The Special Program Investigator works within the Organizational Support Section (AIR-843). This Section manages the Federal Aviation Administrative (FAA) Hotline and Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPs) programs for the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR). This position is responsible for managing, executing, and tracking all activities associated with both programs, as well as communicating with the appropriate FAA office(s) for coordination, follow-up, and completion of reports.
Serves as a lead investigator responsible for duties in one or more assigned program areas (i.e., FAA Administrator and Aviation Safety Hotlines, Whistleblowers, and SUPs). The incumbent is responsible for the planning, evaluation, and administration of critical and complex aviation safety analysis and evaluation for these programs, which are designed to identify and address risks. The incumbent conducts interviews, research internal and external records, gather evidence, follow leads, clearly articulate findings, prepare reports and documents, and work under tight deadlines. Applies knowledge of FAA regulations and policies, and interacts with personnel in various FAA offices and companies. In this capacity, communicates and resolves conflict and difficult situations tactfully.
For these program areas, the incumbent plans, conducts, monitors, and leads complex, comprehensive investigations, inspections, and evaluations related to companies for which the FAA has regulatory and oversight responsibilities. The incumbent researches, reviews, and analyzes information obtained during the investigative process to evaluate if allegations are substantiated and prepares an investigation report, as well as assists in any follow-up activities and/or status reports. Work activities may be extremely fluid and subject to rapid and frequent change. The incumbent will manage assigned FAA programs and deadlines, perform assessments, document analysis, and work with AIR Branch personnel and appropriate oversight offices to plan investigations, determine compliance with regulatory requirements, and identify any violations to FAA standards, orders, or regulations. The incumbent will help evaluate and conduct an analysis of the associated program data to identify trends or risks and assess system performance. This includes developing and analyzing metrics associated with the programs, relative to the FAA. Based on this analysis, the incumbent makes recommendations to management as appropriate.
The incumbent reviews new or proposed laws, regulations, policies, rulings, etc. to identify any impacts on the management of assigned programs and projects involving investigations, inspections, analysis, and enforcement activities. Based on the identified impacts, the incumbent may recommend alternatives, changes, revisions, etc. to assigned program processes, policies and regulations to eliminate program risks and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program’s performance.
Demonstrates flexibility and leadership in the performance of work activities, which encourage cooperation and joint efforts of stakeholders. Establishes and maintains appropriate liaison with the FAA, aviation industry, government officials, and law enforcement agencies essential to the program's effectiveness. Explores alternatives when resolving issues, identifies program improvement opportunities to include evaluating feedback, and uses tact and diplomacy when communicating solutions. The incumbent works collaboratively with line of business personnel to educate those asked to assist with the investigative process. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a mentor to guide, train, and transition program duties to the new special program investigators joining the section.
The incumbent exercises a high degree of personal initiative in the accomplishment of assigned duties within the established guidance and policies, and receives direction related to the program goals and objectives from the section manager. The incumbent is independently responsible and accountable for planning, managing, implementing, evaluating, and coordinating work necessary to meet program goals and objectives.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
At least one year of specialized experience includes:
* Experience researching records and gathering/analyzing information.
* Experience preparing reports and documents and working under tight deadlines.
* Experience evaluating and determining compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and policies, and taking necessary action.
* Experience interacting with different levels of organizational representatives in a variety of organizations.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSAs): As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability.
Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.