Summary This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization, Safety and Technical Training Service Unit, Safety Directorate, Safety Services Group. Responsibilities As a recognized expert, the Aviation Technical Systems Specialist (ATSS) applies experience and expert technical knowledge of National Airspace Systems (NAS) technical systems, operations and procedures to perform critical tasks to evaluate and recommend innovative approaches, solutions and mitigation strategies to safeguard runway and taxiway surfaces, along with their contiguous protected zones. Under the minimal direction of the Team Manager, the ATSS provides leadership for highly complex and challenging activities that address the most complex runway incursions, excursions and other surface incidents. This work is a critical area of safety oversight and directly affects the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. As a senior technical expert, the ATSS develops and implements innovative runway safety procedures and guidelines. Conducts and monitors complex and challenging studies that involve multiple operational service units. These studies address the safety risks caused by pilots, pedestrians, vehicle operators, and controllers due to a variety of casual factors to include, distraction, memory failure, expectation bias, multitasking, and inattention to the instructions or operational tasks. Applies expert knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) policies to identify, analyze, and assess risk associated with existing runway safety policies, standards, procedures and programs. Predicts potential risks to runway operations and proposes recommendations for preventive action. The Runway Safety Specialist applies experience evaluating runway safety systems, technologies, and operations to identify where safety enhancements can be made, emphasizing risk-based safety management to mitigate risks or hazards that improve surface safety. The Specialist continuously monitors the level of surface risk within the National Airspace System (NAS) and evaluates the need for new or revised mitigations. Identifies and addresses potential risks through data analysis, investigations, and preemptive measures, effectively preventing the escalation of hazardous situations. The Runway Safety Specialist promotes national changes in runway safety performance measures. Engages in multiple outreach methods, including creating educational products, social media engagement, airport-specific and topic-focuses videos, and animations or real events. Participates in in-person events such as Communicating for Safety, annual air shows, stakeholder conferences, conventions, technology symposiums, and virtual forums such as the National Association of Flight Instructors Mentor Live broadcasts. The Specialist also organizes surface safety symposiums, including general aviation, commercial and vehicle-focused events to address topics such as runway incursions, wrong surface operations, and vehicle deviations. Contacts are internal and external to Safety and Technical Training. The Specialist often represents the FAA as the primary technical authority for major runway safety projects and programs. Formulates and recommends FAA positions to senior management. Prepares, reviews, and may approve organizational reports or policies for internal and external distribution. Develops briefings to convey strategic vision or policies to internal and external audiences. Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the Runway Safety Specialist is almost always required to develop new and innovative approaches. Often develops new policies, procedures, and approaches taking into consideration FAA policies and procedures. Develops innovative approaches to attain organizational objectives and optimize resource utilization. Conceives, plans and conducts studies involving complex issues and unique problems. Works mainly independently and has broad discretion to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and policies. The Team Manager reviews final work for success in achieving planned results not technical merit. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Candidates must have one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-J or FG/GS-14) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: Experience evaluating runway safety systems, technologies, and operations to identify where safety enhancements can be made. Experience conducting complex technical studies to address runway safety issues. You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. * Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.* Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated based on the KSA's listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration. Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA. **All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.** In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position MAY be a Career Enhancement Program/Career Progression assignment. The selectee(s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility. Pay retention is not guaranteed. Education Education cannot be substituted for experience. 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. 1) 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 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. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your 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. 2) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: http://jobs.faa.gov/FAACoreCompensation.htm 3) This Level 6 (High Risk; Public Trust) position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. 4) Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed. 5) In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position MAY be a Career Enhancement Program/Career Progression assignment. This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA