Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Worthiness)
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations. One vacancy is available in each of the following locations: Riverside, CA; Homestead, FL; Plattsburgh, NY; and El Paso, TX.
Duties
- Represent and execute the operational requirements of the Air Branch Director, Air Operations.
- Intensively manage the Air Branch/Air Unit aircraft maintenance program and the National Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Support (NAMLS) contract.
- Administer aviation maintenance Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Air Quality Management District (AQMD) programs.
- Lead and direct an Air Branch or Air Unit aircraft maintenance program.
- Conduct investigations into aircraft type model series, the aviation industry, and aircraft maintenance activities.
- Perform investigations into aviation program and quality compliance issues.
- Function as the liaison for aircraft facility maintenance, repair, and upkeep requirements of hangar and shop areas specifically occupied and utilized for the maintenance and support of aircraft.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country, and Integrity.
Pay
This position starts at a salary of $89,508.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10). Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.
Visit the GS Salary locality pay tables by geographic area. If your geographic area is not listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions may fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level, and location.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details apply).
- All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must adhere to the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
- Conduct will be subject to government ethics standards and criminal conflict of interest statutes.
- DHS uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
- Financial Disclosure is required.
- Must be capable of lifting heavy objects at the work site, some exceeding 50 pounds.
- Must be capable of climbing ladders, onto maintenance stands, and on occasion aircraft to conduct inspections.
- Must successfully complete a routine physical.
- May be required to travel to temporary duty assignments, both foreign and domestic.
- Must possess and maintain a valid FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate (A&P) and an Inspection Authorization (IA).
- Must obtain COR Level II certification within 18 months of appointment to this position.
Qualifications
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years.
- Valid State driver's license.
- Fluency in the English language.
- No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Medical Requirements:
- Physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position safely and efficiently.
- Good distant vision in each eye and ability to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain.
- Ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted).
- No physical condition that would cause a hazard to themselves or others or interfere with flying as passengers in a variety of aircraft.
Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) Experience:
- Maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
- Maintenance experience with aircraft 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.
- Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency.
- Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
- FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.
GS-12 Grade Level:
- 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
- Conducting in-depth aircraft inspections and surveillance of aircraft maintenance operations, repair stations, and maintenance providers to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and safety standards.
- Evaluating effectiveness of contractor maintenance planning programs, policies, and procedures ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety.
- Providing expert technical guidance on aircraft systems, complex maintenance regulations, airworthiness directives, and safety policies to operations personnel.
- Providing technical expertise in the evaluation and oversight of aircraft maintenance-related contracts and acquisitions, ensuring vendors and contractors meet all regulatory and contract performance requirements.
- Overseeing contract maintenance activities, deliverables, and procurement activities to verify compliance with contract requirements and regulatory standards in support of effective maintenance operations.
GS-13 Grade Level:
- 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
- Exercising certification authority over flight operations or maintenance for multiple air carriers, contract operators, and air travel clubs operating fleets of large turbine- or piston-powered aircraft.
- Acting as the primary point of contact responsible for certifying, inspecting, and overseeing the flight operations of a group of aviation organizations.
- Managing all assignments and information related to assigned organizations, and developing work programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational manuals.
- Serving as the main liaison for certification, inspection, and oversight of multiple aviation organizations, including repair stations responsible for overhauling multiengine airframes, powerplants, and various aircraft components.
- Assessing and making recommendations for major program elements within flight operations or maintenance activities of a major air carrier, including proposing changes to operating procedures and policy guidelines.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills.
Security Clearance
You will be required to obtain a Secret or higher level clearance for this position.
Background Investigation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During this process, you will be asked about felony criminal convictions, use of illegal drugs, and use of non-prescribed controlled substances.
Residency requirement: Individuals not currently employed by CBP must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years.