Become an Environmental Protection Specialist with the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is at the forefront of global aerospace innovation, balancing the rapid expansion of flight technologies with the critical need for environmental stewardship. We are currently seeking a motivated Environmental Protection Specialist to join our Airspace Rules & Regulations Team. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the National Airspace System (NAS) while ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, your technical expertise will be utilized to:

Analyze noise and air emissions using advanced modeling tools.
Recommend policies to maintain environmental sustainability within the NAS.
Interpret and apply NEPA, the Clean Air Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
Develop new and innovative approaches to complex airspace redesign projects.
Represent the FAA as a subject matter expert in internal and external stakeholder meetings.

Comparison of Key Focus Areas

Area of Responsibility	Impact Level	Skill Required
Environmental Modeling	High	AEDT / NIRS Proficiency
Policy Development	High	Regulatory Analysis
Stakeholder Liaison	Medium	Technical Communication

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must:

Be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the FV-I or GS-13 grade level.
Demonstrate mastery of noise and air quality impact tools like AEDT or AEM.
Successfully complete a NACI background investigation.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the specialized nature of the work. The annual salary range is $127,898 to $198,281.

Benefits

Employees of the FAA enjoy a robust federal benefits package including health and life insurance, participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, and significant opportunities for career advancement within the DOT.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Ensure your two-page resume directly addresses the specialized tools listed in the job description.
Documentation: Always include your most recent SF-50 and double-check that your work history provides specific dates and hours worked.
Submission: Always resubmit your application if you make changes, otherwise those changes will not be reflected in your final submission.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for an environmental professional looking to pivot into the high-stakes world of federal aviation policy. If you have the technical background and the desire to impact national infrastructure, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.

Why This Environmental Protection Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of sustainable aviation with the FAA in a role where policy meets environmental stewardship.

Environmental Protection Specialist Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a dedicated Environmental Protection Specialist to join the Airspace Rules & Regulations Team. In this pivotal role, you will contribute to the sustainability of the National Airspace System by analyzing environmental impacts and developing forward-thinking policies. You will work at the intersection of complex regulatory frameworks and cutting-edge aviation technology, ensuring that airspace redesign and flight procedure developments meet rigorous environmental standards.

Requirements for Environmental Protection Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants.
Minimum of one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I or GS-13 grade level.
Proven proficiency in environmental impact evaluation tools such as AEDT, AEM, NIRS, or NIRS Screening Tool.
Must be able to successfully pass a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) background investigation.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages featuring a complete work history.
Provision of the most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for all applicants, including current federal employees.

Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Protection Specialist

Advanced experience in interpreting and applying NEPA, the Clean Air Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act within an aviation context.
Demonstrated ability to represent an agency as a senior technical point of contact in high-level interagency projects.
Proven track record of drafting, reviewing, and finalizing technical reports for external distribution.
Experience developing innovative solutions for environmental challenges related to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or electric aircraft integration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Transportation
✓Supportive work-life balance initiatives including potential telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Environmental Protection Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Environmental Protection Specialist Job

Prepare a concise two-page federal resume detailing relevant experience and competencies.
Ensure your work history clearly aligns with the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
Complete the online application through the official FAA portal before the closing date.
Upload all required supporting documentation, specifically your most recent SF-50 and relevant certifications.
Submit your final application package and verify receipt through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; concise, high-impact descriptions are preferred over lengthy narratives.
Focus your work history descriptions on specific, quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your technical proficiency with environmental modeling tools.
If you are a current FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 includes all required blocks (15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24) for verification.
Do not assume the hiring panel knows your current duties; be explicit in documenting your experience regarding the specific tools listed in the job summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my resume via email?

No. The FAA does not accept application documents via email. All required documents must be uploaded through the online application portal or sent via the specified fax number.

Is education a substitute for the specialized experience requirement?

No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience required for this position.

What happens if I forget to resubmit my application after making a change?

If you modify your application and fail to click the final submit button, your changes will not be saved or considered. Only the previously submitted version will be evaluated.

What is the security level for this job?

This is a Level 1 (Low Risk) position requiring a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) investigation.

Is there potential for promotion?

This role is at the J grade level; please monitor future postings for additional growth opportunities.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA, a branch of the Department of Transportation, manages the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. With over 44,000 employees, the agency handles everything from air traffic control to the development of cutting-edge regulations for drones and electric aircraft. As part of the Mission Support Services team, you will contribute to the critical policy work that guides aviation operations across the United States.