Summary Responsible and accountable for the verification of performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). Includes input required for final certification of facilities and flight procedures, ultimately leading to the safe & efficient movement of air traffic in the NAS. Career-ladder position, required to participate in formal and/or on-the-job training to develop to an FG-13. Responsibilities FG-11: Responsible and accountable for the verification of performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operation of the National Air Space (NAS). Determines to what degree the facility supports the approved instrument flight procedure(s) associated with those facilities inspected. FG-12/13: Responsible and accountable for the verification of performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operation of the NAS. He/she certifies that all facility signal in space parameters conform to national standards and specifications, that all technical data is complete and accurate. Determines to what degree the facility supports the approved instrument flight procedure(s) associated with those facilities inspected. The effectiveness and safety of the ground navigational aids within the NAS are directly attributable to the professional performance of the incumbent in determining the final accuracy and usability of each facility. Develops workable solutions for use in resolving unanticipated situations adversely affecting heavily used or operationally critical components of the NAS. Defines new useable parameters to allow continued use of a system after determining whether a facility has decreased performance through a flight inspection evaluation. Responds to questions regarding interim solutions to identifiable problems and evaluates overall plans and proposals for system-based solutions for major new systems and system enhancements. Prepares and recommends Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) related to technical issues of facilities and procedures. Serves as an expert consultant to regional, national, military, and international technicians and engineers with respect to system performance and reliability. May be called upon to instruct ground personnel in facility requirements, ensure compliance with ICAO equipment standards, and to recommend adjustments/corrections. Initiates action for timely restoration of services and systems, recognizing the availability of backup systems, possible reconfiguration to minimize service interruptions, and the relative criticality of particular systems to the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. Inspects new or modified systems, identifies necessary service improvements or system enhancements or improvements, and develops requirements to meet anticipated future needs. Must be a certified flight inspector having authority to verify the performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operations of the NAS. This certification grants flight inspection personnel the authority to carry out FAA’s responsibility in ensuring satisfactory operation of air navigation facilities and instrument flight procedures in accordance with Order 8200.1, U.S. Standard Flight Inspection Manual. All Levels: Weighs information derived from a variety of databases, provides experienced based estimates, and uses automated and manual electronic information gathering systems and techniques and experience to assess NAS performance and quality of service. Completes the flight inspection services on procedures and facilities. Although Technical Operations is the major customer, the services are also performed in support of U.S. and foreign military operations, including contingency operations, and internationally. Maintains currency in survival techniques to include: water ditching, cold-water survival, depressurization in flight, and aircraft evacuation procedures. Employee is responsible for passenger/observer emergency procedures briefings. May require access to classified information, including SECRET, since information concerning the location of some navigational aids is classified. Must maintain a current Class III medical certificate. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications To qualify for this position at the FG-11 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-9 level. Or Education Substitution: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related Or Combination education and experience may be qualifying for this position. Refer to OPM's Operating Manual Qualification Standards at, http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/sec-iv/a/gs-admin.asp for more information. To qualify for this position at the FG-12 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-11 level. To qualify for this position at the FG-13 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-12 level. 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 includes experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of and experience in the technology, system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics systems. AND In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective factor for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration. Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Grade levels 12 and 13 must be a certified Flight Inspector. Copy of Flight Inspector Certificate (front and back) must be attached with your application. Selected candidates must obtain a Class III medical certificate prior to appointment. 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 KSAs 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 section, 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) or 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. 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. NOTES: 1) Applicants must apply online to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications cannot be accepted. 2) Some, all or none of the applicants may be interviewed. 3) 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. 4) Positions will be filled within the following duty locations: AJF-1220 (Kennesaw, GA), AJF-1230 (Battle Creek, MI), and AJF-1240 (Arlington, VA). 5) Locality Rates: Kennesaw, GA - 23.45%; Battle Creek, MI - 16.82%; Arlington, VA - 33.26%. 6) Selected candidates must obtain a Class III medical certificate prior to appointment. Grade levels 12 and 13 must be a certified Flight Inspector. Copy of Flight Inspector Certificate (front and back) must be attached. 7) This position will be filled at the FG-11, 12 or 13 grade level. If filled at the FG-11 or 12, you will have promotion potential to the FG-13 without further competition. Identification of promotion in the vacancy announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation of management to promote the employee selected at a future date. Promotion depends upon the selectee meeting training, qualification requirements, and recommendation by the supervisor. 8) Upload supporting documents into AVIATOR or 9-AMC-AHF-S210@faa.gov and reference the announcement number. 9) If eligible, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) will be paid in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration Travel Policy (FAATP). 10) To confirm receipt of documents, contact Jeff Westlake at Jeffrey.K.Westlake@faa.gov. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA