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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (UAS Operator)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA/ATO/Flight Program Operations, Aircraft Operations, Flight Operations Group, AJF-1200
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in Flight Program Operations, Aircraft Operations Directorate. The incumbent will serve as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator responsible for ensuring that a flight is/can be safely flown. The Operator plans and executes flight plans in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems and may be required to participate as a crewmember.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
09/12/2022 to 09/16/2022
Salary
$47,097 to - $61,227 per year

Salary shown does not include locality pay. Total salary will be dependent upon step of position and locality pay of duty location.

Pay scale & grade
FG 9
Locations
2 vacancies in the following locations:
Arlington, VA
Atlantic City, NJ
Anchorage, AK
Sacramento, CA
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
75% or less - The job may require up to 75% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
AAC-ATO-22-AJF1200-80574
Control number
676591700

Duties

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Maps out multi-dimensional spaces and rotates UAS devices to maintain the correct spatial relations between each object. Plans and executes flight plans in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, other applicable Parts to include (61, 91, 135, 145) FAA rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Conducts preflight planning to include mission briefings, analyzing weather forecasts, checking Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), Special Instructions (SPINs) and airspace requirements. Analyzes aerial photographs and uses computer systems. Executes customer mission requirements through the successful delivery of full motion video and/or specialized data. Performs UAS equipment testing, troubleshooting and maintenance. If required coordinate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to resolve issues beyond the scope of field troubleshooting. Coordinates mission specifics with stakeholders and Mission Logs. Completes post-mission reporting requirements and performs UAS equipment testing, troubleshooting and maintenance. Coordinates with SMEs to resolve issues beyond the scope of troubleshooting. Handles and secures confidential data securely. Anticipates requirements beyond those that immediately affect the program and assist in implementing actions to satisfy those requirements. Provides complete and prompt information regarding status of programs, customer problems, issues and trends. Determines the UAS platform (e.g. fixed wing or rotorcraft) to be used for a mission based on the type of information, to be collected during the mission and other performance meters such as range, attitude, and endurance.

Airway Transportation Systems Specialists (UAS Operator) at this level independently carry out various assignments that require knowledge of the work practices, procedures and evaluation methods employed by the organizational unit to which assigned. Employees at this level are responsible for carrying out specific, well-defined tasks involving identifiable aspects of the systems and operational concepts of the National Airspace Systems (NAS) and for assisting others in the accomplishment of larger scale tasks or projects. They apply a working knowledge of the equipment, subsystems and systems interrelationships on which the operation of the NAS is based. Some assignments at this level are to provide employees with additional training and developmental experience.

The work involves duties that require a foundation of knowledge, supplemented by work experience and training or formal education (or a combination of experience, training and education) sufficient to permit completion of assigned tasks; knowledge of the principles of electronics, computerized information processing concepts and practices, and data transmission; Ability to perform analytical and technical work, evaluate information in quantitative and narrative form, and to use reference sources and documentation to identify applicable instructions. Incumbent must use knowledge relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating, privileges, limitations and flight operation to operate in this position.

The position involves some physical exertion in the form of lifting, bending, and kneeling, as well as the usual discomforts of travel, but otherwise imposes no special physical requirements.

The work performed in settings that are adequately ventilated, heated and lighted. Exposure to adverse working conditions is limited. Incumbent may be required to work on a rotating schedule (shift work) 24/7/365 to include holidays.

Incumbent must possess and maintain a 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and Third Class Medical Certificate. The incumbent may be required to participate as a crewmember and may have access to classified information as such a noncritical sensitive clearance is required. Will be required to travel up to 75% of the time.

Requirements

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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.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Successful completion of security investigation may be required.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • Must maintain a Class III Medical Certificate.
  • Please review Required Documents & Additional Information.

Qualifications

Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions in conjunction with Individual Occupational Requirements for Airway Transportation Systems Specialist Series, FG-2101.

To qualify for this position at the FG-9 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-7 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 may include but is not limited to: experience operating UAS or equivalent systems (e.g. An autonomous or human-operated control system which is usually on the ground or a ship but may be on another airborne platform; Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV); command and control (C2) system - sometimes referred to as a communication, command and control (C3) system); experience with mapping/spatial reasoning: understanding of coordinate systems, contours, other map elements; experience working with geophysical instruments such as magnetometers, Electromagnetic (EM) sensors, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or other geophysical sensors.

Or


Education Substitution: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., 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.

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): Applicants must possess Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and Third Class Medical Certificate. Remote Pilot Certificate (front and Back) and Third Class Medical Certificate must be attached with your application.

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.

Preview job questionnaire

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. www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/financial_disclosure_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.

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.

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-1210 (Atlantic City, NJ), AJF-1220 (Kennesaw, GA), AJF-1250 (OKC,OK), AJF-1260 (Anchorage, AK), AJF-1230 (Battle Creek, MI), AJF-1260 (Sacramento, CA) and AJF-1240 (Arlington, VA).
  5. Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (front and Back) and Third Class Medical Certificate must be attached with your application for consideration
  6. Upload supporting documents into AVIATOR or 9-AMC-AHF-C400@faa.gov. Ensure to reference the announcement number, if you email your documents.
  7. To confirm receipt of documents, contact Jeff Westlake at Jeffrey.K.Westlake@faa.gov.
  8. Information regarding living in Oklahoma can be found at www.abetterlifeokc.com.


This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by PASS: Aviation System Stds Non-HQ.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.



IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

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