NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Transportation Safety Specialist (Air Traffic Control), GS-2101-11/12/13/14

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

MAJOR DUTIES: Supervises and directs technical groups formed to investigate and analyze the air traffic control aspects of aviation incidents and accidents. Focuses on the history of the flight; recorded ATC communications and associated transcripts; controller interviews, training and experience; related surface weather observations; recorded radar computer data; ATC procedures; ATC facility operations; ATC equipment maintenance records; etc. Prepares detailed written factual reports of the facts, conditions, and circumstances pertaining to the air traffic control aspects of the accident and prepares comprehensive analytical reports describing the findings and conclusions. Participates in formal public hearings or deposition proceedings on appropriate accidents. Initiates special research projects, studies, and investigations concerning the air traffic control aspects of aviation accidents and ascertains what will best tend to reduce or eliminate the possibility of or recurrence of accidents. Develops safety recommendations to prevent accidents and promote safety.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have at least one year of appropriate specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade in Federal service. Specialized experience is experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility which must have involved the separation and control of air traffic or the providing of pre-flight, inflight, or airport advisory service to aircraft operators.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Applicants who meet the specialized experience requirements described above will be further evaluated to determine the extent to which their education, related work experience, training, awards, and supervisory appraisals indicate they possess or have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics (KSAs) 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 where you gained this experience.

SELECTIVE FACTORS (Mandatory): The following knowledge, skills or abilities (KSAs) are essential to the successful performance of the duties described. Applicants who fail to meet these KSAs will not be eligible for referral.

1. Skill as an FAA certified Air Traffic Controller in a Level III or higher ATC facility within the last 6 years.

2. Ability to write detailed and comprehensive technical reports.

3. Knowledge of air traffic control regulations, practices and procedures.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (Desirable): The following knowledge, skills or abilities (KSAs) are desirable in the performance of the duties of this position:

1. Knowledge of enroute or terminal radar systems and their radar data recording capabilities.

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

3. Knowledge of aircraft dispatching and airport operations.

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.

Descriptions | Vacancies