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Director, Airports Safety and Standards

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Airports

Summary

The Airports organization provides leadership to airport owners and operators, and other key stakeholders, to ensure that U.S. airports are as safe and efficient as possible. Help shape the future of aviation by leading and supporting the safety, efficiency, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility of airports across the nation.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/15/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 15, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted according to agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes— - Fully-Paid PCS - Permanent Change of Station - In accordance with applicable FAA Travel regulations, full relocation will be paid (actual expenses). Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
Salary
$153,700 - $216,400 per year

Base salary is set within the range based on qualifications and experience. Applicable locality pay will be added for a total salary up to $228,000

Pay scale & grade
EV 02
Promotion potential
NA
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - The job may require up to 25% travel.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Senior Executive Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Announcement number
EXE-ARP-26-2-98983
Control number
871208200

Duties

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The Director of the Office of Airports Safety and Standards is responsible for developing standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and safe operation of U.S. airports and sponsors, and supervises research on airport design and construction. The incumbent administers the 14 CFR Part 139 airport safety certification program and the airport safety data program and adopts policies and regulations for the safety oversight of commercial airport operations. In the discharge of these responsibilities, the Director oversees a budget of approximately $75M and provides executive direction and oversight over 3 divisions and the research and development activities of the Airport and Aircraft Safety Group at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, comprised of approximately 70 employees, to include 4 K-bands and 1 Executive position.

Specific Responsibilities include:

  • Develops criteria and standards for FAA-wide programs for continuous safe operation of airports. Coordinates implementation of Safety Management Systems at airports to incorporate risk analysis and mitigation strategies to proactively address airport safety issues.
  • Manages the Safety Data Program for collecting and maintaining information on the Nation's airports for preparation of aeronautical navigation charts and other publications.
  • Develops rules, policies, standards and guidance for complex projects/programs related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Air Mobility, Commercial Space Facilities, supersonic aircraft, and other emerging entrant operations, with applicability to airport planning, design and operational environments, based on the objectives of the Office of Airports and the Airports Safety and Standards Directorate.
  • Develops national airport engineering standards for all aspects of airport design including pavement, airfield configuration, lighting, structures, road systems, and protection of aerial approaches.
  • Oversees the airport research program to ensure effective program performance that meets the needs of the FAA to develop new equipment and pavement specifications and procedures and to meet the needs of airports for improved operations, efficiency, and capacity.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • You will be required to serve a one-year FAA Executive System (FAAES) probationary period unless you have previously completed a probationary period in either the FAAES or the Senior Executive Service (SES).
  • You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you must clearly articulate and describe within your two (2) page resume evidence that you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) related to this position. Your resume should include examples of experience and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. Applicants who do not possess these criteria are ineligible for further consideration.

Please do not submit separate documents addressing the Technical Requirements (TRs) and Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs), only your two (2) page resume will be accepted and considered.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (TRs):

  • TR 1: Demonstrated leadership experience in oversight of safety regulations, including experience managing Safety Management Systems (SMS), collecting and analyzing safety-related data, and developing, recommending, or implementing safety policies and programs.
  • TR 2: Demonstrated leadership experience in the oversight of engineering, design and construction standards for airport safety programs.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS (ELDs)

  • ELD 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This ELD requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
  • ELD 2: Driving Efficiency -This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  • ELD 3: Merit and Competence - This ELD involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
  • ELD 4: Leading People - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
  • ELD 5: Achieving Results - This ELD involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: Applicants who are current Officers or Executives (EV-1 or EV-2 level) of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), Career Senior Executive Service (SES), individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career SES reinstatement eligibility are not required to address the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs). Such applicants must provide documentation verifying eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES (e.g., SF-50, or certification from OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB).

Education

An education requirement has not been established for this occupational series.

Preview job questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Veterans preference does not apply to the FAA Executive System.

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

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.

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)Designated or Random Drug Testing required.

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.



Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) listed above, your application package may be further evaluated by an Executive Rating Panel. Additionally, Hiring Managers may choose to interview highly qualified candidates via one or more interviews.

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.

Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Agency contact information

FAA Executive Resources
Phone
1 (609) 485-9932
Fax
1 (202) 267-5748
Email
shara.m.demarco@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
Executive Resources Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 523
AHR-200
Washington, DC 20591
US

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