Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens

Aviation Safety Inspectors in this specialty (Air Carrier Avionics) apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as repairman of aircraft, aircraft parts, or avionics equipment to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.

Candidate must complete an extensive training program to include formal and on-the-job training up to and possibly 24 months regardless of grade level.

Duties at the FG-12 grade level include but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluating mechanics and repair facilities for initial certification and continuing adequacy;
• Evaluating the mechanic's training program; and
• Evaluating the maintenance aspects of programs of air carriers and similar commercial operations. The evaluations may include the adequacy of maintenance facilities, equipment and procedures; the competence of employees; the adequacy of the program or schedule for periodic maintenance and overhauls; and the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Duties at the FG-11 grade level include but are not limited to the following:

• Assuring the aviation organization and airmen comply with regulatory requirements and reports deficiencies to the principal inspector or supervisor.
• Providing assistance in the evaluation of air carriers, air agencies, and air operators and making recommendations to the principal inspector or supervisor: and
• Assisting in the recertification of an operator or agency.

Aviation Safety Inspectors (Air Carrier Avionics) may perform a variety of other inspections, investigations and advisory duties however, the primary requirement for positions in this specialty is knowledge and skill pertaining to the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft.

Inspectors are required to travel frequently and to occasionally work irregular duty hours.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

Qualifications

OPM Qualifications Standard for Aviation Safety Series, FG-1825 Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal Aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
• Valid State driver`s license;
• Fluency in the English language;
• No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Aviation Safety Inspector positions have job-related medical requirements. When applicable, applicants MUST meet job-related medical requirements which will be assessed and validated during the pre-employment process.

Medical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements:

1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);

2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and

3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. In addition, applicants MUST meet all of the following:

• Aircraft avionics experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft; and

• Aircraft avionics work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years; and

• Avionics maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certified takeoff weight.

Specialized experience at the FG-12 involves a wide range of assignments or a few highly complex assignments, requiring planning and organization, setting priorities and working without clear or specific guidelines. Work at this level is typically reviewed only to assess the impact on overall organizational objectives. Similar experience could include:

• Manager with responsibility for supervising the maintenance of avionics systems for an air carrier with an FAA approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
  
• Avionics Shop or Avionics Branch Chief in the military

Specialized experience at the FG-11 involves assignments with a broad scope of responsibility, more variety and less clear guidelines. Work at this level is typically subject to review to assure compliance with organized policies or regulations, and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with organizational policies or regulations. Similar experience could include:

• Supervisory Avionics Inspector for a Part 145 repair station
• Avionics Foreman for an air carrier with an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program

Specialized experience at the FG-09 in volves developmental assignments which assist employees of higher grade. Work at this level is typically subject to close review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions. Similar experience could include:

• Lead Avionics Technicians
• Technical Avionics Representatives

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.

• Do you have AVIONICS maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight? Does your resume reflect this experience?


• Do you have Aircraft AVIONICS work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years? Does your resume clearly reflect this experience?

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your work experience supports your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), and Other Factors answers. Your answers and associated work experience will be evaluated further to validate whether the answers that you selected are appropriate.

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.