NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Senior Air Safety Investigator (Investigator-In-Charge), GS-1815-14/15
(Normally, this position is filled internally from current NTSB staff)
Office of Aviation Safety
Major Investigations Division
Washington D.C.
MAJOR DUTIES: Serves as Investigator-In-Charge with the responsibility for managing all phases of major catastrophic airline accident investigations. This involves the supervision and control of the investigation team that consist of NTSB Specialists (Group Chairmen) and aviation industry representatives from the FAA, the airline, the airframe and engine manufacturer, pilot and flight attendant unions, etc. Prepares, and presents in public before the NTSB Board Members, the comprehensive narrative major accident reports, which contain complex and highly significant aviation safety issues that have national and international recommendations to prevent similar accidents. Develop safety recommendation proposals which addresses complicated, technical aviation problems. As required, manages the NTSB staff and investigative party representatives in preparation for public hearings in support of major airline accidents. Serves as the U.S. Accredited Representative in support of investigations led by foreign authorities. Briefs or testifies before members of Congress and their staff on the findings and issues related to major aviation accidents.
QUALIFICATIONS: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service is required. Specialized experience must include a broad knowledge of aviation accident investigation practices, procedures, and techniques.
SELECTIVE FACTOR: Applicants must also have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, or abilities to be minimally qualified for this position.
1. Skill as an Investigator-In-Charge, group chairman or report writer for catastrophic aviation accident investigations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated to determine the extent to which their education, work related experience, training, awards, and supervisory appraisals indicate they possess or have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics required to perform the duties and responsibilities described above. Please describe briefly your experience/training, etc. to each of the following KSAs. Be sure to include any appropriate awards received. At the end of your description, please indicate (by paragraph number of your application) where you gained this experience.
Candidates should submit a supplemental to their application in which they describe their experience and training in terms of the KSAs below:
1. Skill in writing technical reports.
2. Skill in making oral presentations before large audiences.
3. Ability to conduct complex aviation accident investigations.
4. Ability to supervise or manage others.
5. Knowledge of Air Carrier flight operations.
6. Pilot certificates and training.
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.
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