Summary This position serves as an Airport Certification Safety Inspector (ACSI) responsible for 14 CFR Part 139 compliance for the Office of Airports (ARP), Southwest Region. Responsibilities At the H-Band: Performs a mixture of routine and multiple and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced Inspector. Acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team. Applies experience and detailed technical knowledge as an Airport Certification Safety Inspector (ACSI). Conducts periodic and surveillance inspections at Part 139 certified airports including small hub and less complex Part 139 airports to ensure compliance with standards for 14 CFR Part 139 in the areas of records, personnel, paved areas, unpaved areas, safety areas, marking signs, and lighting, snow and ice control, aircraft rescue and firefighting, handling and storing of hazardous substances and materials, traffic and wind direction indicators, airport emergency plan, self-inspection program, pedestrians and ground vehicles, obstructions, protection of NAVAIDS, public protection, wildlife hazard management, airport condition reporting, and identifying, marking and lighting construction and other unserviceable areas. Reviews and approves Airport Certification Manuals and emergency plans required by regulation to ensure current and adequate airport operating procedures. Reviews applications for Airport Operating Certificates and forwards to Lead Inspector or manager for approval or denial recommendation. Reviews petitions from airport owners for exemptions from any or all of 14 CFR Part 139 requirements. Coordinates all petitions with Lead Inspector or manager. Conducts investigations of vehicle/pedestrian deviations at airports. Conducts reviews of Construction Safety Phasing Plans to ensure operational safety during construction meets standards. Reviews wildlife hazard assessments and wildlife hazard management plans at Part 139 airports and works closely with the airports, wildlife biologists, other technical experts and stakeholders to reduce hazardous wildlife and attractants on and in the vicinity of airports. Conducts Runway Safety Area inventories, which may include physical inspection of a safety area to determine what is installed and if it meets agency standards. Reviews individual airport layout plans, obstruction charts, safety equipment descriptions, construction drawings and documents related to certification requirements. Performs other duties as assigned. At the I-Band: In addition to the responsibilities listed at the H-band. Recommends approval or denial of applications for Airport Operating Certificates. Investigates known or alleged violations of the regulations in accordance with current agency directives. Reviews and evaluates petitions from airport owners for exemptions from any or all of 14 CFR Part 139 requirements. Conducts investigation of vehicle/pedestrian deviations at airports and evaluate results for closure or enforcement (administrative or legal). Investigates potential regulatory violations and initiates administrative or legal enforcement actions, as appropriate. Coordinates recommendations with the Lead Inspector and management as to sanctions, including civil penalties, certificate suspension or revocation. Supports investigations of an aircraft accident or incident on or near an airport. May be called up to serve as a member of an Accident Investigation Board. Works in collaboration with division staff and other FM organizations to improve surface safety at airports by reviewing or investigating the factors leading to surface incidents, runway incursions, and aircraft excursions. Collaborates with Regional and Local Runway Safety Action Teams by providing 14 CFR Part 139 expertise and assisting in the development of airport runway safety action plans. Reviews and provides comments on policies, procedures, standards, guidance, and other instructions issued by Headquarters. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications To qualify for this position at the FV-H band, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least at least one year of experience at FV-G, FG/GS-9/11. To qualify for this position at the FV-I band, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of experience equivalent to FV-H, FG/GS-11. Specialized experience for the FV-H band may include: Conducting inspections at airports to ensure operational safety and/or compliance with FAA standards and regulations; Reviewing Airport Certification Manuals and emergency plans required by regulation to ensure current and adequate airport operating procedures; Reviewing individual airport layout plans, obstruction charts, safety equipment descriptions, construction drawings and documents related to certification requirements; and Conducting reviews of wildlife hazard assessments and wildlife hazard management plans. Specialized experience for the FV-I band may include: Experience with conducting inspections at airports to ensure operational safety and/or compliance with FAA standards and regulations; Experience in developing or reviewing Airport Certification Manuals and emergency plans required by regulation to ensure current and adequate airport operating procedures; Experience with reviewing and verifying individual airport layout plans, obstruction charts, safety equipment descriptions, construction drawings and documents related to certification requirements; and Experience in conducting reviews of wildlife hazard assessments and approvals of wildlife hazard management plans. Education Not applicable. 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 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. This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Work Environment: This position requires up to 60% travel. A valid driver's license is required. This position may require the inspector to drive significant distances (100-300 miles) and requires the inspector to walk considerable distances to inspect airfield pavement, safety areas, lighting, markings, signage, and fueling systems. Frequently this requires working around the hazards of moving aircraft (taxiing, landing, and takeoff) and ground vehicles. The candidate may also be required to lift and/or carry objects of about 20 to 50 pounds, as well as climb ladders and/or work in unusual environmental/weather conditions. Physical Requirement: Candidates must successfully complete a Basic Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Training Course which places the candidate in a strenuous physical heat-controlled environment with fire protection suits and self-contained breathing apparatus that could be heavy and awkward. 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 Knowledge. Skills, and Abilities (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 Resources Specialist as appropriate. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA