Aviation Safety Specialist

Department of Energy Headquarters•Richland, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the Office of Science - Pacific Northwest Site Office, Department of Energy. The Aviation Safety Specialist provides expert Aviation Manager and Aviation Safety Officer support to the Office of Science Site Offices as detailed in DOE O 440.2. The role serves as the designated Aviation Manager and Aviation Safety Officer across those offices, supporting aviation programs involving crewed aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. The specialist provides technical direction to federal personnel and contractors to help ensure aviation service contracts, flight operations, and maintenance programs comply with federal regulations and departmental policies. The role also includes conducting compliance audits, investigating flight mishaps and incidents, developing aviation safety policies and program goals, and preparing required reports. The position is not remote; the selectee is expected to report to the listed duty station(s). Occasional travel may be required. The position is included in the Department of Energy’s Technical Qualifications Program, with completion required within 18 months of entering the program, or within 12 months for those previously qualified. A Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, must be submitted within 30 days of entering the position and annually. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience must include applying aviation laws, regulations, and policies to provide expert technical advice in aviation inspection, investigation, or enforcement.
Specialized experience must include experience with manned and unmanned aircraft operations under 14 CFR Parts 91, 121, 133, and/or 135.
Specialized experience must include expertise in civil aircraft operations and maintenance regulations.
Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level.
Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
If a male applicant was born after December 31, 1959, they must certify registration with the Selective Service System or exemption under the Selective Service Law.
Must complete a background investigation and any required suitability or fitness determination if selected.
Must complete Department of Energy Technical Qualifications Program requirements within 18 months of entering the program, or within 12 months if previously qualified.
Must submit an OGE-450 Financial Disclosure Statement within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
Resume must be no more than two pages for eligibility and qualifications review.

Responsibilities

Serve as the designated Aviation Manager and Aviation Safety Officer across Office of Science Site Offices.
Develop, review, and approve aviation safety documentation for crewed aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.
Deliver technical direction to federal personnel and contractors to ensure aviation service contracts, flight operations, and maintenance programs comply with federal regulations and departmental policies.
Perform on-site compliance audits of laboratory aviation programs and commercial aviation providers.
Evaluate contractor qualifications for inclusion on approved operator registries.
Investigate flight mishaps and incidents, identify operational hazards, track corrective actions, and report findings through mandatory reporting systems.
Establish long-range program goals and develop departmental aviation safety policies and metrics.
Prepare mandatory executive and statutory reports.