Embark on a High-Impact Career as an Airport Compliance Specialist with the FAA

Aviation serves as the critical backbone of modern global commerce, national infrastructure, and civic mobility. Central to this vast network is the assurance that federally funded airports operate fairly, safely, and in perfect alignment with federal policies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the United States Department of Transportation, serves as the vigilant custodian of these aviation standards. Currently, an exceptional career opportunity is open for an ambitious compliance professional to step into the role of an Airport Compliance Specialist (FV-I) in El Segundo, California.

Located in the scenic coastal community of El Segundo within the highly dynamic Western Pacific Region, this specialized position acts as the front line of defense against regulatory violations, fiscal mismanagement, and operational non-compliance across federally obligated airports. Responsible for administering complex compliance evaluations under 14 CFR Part 13, this professional ensures that airports benefiting from federal grants and land transfers uphold their binding obligations to the public interest.

---

About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration's Mission

At the Federal Aviation Administration, the horizons of aerospace and aviation are continuously expanding. Operating with a robust network of over 44,000 highly trained specialists across more than 120 distinct occupations, the FAA is tasked with managing the safest and most efficient aerospace system on the planet. From air traffic controllers to aeronautical engineers, the agency's strength is anchored in its diverse workforce.

The Office of Airports, Regional Airports Division, and specifically the Safety and Standards Branch (AWP-620) in the Western Pacific Region, is the specialized hub where federal policies meet local operations. The division oversees the implementation of federal planning, construction, safety, and compliance standards across hundreds of general aviation and commercial service airports. By working here, you join a pioneering cohort that manages significant federal investments, monitors autonomous vehicle developments, and shapes clean, environmentally friendly aviation programs for the decades ahead.

---

The Role of an Airport Compliance Specialist

The position of an Airport Compliance Specialist is both intellectually challenging and highly influential. This role is not about routine administrative checks; it requires deep investigative acumen, analytical mastery, and an authoritative understanding of federal aviation regulations.

As the specialist, your principal mandate involves reviewing, assessing, and evaluating formal and informal complaints filed under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 13. These complaints often relate to serious allegations of non-compliance with the terms, conditions, and assurances linked to federal land transfers and federal grant obligations. You will scrutinize complex financial records, airport rate structures, and operational decisions to detect issues such as unlawful revenue diversion—where airport-generated funds are diverted to non-aviation uses instead of being reinvested into the airport's infrastructure.

Your core duties will encompass:

• Land Use Inspections: Carrying out exhaustive Land Use Compliance Inspections at various federally obligated airports.
• Corrective Tracking: Authoring detailed compliance reports and tracking progress as airport sponsors design and implement corrective action plans.
• Technical Advisement: Serving as an expert technical consultant, providing clear guidance on the FAA Revenue Use Policy and FAA Order 5190.6 (Airport Compliance Requirements) to municipal leaders, consultants, and the general public.
• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Collaborating extensively with senior internal entities, including the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Airport District Offices, and FAA Headquarters to resolve high-priority financial and operational audits.
• Regulatory Support: Delivering technical findings that support formal actions under 14 CFR Part 16, ensuring civil aviation's interests remain robustly protected.

---

Core Requirements and Qualifications

The FV-I band is a senior-level technical band that demands high-level experience and a solid track record. To qualify, candidates must prove they possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H (or FG/GS-10-12) level in the federal civil service.

What qualifies as 'specialized experience'? The FAA looks for practical, hands-on experience in airport operations, airport planning, public administration, or business and aviation law. You must demonstrate that you have:

1. Directed, advised, or guided airport and public officials on complex operational policies.
2. Led formal investigations and compiled evidentiary reports sufficient to sustain legally binding findings.
3. Analyzed financial sheets, lease agreements, or municipal land policies for regulatory adherence.

Please note: Unlike entry-level roles, academic education cannot be substituted for specialized experience for this position. Candidates must highlight concrete, verifiable milestones in their resume to confirm eligibility. Additionally, this position is open exclusively to United States citizens.

---

Salary Overview and Grade Structure

Understanding the FAA pay band system is crucial for applicants transitioning from the standard General Schedule (GS) structure. The Airport Compliance Specialist position is offered under the Core Compensation Plan within the 'FV' pay system, specifically at the FV-I band. This band provides a broad, competitive salary range, supplemented heavily by the localized cost-of-living adjustment for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim locality area.

Let's review the compensation structure:

• Minimum Locality Salary: $105,561 per annum
• Maximum Locality Salary: $163,604 per annum
• Pay Schedule: FV (comparable to higher GS-12 and GS-13 levels)
• Promotion Potential: None (the position is structured as a senior-level technical specialist)

To help visualize how the FV system maps against standard GS federal structures, review the comparison below:

Pay System Element	FAA FV-I Pay Band	Equivalent General Schedule (GS)	Focus & Performance Model
Salary Range	$105,561 to $163,604	GS-12 Step 1 to GS-13 Step 7	Core Compensation system based on market-based pay bands.
Experience Requirement	Min. 1 year equivalent to FV-H	GS-11 to GS-12 level experience	Focuses strictly on technical and regulatory complexity.
Educational Substitution	Not Allowed	Allowed under limited conditions	Demands verifiable, real-world regulatory work history.
Location Pay	El Segundo/LA Locality	LA Locality Pay	Fully incorporated into the advertised salary range.

---

Comprehensive Benefits and Career Perks

Working for the FAA offers robust security and excellent rewards. The agency provides a premier suite of benefits designed to support employee well-being, retirement readiness, and personal flexibility.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: This position is telework-eligible, allowing you to establish a strong work-life balance while remaining highly productive.
• Healthcare Options: Choose from premium Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including top-tier dental, vision, and long-term care programs.
• Retirement Security: Enjoy the three-tiered Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) comprising a defined benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Generous Leave Accrual: Earn paid annual leave (vacation time), sick leave, and observe 11 federal holidays annually.

---

Master the Application Process: Key Tips and Strategies

Applying for an FAA position requires meticulous preparation. Unlike other federal agencies, the FAA has strict operational rules for candidate resumes.

1. The Two-Page Resume Limit

Your resume MUST NOT exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in your application being rated ineligible or heavily penalized. Focus purely on high-impact, relevant specialized experience.

2. Document Work History Thoroughly

For every job listed, you must specify the exact job title (with GS/FV grades if federal), employer name, exact start and end dates, and average hours worked per week. Missing hours per week is a common cause of instant disqualification.

3. No Narrative KSAs Required

The FAA has eliminated separate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) written narratives. Do not submit extra pages answering KSAs. Instead, weave these accomplishments directly into your two-page resume so they validate the answers you select in the online application questionnaire.

4. Attach Supporting Documents

If you are a current or former federal employee, you must upload your most recent, non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). Ensure it displays tenure codes, grade, and series in full.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is telework permitted for this role? A: Yes. This position is eligible for regular telework, subject to supervisor approval and agency policy.

Q: Can I substitute a master's or law degree for the required experience? A: No. Education may not be used as a substitute for the specialized experience required for the FV-I band.

Q: Are non-citizens eligible to apply? A: No. Applications from non-citizens of the United States are not being accepted for this position.

Q: Does this position require travel? A: Yes, moderate travel is required to conduct Land Use Compliance Inspections and attend regional audits.

Q: What is the deadline to submit my application? A: The application window closes on July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

---

If you possess a passion for aviation governance, a sharp analytical mind, and a commitment to protecting the integrity of public investments, the Airport Compliance Specialist role at the FAA is your ultimate career destination. Located in the bustling, beautiful hub of El Segundo, CA, this position offers competitive compensation, top-tier federal benefits, and the pride of maintaining the safest skies in the world. Review the requirements, polish your two-page resume, and submit your application today.