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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Flight Standards Service, Emerging Technologies Division, AFS-700

Summary

This position is located within the Office of Aviation Safety (AVS), Flight Standards Service (AFX), Office of Safety Standards (AFS-1) Emerging Technologies Division (AFS-700).

The incumbent serves as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety Specialist within the Emerging Technologies Division with respect to unmanned aircraft and it's associated systems.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/05/2026 to 03/09/2026
Salary
$75,279 to - $145,876 per year

Salary includes locality pay to be determined based upon Selectee location.

Pay scale & grade
FV H
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
May be filled in various FAA duty locations
2 vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - The job may require travel from time-to-time, but not on a regular basis. The travel may be for training or other work-related duties.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
AGL-AFX-26-0019-97516
Control number
859878600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to Current Permanent AVS and AMA-200 Line of Business Employees

Duties

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The incumbent is responsible for applying knowledge of and experience with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for FAA Field personnel and the public governing all matters to unmanned aircraft.

The incumbent will perform a variety of tasks associated with technical administration, certification and surveillance. Performs a mixture of routine, multiple, and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, or more experienced technical specialist to complete assignments. Performs duties as assigned without specific authority for actions or decisions. A significant part of the position involves training in more UAS complex functions.

Assures that the unmanned aircraft or associated systems Pilot in Command or organization comply with regulatory requirements and reports deficiencies. Collaborates closely with other USS and/or Manager(s); assisting with enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports. Participates in accident/incident and complaint investigations.

Reviews documents pertaining to the certifications tasks associated with UAS mechanic, UAS remote PIC operator, and other UAS aviation organizations for compliance with safety regulations. Performs surveillance activities associated with Unmanned aircraft and its associated systems. Works under instructions provided by a manager or experienced UAS Safety Specialist.

Applies experience and detailed knowledge of regulatory and procedural activities to accomplish assignments. Demonstrates some independence in planning time and using assigned resources to accomplish projects/programs/activities. Initiates and maintains effective communication with all internal and external stakeholders, and builds cooperative, ongoing working relationships to advance the mission of Flight Standards and the Emerging Technologies Division.

Contacts are primarily internal to the organization with some external contacts. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments but allow some discretion to select the most appropriate approach. Typically receives guidance on selecting approach from a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. May provide recommendations to improve work processes.

Refers difficult problems and work issues to a manager or more experienced technical specialist when guidelines are not available. Prepares, reviews, and recommends approval of reports for internal and external distribution on projects, programs, and other work.

Work is reviewed periodically during assignments and at completion to ensure policy compliance and alignment with the requirements of projects and/or other work activities. Work activities support the work of other employees and contribute to activities of the organization.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).

Qualifications

To qualify for the FV-H:

To qualify for this position at the FV-H you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-G, FG-5-9. Experience includes the development and execution of programs that improve organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and/or meet strategic objectives. Experience in participating on a team performing investigations/compliance enforcement; writing reports sufficient to substantiate findings. Assisting with enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports. Participating in accident/incident and complaint investigations.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. SEE "HOW TO APPLY" FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

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 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 Resource Specialist as appropriate.

How You Will Be Evaluated for Internal Announcements:

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); Demonstrated Abilities; Leadership and Management Dimensions; 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.

Incomplete Applications:

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.

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

Interviews:

Some, all or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

Duty Location:

Selectee will be required to report to an FAA Aviation Safety (AVS) Duty Location.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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