Aviation Accident Investigator

Created at: April 19, 2025 00:06

Company: National Transportation Safety Board

Location: Federal Way, WA, 98003

Job Description:

This position is located in the Office of Aviation Safety, Regional Offices. Regional offices are located in (ERA) Washington, DC, (WPR) Federal Way, WA, and (CEN) Aurora, Colorado. Aviation Accident Investigators conduct aviation accident/incident investigations, produce investigative reports documenting the investigations, and formulate recommendations to improve transportation safety.
GS-13: You MUST have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector). Specialized experience is defined as: Leading or participating in teams that provided investigative support to a civil aircraft accident and incident investigations. Independently writing reports describing the factual findings of civil aviation aircraft accidents/incidents. Leading and documenting safety change in the civil aviation industry by developing guidance, bulletins, directives, or other documents directly applicable to civil aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, operation, and/or regulatory oversight. Operating small general aviation aircrafts (gross weight less than 12,500 lbs.) under Code of Federal Regulations Parts 91, 135, and/or 121. Additional experience maintaining civil aircraft, instructing pilots of civil aircraft, and operational experience in a variety of small general aviation aircraft categories and classes is preferred. For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801 (opm.gov). NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge of and experience in of civil general aviation flight operations, maintenance and inspection of general aviation aircraft, and a strong working knowledge of civil aircraft accident investigation and aviation safety; be available on an on-call basis to respond to the scene of aircraft accidents, which may be located in inhospitable environments, anywhere across the United States; possesses the ability to prioritize multiple high-priority tasks; and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Denver - Aurora, Colorado GS-13 $117,501.00 - $152,753.00 Seattle/Tacoma, Washington GS-13 $118,446.00 - $153,982.00 Washington, DC (DC-MD-VA-WV-PA) GS-13 $120,579.00 - $156,755.00 As a Aviation Accident Investigator, GS-1801-13, you will perform the following major duties: Conducting technically complex accident/incident investigations of civil aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 91 or 14 CFR Part 135, primarily involving small general aviation aircraft; Collecting and documenting factual information, data, and evidence relevant to aircraft accident/incident investigations; Conducting investigative interviews; Conducting on-scene collection, verification, analysis, and evaluation of accident data anywhere within the United States and its territories; Preparing written reports of investigative activities in a timely manner and in accordance with agency policy and procedures; Researching and developing safety recommendations, corrective actions, and other necessary changes; Briefing industry stakeholders and the public of the facts and circumstances of an accident/incident and coordinating transportation disaster assistance with family members. May conduct special investigations or studies and presents the conclusions in a comprehensive written report. Assisting with the investigation of major aircraft accidents and acting as a group chair in support of such investigations. May also participate in Board meetings and other large/complex technical review meetings. Physical Demands and Work Environment: The work includes a mixture of sedentary and physically demanding tasks. The incumbent must be available on a periodic on-call basis to triage incoming accident/incident notifications and to respond to the scene of aircraft accidents/incident. These on-scene responses they may require vigorous physical exertion and long hours. Accident/incident scenes may be located in austere environments, anywhere across the United States or overseas. Additionally, the incumbent may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and other environmental discomforts, unforgiving topography, and debris hazards. Also, while risk assessments are made, appropriate mitigation measures taken, and personal protective equipment used, there remains the possibility of exposure to poisonous, explosive, or other hazardous materials associated with the accident sites to which the agency deploys.


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