E. High school diploma or equivalent. 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: 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; Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); 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. When the predominant work involves general aviation maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements. 1. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness. 2. Maintenance experience with aircraft 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight. 3. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state or Federal governmental agency. 4. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years. 5. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings. In addition to the minimum eligibility requirement applicants must also possess: FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station, air carrier or airline repair facility, military repair facility, or local, state, or federal governmental agency with responsibility for certifying airworthiness. Experience maintaining, repair, and modification of single engine piston aircraft with responsibility for certifying airworthiness. Experience obtaining FAA approval for manuals, inspection programs, major repairs, major alterations, or other documentation related to aircraft continued airworthiness. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.
