Federal Aviation Administration Employment Opportunities – Aeronautical Information Specialist

About the job

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Aeronautical Information Specialist applies comprehensive technical knowledge of terminal and en-route air traffic control (ATC), airfield operations, radar, and communication system principles, techniques, methods, and procedures to conduct and complete aeronautical studies on the impact of structures on the National Airspace System (NAS). Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing, and editing reports or formal Agency determinations pertaining to whether these structures would be a hazard to the National Airspace System (NAS), for final approval prior to external distribution. Analyzes and evaluates data that becomes vital aeronautical information, preserved and published by Aeronautical Information Services. This work directly impacts the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strategic objectives and the safety of the NAS.

As a senior Obstruction Evaluation (OE) Specialist, he/she applies knowledge of ATC and airport operations and procedures to evaluate possible impacts that structures may have on airports, aeronautical facilities, and the ATC system. Using ATC experience, he/she conducts aeronautical studies in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 77, and determines whether a structure is/ would be a hazard or would require a change in aeronautical operations or procedures. Coordinates with appropriate offices the impacts a proposal would have on the NAS. Presents analyses and case information to senior Agency executives and public entities pertaining to obstruction evaluation projects.

As a principle technical specialist, he/she may train, evaluate, monitor and provide guidance to other OE Technicians or Specialists. May participate on teams responsible for reviewing and revising relevant Advisory Circulars, such as the Advisory Circular, AC 70/7460, Obstruction Marking and Lighting and FAA Order 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters.

Applies experience as an instructor in ATC, navigation, or in piloting procedures and techniques, as well as experience interpreting 49USC

• 40103,
• 44718, and 14 CFR Part 77 to determine structures’ effect upon navigable airspace. Reads aeronautical charts to identify and map the study area, along with airports around the proposed structure; to review obstruction evaluations and digital obstacle files in the area; and to graphically depict and analyze traffic patterns. Identifies when 14 CFR Part 77 standards are exceeded through information from other lines of business or agencies, and skill and experience interpreting Part 77 standards.

Contacts are internal and external to Mission Support. Receives assessments and comments from multiple internal and external “Division Responders” or evaluators, including FAA lines of business and the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Interacts with the general public when evaluating comments received through the Circularization process. Often represents the FAA, as a senior technical point of contact on obstruction evaluation projects/activities. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on policies.

Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but allow 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 requires. Has knowledge of the interrelationships between offices to consolidate and review comments and to achieve synthesis and resolving differences between the Division Responders.

As such, work is typically reviewed rarely, through status report and at the completion of projects by the Team Manager, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project and other work activity.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Review the Additional Information Section of this vacancy announcement for important information regarding your COVID vaccine status.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Successful completion of security investigation may be required.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Please Review Required Documents & Additional Information.
• Selected candidates may be placed anywhere within the Obstruction Evaluation (OE) Group, AJV-A500

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the FV-J (GS/FG-14), you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the next lower level, FV-I (GS/FG-13). 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: Experience analyzing and evaluating impact to proposed or existing structures would have on airports, other aeronautical facilities, and the NAS; Experience analyzing air traffic control and instrument flight procedures; Experience reading aeronautical charts.

AND

Quality Ranking Factor (QRF): Well-qualified applicants will possess knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to obstructions to air navigation, and navigational and communication, and preservation of the navigable airspace.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement

Education

See Qualifications Required.

Information Regarding KSA’s:

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, 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, 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.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), Demonstrated Abilities and Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

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 person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies.

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.

If selected, you will be required to provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

NOTES

• Applicants must apply on-line to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications cannot be accepted.
• This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website:
• Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.
• If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed.
• Salary shown does NOT include locality pay of 22.63% for College Park, GA; 25.68% for Ft. Worth, TX; 28.28% for Des Moines, WA; 16.20% for OKC, OK; 31.53% for Silver Spring, MD.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
• This position is telework eligible, as determined by agency policy.
• Position(s) may be filled within AJV-A510/A520/A530/A540.
• TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTS, PLEASE email

This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by AFSCME Local 1653.

Links to Important Information:

• 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.

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.