Summary The Geographic Program Manager (Operations) has responsibility for the Geographic Program within the geographical area and for the performance of inspections and surveillance (to include certification and other assignments as requested by the Principal Inspector) on air carriers/air operators operating under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Parts 121, 125, 129, 133, 135, and 137. Responsibilities The Geographic Program Manager (Operations) has responsibility for the Geographic Program within the geographical area and for the performance of inspections and surveillance (to include certification and other assignments as requested by the Principal Inspector) on air carriers/air operators operating under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Parts 121, 125, 129, 133, 135, and 137. Identifies and establishes work programs for inspection and surveillance within manpower and budget limitations. Functions as the focal point for office communications with principal inspectors in other offices/regions. Has the responsibility for the geographic program for his/her specialization in the district office. Assures, on a continuing basis, that the operators within their jurisdiction are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; have and conduct an adequate training program, including an acceptable record keeping system; and have facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements. Regularly visits the air carrier's/air operator's stations and other offices to maintain contact with their local top management officials and coordinates with the principal inspector for correction of any deficiencies or discrepancies. Processes enforcement actions and prepares final reports and recommendations on disposition. Performs or supervises the emergency suspension of certificates. Conducts or directs the reexamination of certificated airmen. Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents and accidents.Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives depositions. Reviews and determines the adequacy of operations manuals for compliance with the FARs. Makes recommendations to the principal inspector for amendments to previously approved manuals to accomplish the following: correct any conflict with regulatory requirements; eliminate unsafe practices; and/or improve the specificity of instruction. Evaluates operations and facilities throughout the geographical area by periodic on-site inspections and the review of inspector's reports; and then, on the basis of these, makes a recommendation on changes essential or desirable in policies and procedures to the principal inspector. May be assigned airmen certification duties. Monitors all phases of the operations on behalf of the principal inspector including the following: training programs and records; base and station facilities; and en route operations (including routes, areas, and/or airports). Evaluates trends which may indicate deterioration in the safety of operations and then personally, or through assistance of other inspectors, coordinates with the principal inspector and suggests changes required to correct such trends. Monitors the activities of examiner designees, check airmen, and instructors, and takes any action that may be required as a result of this monitoring. Then, advises the principal inspector of any problems and controversial situations and of suggestions to resolve such situations. Conducts an operations system analysis independently or as team member on special inspection teams. The incumbent may be assigned other duties and responsibilities which are nongrade controlling. The incumbent will be required to participate in the flight program as an aircrew member and, as such, must meet the medical and flight currency requirements as set forth in agency orders governing the operation of aircraft. The inspector, when so directed, is required to keep an appropriate control point informed as to his/her whereabouts and the telephone number at which he/she can be reached in the event of an aviation incident/accident requiring FAA investigation. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements for an Aviation Safety Inspector in the 1825 series for the General Aviation Operations specialty in accordance with the OPM qualification standards located at the following web address: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1800/1825.htm General Requirements for All Positions: 1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years; 2. Valid State driver's license; 3. Fluency in the English language; 4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and 5. High school diploma or equivalent. Medical Requirements: 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: 1. Have a 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; 2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); 3. 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. In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must: 1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and 2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA. When the predominant work involves air carrier operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements. 1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight. 2. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard. 3. Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating. 4. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years. 5. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. 6. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved. NOTE: Recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series. For more information regarding the minimum eligibility requirements for Aviation Safety Inspectors, please visit the following website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1800/1825.htm In addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements, applicants must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FG/GS-12 or pay band H) in the normal line of progression. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to experience in coordinating technical instructions, policy orders and procedures through the POI to ensure uniformity of training and testing activities; conducting enforcement investigations and preparing final reports and recommendations on disposition; conducting re-examination of certificated airmen; and conducting investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents/accidents. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. In-grade/downgrade applications will be accepted. For Lateral Movements Between 1825 Specialties: To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors. This order is located at: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1021229 Education 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. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financialdisclosure_requirements 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. 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 may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 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. Interviews: If the agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. Duty Location: Selectee will be required to report to an FAA Flight Standards Duty Location which may be discussed at selection. Position is telework eligible in accordance with Agency Policy. This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by PASS: Flight Standards Services. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA