Become an FAA Airport Certification and Safety Inspector in Washington, D.C.
The safety of the United States national airspace relies on rigorous standards, modern oversight, and dedicated professionals who understand how airports operate on a daily basis. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a qualified aviation professional to join its team as an Airport Certification and Safety Inspector (Airport Safety & Operations Specialist). Located in Washington, D.C., this position plays a critical role in standardizing and improving safety operations across airports nationwide.
Operating within the Office of Airports Safety and Standards, the selected inspector will provide top-tier technical expertise to the agency's national airport certification programs. If you are passionate about compliance, emergency planning, and regulatory oversight, this FV-J role represents an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting impact on aviation safety.
About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the Department of Transportation charged with regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United States. With a workforce of over 44,000 employees located across the country, the FAA handles air traffic control, certifies pilots and aircraft, and ensures the continuous safety of the commercial aerospace network.
In the Office of Airports (ARP), the Airports Safety and Standards division focuses directly on the infrastructure that supports flight. This includes developing rules, managing runway safety initiatives, and implementing the 14 CFR Part 139 certification programs. The FAA is deeply invested in the future of flight, which now includes autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric propulsion, and commercial space flight integration. Joining the FAA means stepping into an environment where technical proficiency and public safety are the top priorities.
Job Responsibilities
The Airport Certification and Safety Inspector carries out a wide array of high-impact regulatory and advisory duties. Working under the general supervision of a division manager, you will be expected to resolve complex problems, write policy guidance, and conduct field inspections.
Your primary duties will include:
- Conducting National Inspections: Serving as a credentialed FAA Airport Certification and Safety Inspector to carry out physical and operational audits of commercial service airports across the United States and its territories.
- Policy Development and Revision: Drafting, evaluating, and standardizing regulations, advisory circulars, and policies under 14 CFR Part 139 (Certification of Airports).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering with other FAA lines of business—such as Air Traffic, Flight Standards, the Runway Safety Program Office, and the Office of Accident Investigation—to optimize airfield safety.
- Regional Program Support: Supporting FAA regional offices by tracking enforcement actions, analyzing safety incidents, and evaluating requests from airport operators for exemptions from standard Part 139 requirements.
- Safety Management Systems (SMS): Providing vital technical support on various Airport Safety Management System programs, panels, and regulatory initiatives.
- External Audits & Briefings: Maintaining records and coordinates answers for investigations and recommendations originating from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this competitive internal vacancy, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in airport operations and regulatory enforcement. This role is not open to external non-citizens; applicants must hold US citizenship and have appropriate federal agency status.
Specialized Experience Required
To qualify at the FV-J level, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I or GS-13 grade level. This experience must be clearly documented in your federal resume and must include:
- Part 139 Airport Experience: Direct experience conducting safety inspections and ensuring compliance with 14 CFR Part 139 at Medium or Large Hub airports.
- Regulatory Analysis: Direct experience researching, developing, and interpreting rules, policies, and operational codes for aviation installations.
- Program Evaluation: Experience evaluating and analyzing the performance of national-level aviation safety programs.
- Advanced Communication: Proven ability to brief senior leadership, congressional staff, or public oversight groups on complex safety issues, trends, and guidelines.
Educational Requirements
Education cannot be substituted for specialized operational experience for this position. Candidates will be assessed solely on their professional track record and technical competency.
Salary and Compensation Overview
The FAA operates under its own pay system known as the Core Compensation Plan rather than the traditional General Schedule (GS) system. This vacancy is graded at the FV-J level, which represents a senior technical band within the agency.
| Pay Parameter | Detail Value |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | FV-J (Equivalent to senior GS-13 / GS-14) |
| Minimum Annual Salary | $127,898 |
| Maximum Annual Salary | $198,281 |
| Rate Interval | Per Annum (PA) |
| Locality Included | Yes, Washington, D.C. Locality |
In addition to the base salary, the final compensation package includes locality adjustments, performance-based pay increases, and eligibility for structured career progression.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides employees with a stable, highly competitive benefits portfolio designed to support long-term professional and personal well-being.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Multiple options for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP), and flexible spending accounts.
- Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan, combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) featuring up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave accrual (based on years of service), separate sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
- Flexible Operations: Telework-eligible schedules depending on current division policies and supervisory approval.
- Relocation Support: Relocation expenses are authorized for qualified candidates moving to the Washington, D.C. area.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for an FAA position requires meticulous preparation. Follow this roadmap to ensure your package is processed successfully:
- Draft a Structured Resume: Create a resume that does not exceed the mandatory two-page limit. Ensure you clearly outline your job title, employer details, exact start/end dates (MM/YYYY), and weekly hours worked.
- Highlight the Keywords: Weave clear examples of 14 CFR Part 139 audits, Medium/Large Hub operational support, and Safety Management Systems directly into your accomplishments.
- Secure Your Documentation: Download your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to prove your competitive federal service status. Ensure crucial blocks (such as blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24) are fully legible.
- Navigate to the Portal: Click the 'Apply' link on USAJobs to transition to the FAA's AVIATOR application system.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Finish the questionnaire and upload your resume and SF-50 prior to the closing date of September 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I submit a multi-page resume for this vacancy?
No. Resumes are strictly limited to two pages. Any information contained on pages beyond the second page will not be evaluated, and exceeding this limit may result in your application being rated ineligible.
Q2: What is a "Medium or Large Hub Airport" under Part 139 rules?
Medium and Large Hub airports are defined by the FAA based on their commercial passenger embarkation metrics. To qualify for this role, you must have specialized safety inspection and compliance experience at facilities matching these commercial traffic categories.
Q3: Are separate KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) narrative essays required?
No. The FAA has eliminated separate KSA narrative text box submissions as part of the federal hiring reform. However, your resume must include descriptive bullet points that demonstrate your mastery of these safety and compliance competencies.
Q4: Does this position require drug testing?
Yes. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Department of Transportation. Any applicant selected will undergo pre-employment drug screening and will be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings during their employment.
Q5: Is there a probationary period?
Yes, a one-year probationary period may be required if the selected candidate has not yet completed one in their current federal career path.
The position of Airport Certification and Safety Inspector (FV-J) is a highly respected, career-advancing role within the Federal Aviation Administration. By joining the Airports Safety and Operations Division in Washington, D.C., you will actively maintain the structural integrity and daily safety profiles of the nation's major airports. Ensure your application package is detailed, limit your resume to two pages, and submit all required documentation by September 1, 2026, to be considered for this outstanding public service opportunity.
Why This Airport Certification And Safety Inspector Job Matters
Shape the future of aviation safety and elevate your career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Airport Certification and Safety Inspector in Washington, D.C.
Airport Certification And Safety Inspector Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking an experienced Airport Certification and Safety Inspector (Airport Safety & Operations Specialist) to serve within the Office of Airports Safety and Standards. Based in Washington, D.C., this highly specialized FV-J role provides essential technical oversight and compliance administration for the nation's airport certification programs, focusing primarily on 14 CFR Part 139 requirements at major airports.
Requirements for Airport Certification And Safety Inspector
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I (GS-13) level in the federal service.
- Demonstrated experience conducting formal safety inspections and maintaining compliance under 14 CFR Part 139 at Medium or Large Hub airports.
- Experience analyzing, formulating, and interpreting policies and regulations related to airport operations.
- Experience evaluating the overall efficacy of national-level aviation safety programs.
- Excellent communication skills with experience presenting agency briefings, reports, and positions to high-level stakeholders.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust) background investigation.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings.
Preferred Qualifications for Airport Certification And Safety Inspector
- Experience coordinating Safety Management System (SMS) initiatives or serving on SMS implementation panels.
- Knowledge of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and international aviation frameworks.
- Prior history handling regional program audits and tracking enforcement actions.
- Familiarity with addressing petitions for exemptions from Part 139 regulatory criteria.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance options.
- âś“Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- âś“Generous vacation accrual, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- âś“Telework eligibility according to agency rules.
- âś“Relocation expenses are authorized.
- âś“Coverage under the structured FAA Core Compensation Plan.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Airport Certification And Safety Inspector Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Airport Certification And Safety Inspector Job
- Draft a professional federal resume that is strictly limited to two (2) pages.
- Incorporate detailed start/end dates, weekly hours, and structural metrics proving your specialized experience.
- Gather your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify your agency status, grade, and tenure.
- Log in to your USAJobs profile and locate the official vacancy announcement.
- Select 'Apply Online' to transition to the FAA's dedicated hiring system.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire and attach all required documents.
- Review your submitted package and finalize before the September 1, 2026 deadline at 11:59 PM EST.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages: The FAA strictly enforces a two-page limit. Exceeding this length may lead to your application being disqualified.
- Incorporate clear metric details: Provide the exact number of hours worked per week and precise employment dates so HR can accurately compute your specialized experience.
- Ditch separate KSA narratives: You are not required to write essay-style answers to KSAs. Instead, weave clear evidence of these competencies directly into your resume bullet points.
- Double-check your SF-50: Ensure the SF-50 you submit contains readable details in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 to verify your competitive status.
- Do not guess on the questionnaire: Ensure every answer selected on the self-assessment matches verifiable facts in your resume. Discrepancies will lead to human resource specialist adjustments or elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is open to current agency employees as an internal-to-agency search. Applicants must hold competitive status within the FAA.
Is telework available for this role?
Yes, this position is telework-eligible. Specific schedules and arrangements are established in coordination with the hiring manager.
What is the pay scale for this position?
The position is under the FAA Core Compensation Plan, graded at the FV-J level. The starting salary range is $127,898 to $198,281 per year.
Are relocation expenses covered for this role?
Yes, relocation expenses are authorized and will be paid according to the agency's travel and relocation regulations.
Is a background check or security clearance required?
Yes, the selected candidate must undergo a Level 5 Moderate Risk Public Trust background investigation prior to official appointment.