NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Interdisciplinary:

Survival Factors Engineer, GS-801-9/11/12/13

Survival Factors Investigator, GS-1801-9/11/12/13

Office of Aviation Safety
Survival Factors Division
Washington, D.C.

MAJOR DUTIES: Incumbent serves as Survival Factors Engineer/Investigator with primary responsibility and expertise in pathology, forensic science, injury mechanisms and causation, and engineering factors concerning the crashworthiness of aircraft and the survivability of persons involved in aviation accidents. Investigative responsibilities include examining and reporting on such areas as safety procedures, equipment design, emergency responsiveness, fire fighting and rescue techniques, medical care technology, crewmember emergency procedures training, and airport operations. Incumbent organizes and coordinates the activities of participating government, medical, and industry personnel in aviation accident investigations; determines requirements for special tests and studies, and evaluates their findings. May also be responsible for supervising the reconstruction of occupied space inside of accident aircraft. Incumbent is responsible for developing and preparing documentation that accurately reflects pertinent findings in the survival factors areas and for collaborating in the preparation of formal aviation accident reports. Other duties include participating in public hearings, initiating and developing safety recommendations, and conducting special studies in the areas of crashworthiness, aircraft evacuation, and occupant survival and protection.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Human Resources Division will determine the appropriateness, adequacy, and quality of general qualifications in comparison to OPM Handbook X-118. The basic requirement as a Survival Factors Engineer is successful completion of a full 4-year engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university, or knowledge and understanding equivalent to this education such as valid registration as a professional engineer. The basic requirement as a Survival Factors Investigator is successful completion of a full 4-year degree in a relevant discipline. In addition to the basic requirements indicated above, at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 is required for GS-9 and 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 is required for the GS-11 level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for the GS-9 and GS-11 levels. At least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required for grades GS-12 and 13.

Specialized experience is experience that is in or directly related to the responsibilities of the position to be filled and that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

RANKING AND RATING PROCESS: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements described above will be rated and ranked based on the following KSAs:

SELECTIVE FACTORS: (Mandatory) These factors are essential to the successful performance of the duties described. Applicants who fail to establish minimum qualifications in these areas will not be eligible for referral:

1. Knowledge of aircraft occupant survivability issues.

2. Knowledge of aircraft crashworthiness factors.

3. Ability to write detailed and comprehensive technical reports.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: (Desirable) These KSAs, are desirable in this position. Possession directly affects the applicant's competitive standing and enhances referral potential:

1. Knowledge of aviation accident investigation techniques, practices, and procedures.

2. Knowledge of aviation industry crashworthiness and survival standards.

3. Ability to identify and carry out research needed to further the study of crashworthiness and survival issues in the aviation industry.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS REGARDING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: You must be able to effectively speak and write English. You must have a valid State driver's license and qualify for a U. S. Government-issued travel charge card. You will be required to remain "On call" for travel to investigative assignments outside normal work hours. You will frequently be given investigative assignments on short notice. These assignments may involve work at unusual hours for long periods of time at accident sites in sometimes remote, rugged, and hostile settings. You must be ready, willing, and able to work in physically demanding, adverse conditions such as swamps, deserts, ships at sea, and uneven and mountainous terrain. You will be required to wear and operate appropriate personal protective equipment to deal with these adverse environmental and potentially hazardous conditions, which may also involve biohazards. Your travel to the accident site may require extensive travel in aircraft and driving, as well as strenuous walking, hiking, and climbing in areas with treacherous footing. You may also be exposed to adverse topographic, weather, and atmospheric conditions where temperatures may be at extremes. You will need to carry all the necessary personal protective equipment, tools, and instruments to video tape and photograph pertinent factual information, take notes, make measurements, and otherwise document the wreckage and accident site. You must be able to physically maneuver around the accident site, which includes frequently climbing in, out, and on various parts of the wreckage for the purpose of documenting and gathering evidence. The position requires organizational and technical writing skills. You must be resourceful and capable of providing effective leadership to non-government participants in Safety Board investigations.

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