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, and intensively manage the Air Branch/Air Unit aircraft maintenance program, specifically the National Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Support (NAMLS) contract.
- Administer the 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 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 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. Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
Visit the locality pay tables by geographic area. If your geographic area is not listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level, and location of the position. Visit the special pay rate charts for more information.
Requirements
- You 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 below).
- All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
- You may be required to pass a background investigation.
- CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
- Must be capable of lifting heavy objects at the work site, some of which may exceed 50 pounds.
- Must be capable of climbing ladders, onto maintenance stands, and on occasion aircraft to conduct inspections.
- Must be able to successfully complete a routine physical.
- You 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.
- 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.
Qualifications
Medical Requirements:
- Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner.
- Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain.
- Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted).
- Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.
Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) Experience:
- Experience involving the 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:
You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 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:
You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process.
Security Clearance
- You will be required to obtain a Secret or higher level clearance for this position.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.
- During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs, and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances.
Residency
There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver.