This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Safety Service Unit, Safety Directorate, in either the Central, Eastern, or Western Service Area Safety Groups (AJI-1C00/1E00/1W00). These Groups are responsible for monitoring safety reports and analyzing data and risk indicators to identify root causes of hazards and safety issues.
Summary
This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Safety Service Unit, Safety Directorate, in either the Central, Eastern, or Western Service Area Safety Groups (AJI-1C00/1E00/1W00). These Groups are responsible for monitoring safety reports and analyzing data and risk indicators to identify root causes of hazards and safety issues.
Serves as an Aviation Technical Systems Specialist (Runway Safety Specialist) in one of three Service Area Runway Safety Teams (AJI-1C30/1E30/1W30). This position applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of National Airspace Systems (NAS) technical systems, operations, and procedures to analyze and evaluate data and to develop mitigation strategies to improve runway safety by reducing the risk of runway incursions, excursions, and other surface incidents. Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of the Team Manager. This work is a critical area of safety oversight and directly affects the safe and efficient operation of the NAS.
As a principal technical specialist, leads teams in the development, implementation, and administration of innovative runway safety procedures and guidelines. Conducts and monitors complex independent and interdependent studies pertaining to the adoption, change, mitigation or elimination of runway safety policies. Provides guidance to less experienced members of the runway safety team on the process of technically reviewing the development of proposed plans, risk assessments, and criteria. Applies knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) policies to participate in reviews and evaluations of existing runway safety policies, standards, procedures and programs. Assesses and evaluates reported runway safety incidents and risks to recommend policy and/or procedural corrections.
Applies comprehensive technical knowledge of and experience with runway safety systems, technologies, and operations to support the development, evaluation, and deployment of new systems designed to automatically alert airport personnel driving or working close to taxiways and runways to incidents that could result in the significant potential for a collision or an actual collision. Conducts airport surface operations such as the logistics in separating and controlling air traffic in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) terminal/tower or piloting an aircraft to analyze runway incidents and incursions. Evaluates airport technical equipment and systems to assess and evaluate reported event details and risks.
Contacts are internal and external to Safety (AJI) and include Regional Administrators, FAA line of business contacts, and representatives from pilot associations, national labor associations, and the aviation industry; as well as representatives from international, state, and local governments and airport authorities. As a senior technical point of contact, the Specialist uses experience serving on or leading technical or operational work groups to represent AJI on various teams such as the Regional Runway Safety Team at the direction of the Service Area Team Manager. Communicates results to all levels within the Directorate. Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing and editing reports for final approval prior to external distribution. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on policies.
Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the Specialist is allowed considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develops plans, techniques, and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems. The Team manager rarely reviews the work through status reports and at project completion to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.
Dependent on duty location Selectee(s) will be placed in either AJI-1C30 (Ft. Worth, TX), AJI-1E30 (College Park, GA) or
AJI-1W30 (Des Moines, WA)
Qualifications
Candidates must have one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-I or FG/GS-13) 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 perform the duties of the position successfully. 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 conducting airport surface operations, such as separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal/tower or as an aircraft pilot, to analyze runway incidents and incursions.
Experience evaluating, installing or repairing airport technical equipment and systems to assess and evaluate reported event details and risks.
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. *
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. **
Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) 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.
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.
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
NOTES:
1) As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, 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 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.
2) This Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust) position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.
3) 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.htm3)
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Only supplemental documentation (e.g., transcript, certifications, SF-50, and/or veterans¿ documentation) will be accepted in combination with your online application. These documents must be uploaded or faxed to 202-267-7032 or 1-866-291-3009 on or before the closing date of the announcement. All submitted documents must reference the announcement number.
(1) resume with complete work history; and
(2) a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).ALL applicants MUST submit the following:
Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.
Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.
· ALL applicants MUST submit the following:
(1) resume with complete work history; and
(2) a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
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.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.
You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.
Amendment Date: 06/10/2026
Amendment Note: Took out the extra 's' in Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.
Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Only supplemental documentation (e.g., transcript, certifications, SF-50, and/or veterans¿ documentation) will be accepted in combination with your online application. These documents must be uploaded or faxed to 202-267-7032 or 1-866-291-3009 on or before the closing date of the announcement. All submitted documents must reference the announcement number.
(1) resume with complete work history; and
(2) a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).ALL applicants MUST submit the following:
Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.
Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.
· ALL applicants MUST submit the following:
(1) resume with complete work history; and
(2) a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
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.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.
You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.
Amendment Date: 06/10/2026
Amendment Note: Took out the extra 's' in Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.
Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
