Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness)

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Minimum Eligibility Requirements General Requirements for All Positions: Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years; Valid State driver's license; Fluency in the English language; No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and High school diploma or equivalent. Medical Requirements for All Positions: 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. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness. Maintenance experience with aircraft 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state or Federal governmental agency. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings. 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: Instructed pilots and/or maintenance personnel on maintenance procedures and operational safety according to established compliance standards. Conducted inspections of agency or contracted aircraft to verify certification and maintenance standards. Performed mechanical maintenance on multiple different makes and models of helicopter. 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.

Position Overview

The Aviation Safety Inspector Airworthiness Officer is the point of contact for all aviation functions within the eastern region. They oversee all airworthiness activities that fall within the Wildlife Service (WS) aviation management program and act as the primary airworthiness interface between agency pilots and aircraft and contract maintenance crews.

Duties

• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Implements airworthiness safety program requirements for WS aviation activities through participation with agency crews and maintenance facilities.
• Evaluates aircraft fleet annually and serves as lead on lifecycle management, projecting known maintenance schedules and component replacement.
• Collaborates with regional leadership to project and plan for aircraft replacement, identifying future requirements, suitable aircraft that meet those requirements, and new technology.
• Act as liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Aviation Safety Center (ASC) for all airworthiness and certification issues within the region.
• Assists the WS Aviation Safety Center Supervisory Aviation Safety Airworthiness Inspector (SASI) in conducting investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents.
• Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives depositions upon request.
• Conducts inspections to verify certification requirements (both helicopter and fixed wing) for all agency aircraft. Makes recommendations on the appointment of contract vendors.
• Reviews facility changes and negotiates with contractors and other aviation services vendors to resolve specific airworthiness/maintenance problems.
• Directs the inspection and surveillance of regional aircraft for continuous airworthiness and adherence to the WS airworthiness safety and maintenance programs.