Airport Certification and Safety Inspector

To qualify for this position at the FV-I level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H/FG/GS-12 level. This experience 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 successfully perform the duties of the position.

Specialized experience includes: Experience with conducting inspections at CFR Part 139 certificated airports to ensure operational safety and/or compliance with FAA standards and regulations; Experience in developing or reviewing Airport Certification Manuals and emergency plans required by regulation to ensure current and adequate airport operating procedures; Experience with reviewing and verifying individual airport layout plans, obstruction charts, safety equipment descriptions, construction drawings and documents related to certification requirements; and Experience in conducting reviews of wildlife hazard assessments and approvals of wildlife hazard management plans.

For additional information on qualification requirements, please visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcements. 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.

Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments as an Airport Certification Safety Inspector (ACSI) under the limited direction of the manager.

Applies experience and comprehensible technical knowledge as he/she conducts periodic and surveillance inspections at Part 139 certified airports including medium and large hub airports to ensure compliance with standards for 14 CFR Part 139 in the areas of records, personnel, paved areas, unpaved areas, safety areas, marking signs, and lighting, snow and ice control , aircraft rescue and firefighting, handling and storing of hazardous substances and materials, traffic and wind direction indicators, airport emergency plan, self-inspections program, pedestrians and ground vehicles, obstructions, protection of NAVAIDS, public protection, wildlife hazard management, airport condition reporting, and identifying, marking and lighting construction and other unserviceable areas.

Reviews and recommends approval Airport Certification Manuals and emergency plans required by regulation to ensure current and adequate airport operating procedures. Recommends approval or denial of applications for Airport Operating Certificates. Investigates known or alleged violations of the regulations in accordance with current agency directives. Reviews and evaluates petitions from airport owners for exemptions from any or all of 14 CFR Part 139 requirements.

Conducts investigation of vehicle /pedestrian deviations at airports and evaluates results for closure or enforcement (administrative or legal). Conducts reviews of Construction Safety Phasing Plans to conducts inspections of airports to ensure operational safety during construction meets standards.

Reviews and recommends wildlife hazard assessments and wildlife hazard management plans at Part 139 airports and works closely with the airports, wildlife biologists, other technical experts and stakeholders to reduce hazardous wildlife and attractants on and in the vicinity of airports. Investigates potential regulatory violations and initiates administrative or legal enforcements actions, as appropriate.

Coordinates recommendations with the Lead Inspector and management as to sanctions, including civil penalties, certificate suspension or revocation. Supports investigations of an aircraft or incident on or near an airport. May be called up to serve as a member of an Accident Investigation Board.

Works in collaboration with division staff and other FAA organizations to improve surface safety at airports by reviewing or investigating the factors leading to surface incidents, runway incursions, and aircraft excursions. Collaborate with Regional and Local Runway Safety Action Teams by providing 14 CFR Part 139 expertise and assisting in the development of airport runway safety action plans.

Conducts Runway Safety Area Inventories, which may include physical inspection of a safety area to determine what is installed and if it meets agency standards. Reviews individual airport layout plans, obstruction charts, safety equipment descriptions, construction drawings and documents related to certification requirements.

Work Environment: This position may require the inspector to drive significant distances (100-300 miles) and requires the inspector to walk considerable distance to inspect airfield pavement, safety areas, lighting, markings, signage, and fueling system. Frequently this requires working around the hazards of moving aircraft (taxiing, landing, and takeoff) and ground vehicles.

The inspector may also be required to lift and/or carry objects of about 20 to 50 pounds, as well as climb ladders and/or work in in unusual environmental/weather conditions. Physical Requirement: Candidates must successfully complete a Basic Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Training Course which places the candidate in a strenuous physical heat-controlled environment with fire protection suits and self-contained breathing apparatus that could be heavy and awkward.