Aviation Safety Inspector (Fire Support)

Summary

This position is located at a Region 5 Forest Service Office, Fire & Aviation Management, Forest Service aviation program. This position serves as an expert in providing technical expertise and knowledge on all avionics issues regarding aircraft and aviation maintenance and works on projects for the National Airworthiness program. For additional information about the duties of this position, please see the Additional Information section for the regional point of contact.

Duties

• Duties listed are at the full performance GS-13 grade level.
• Inspects and approves of agency, contractor, and cooperator aircraft avionics and unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Issues approvals to and monitors several smaller aviation organizations that, together, are comparable in complexity to one large one.
• Inspects organizations that perform a variety of novel and complex aviation operations including the protection of natural resources, the detection and suppression of wildland fires, and response to natural disasters and national emergencies.
• Serves as a primary contact point with the aviation organizations regarding aircraft, avionics, and maintenance requirements.
• Evaluates the adequacy of maintenance and training programs for avionics personnel.
• Reviews proposed and completed corrections to ensure continued compliance with agency policy, regulatory requirements, manufacturer’s limitations, contractual requirements, and interagency standards.
• Participates in Aviation Safety and Technical Assistance Teams (ASTAT), review teams, and Quality Assurance (QA) field audits during ongoing operations.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.

Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license. Must possess and maintain a current and valid FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) OR a ASTM NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician certificate with at least one endorsement.

Must attend an annual Inspector Workshop. GS-12: Must obtain a FAC-COR Level 1 certification within one year of employment. GS-12: Must work towards obtaining a FAC-PPM Entry Level certification. GS-13: Must possess and maintain an AV3 designation on the Forest Service Authorized National Aircraft and Avionics Inspectors List.

A copy of the certificate is required. GS-13: Must possess and maintain a FAC-COR Level 2 certification. A copy of the certificate is required. GS-13: Must possess and maintain a FAC-P/PM Entry Level certification.

A copy of the certificate is required. This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result.

This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. You will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.

Individuals with veterans’ preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans’ preference within each category. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service. To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12971633

Required Documents

• The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete.
• Encrypted documents will not be accepted.
• Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
• Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications.
• Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.
• If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts.
• An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty.
• Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university.
• If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S.
• Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards.
• There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service.
• For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website.
• All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions.
• If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
• Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment.
• Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
• If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference.
• The SF-15 should be included but is not required.
• Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference.
• For more information on veterans' preference visit FedsHireVets.
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.