Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations) - DIRECT HIRE

National Transportation Safety Board

Office of Aviation Safety, Operational Factors Division

Summary
This job is open to
Duties
Requirements
How you will be evaluated
Required documents
How to apply

Summary

The Office of Aviation Safety has the responsibility of investigating domestic aviation accidents and incidents and for proposing probable cause for the Board's approval. In conjunction with other offices works to formulate recommendations to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents and incidents and improve aviation safety. The incumbent is primarily responsible for overseeing investigations of the most complicated and complex major air carrier accidents and incidents.

Summary

Overview

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Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 07/20/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 20, 2026

Location

Few vacancies in the following location:

Washington, DC

Work site options

Telework eligible: No

Remote job: No

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Salary: $121,785 - $158,322 per year
Newly appointed federal government employees, starting salary rate may be set at the step 1 of the GS-13.

Pay scale & grade

GS 13

Promotion potential: 13

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule: Full-time

Travel Required: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type: Permanent

Occupations and job series

1801 General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series

Supervisory status: No

Federal service type: This job is in the Competitive Service

Represented by a union: Yes

Drug test: No

Security clearance: Not Required

Position sensitivity and risk: High Risk (HR)

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required: No; Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number: AS-12998903-26-KM

Control number: 875616300

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Direct-Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veteran's preference and category rating of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Direct Hire Authority for Shortage Category/Critical need positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

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Duties

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As a Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations) - DIRECT HIRE,GS-1801-13, you will perform the following major duties:

The incumbent serves on the Go-Team and is available for accident or incident response 24 hours a day during Go Team assignment Period. Under the direction and guidance of more senior investigators and the Division supervisor(s), the incumbent is primarily responsible for conducting investigations of major, civil, air carrier accidents and incidents.
Manage and oversee the activities of various technical experts during all phases of the investigation, develop test plans, and conduct flight simulators and other technical exercises.
Oversee the collection and documentation of all information and data and evidence relevant to the investigation. Conducts and oversees the conduct of documentation of thorough and comprehensive investigative interviews and the obtaining of comprehensive statements from witnesses. Develops and oversee the development and conduct of tests and analyses regarding operational factors for operations.
Prepares and oversee the preparation of comprehensive written reports of investigative activities in a timely manner and in accordance with Board policy and procedures; these reports include, but are not limited to field notes, factual reports, and analytical reports.
Participates in public hearings either as a member of the technical panel or as a technical advisor presenting evidence or questioning witnesses regarding the operational aspects of investigations. Collaborates with other Board personnel in the preparation of formal Board reports within the scope of his/her expertise and responsibility and follows Board policy when providing information to news media or other personnel or organizations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship
If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be regi or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
Suitability for Federal employment
Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case by case basis
Bargaining Unit Position: YES (Bargaining unit represented by NTSB-AFGE Local 2211)
Direct Deposit is required.
This position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBILE FOR REMOTE TELEWORK.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following Basic Requirements:

The applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, or comparable pay band system. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as: Operating, monitoring and navigating large turbine powered aircraft using automated flight systems and cockpit instruments through all phases of flight, including pre-flight, takeoff and landing, Monitoring engine performance, airborne navigations systems, fuel consumption, communicating with air traffic control, and resolving any mechanical emergencies; participating in teams that provided investigative support to a civil aircraft accident and incident investigations; writing reports documenting the factual findings of civil aviation aircraft accidents/incidents; documenting safety change in the civil aviation industry by developing guidance, bulletins, directives, or other documents directly applicable to civil aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, operation, and/or regulatory oversight. For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801

NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.

Education

EDUCATION IS NOT APPLICABLE AT THE GS-13.

Additional information

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position.
A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates.
If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) meet the basic qualification standards (including minimum educational and experience requirements; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 and above on the rating criteria for this position; and, (4) submit the appropriate documentation ( to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
Note: ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy.
Multiple and subsequent vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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.

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/

Your application must include your resume and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Referral: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person) at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices.

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/20/2026.
To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12998903.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.

NOTE: If you cannot apply online, please send an e-mail which includes the vacancy announcement number, position title and the reason you are not able to apply on-line to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least 1 business day before the closing date.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Division

Email: recruitment@ntsb.gov

Address: AS Aviation Safety
490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW
Washington, DC 20594
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Required Documents

Help

The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE:

A Complete Two-Page Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information MUST be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Responses to the questionnaire.
You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.

Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section).The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/20/2026.
To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12998903.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.