Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist at the FAA
The aviation industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation. From the integration of autonomous flight systems to the rapid adoption of electric and solar-powered aircraft, the sky is indeed just the beginning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) to provide leadership within the System Oversight Division (AIR-800).
If you are a seasoned aviation professional looking to leverage your expertise in safety, compliance, and team leadership, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the most efficient and safe aerospace system in the world.
Job Responsibilities
As a Section Manager in AIR-800, you will be responsible for balancing technical oversight with high-level program management. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Organizational Leadership: Aligning section resources with FAA objectives and cultivating an environment of engagement and innovation.
- Personnel Development: Mentoring employees, executing performance management, and coaching team members for long-term career growth.
- Operational Oversight: Monitoring compliance, productivity, and the efficient use of budgetary resources.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Acting as an FAA representative at industry events and mediating complex technical disputes involving engineering issues.
- Process Improvement: Refining policies to ensure that office performance metrics meet established benchmarks.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive federal role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the FV-J / FG/GS-14 level, specifically in Aircraft Certification inspection and investigation.
- Documentation: All applicants must submit a resume limited to two pages.
- Background Checks: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance and successfully pass drug/alcohol testing.
Candidate Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | GS-14 Equivalent | Critical |
| Security Clearance | Secret | Required |
| Resume Length | Max 2 Pages | Strict Policy |
| Location | Various (US/International) | Flexibility |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $111,171 to $172,257 per year. In addition to the salary, employees enjoy access to a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Accrual of annual and sick leave.
- Professional development opportunities in a large, stable agency.
Application Tips
- Focus on the Specialized Experience: Do not just list your duties; demonstrate how your actions directly improved safety or compliance in aircraft certification.
- Adhere to the Page Limit: The FAA strictly enforces the two-page resume limit. Use bullet points to highlight your key achievements.
- Submit Early: If you modify your application after submission, you must re-submit it for the change to be logged. Avoid waiting until the last hour on the closing date.
- FAA Employees: Always include your SF-50 documentation with the required blocks clearly visible.
This role represents an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to make a substantial contribution to the aviation industry. By managing key performance objectives and guiding the next generation of FAA talent, you will play a central role in maintaining the integrity of civil aviation. Apply today to help shape the future of flight.
Why This Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job Matters
Lead the future of aviation safety at the FAA! We are looking for experienced leaders to manage critical certification and oversight operations in this unique, temporary appointment.
Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) to join the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR), System Oversight Division (AIR-800). This role is vital to ensuring the safety, certification, and oversight of commercial aircraft and engines. As a Section Manager, you will lead a team, manage budgets, and foster a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability. This is a high-impact role for professionals dedicated to shaping the future of global aerospace standards.
Requirements for Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity)
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-J / FG/GS-14 grade level.
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of inspection, investigation, and compliance practices within Aircraft Certification.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Subject to pre-employment drug screening and random drug/alcohol testing.
- Resume must be limited to two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity)
- Proven experience in managing budgets and organizational resources.
- Strong leadership capabilities in coaching, mentoring, and professional development of staff.
- Expertise in mediating complex technical disputes involving engineering issues.
- Demonstrated ability to drive employee engagement and foster inclusive, collaborative work environments.
- Experience with data-driven performance management and KPI monitoring.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Program (FERS)
- ✓Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
- ✓Potential for Professional Growth and Mentorship
- ✓Opportunities for Collaborative International and Domestic Aviation Partnerships
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Aviation Safety Specialist (Section Manager) (Temporary Opportunity) Job
- Log into your USAJobs account or create one to manage your application documents.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation, including your SF-50 (if a current FAA employee) and relevant transcripts.
- Complete the online application via the FAA portal before the closing date.
- Ensure all work history entries are clear, specific, and include hours worked per week and relevant grade/series information.
- Resubmit the application if any changes are made after the initial submission.
💡 General Tips
- Read the qualifications section thoroughly; ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the specialized requirements listed.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume; concise, impact-oriented writing is prioritized.
- If you are an existing FAA employee, verify that your SF-50 shows all the required blocks to prove your tenure, grade, and series.
- Submit early; if you modify your application after submission, you must remember to re-submit it to be considered.
- Check your status through the USAJobs portal to stay updated on the hiring timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of this position?
This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years. Upon completion, employees usually return to their original permanent positions.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is not a remote position. While telework may be eligible, the role requires physical presence at the assigned FAA duty location.
What documentation do I need if I am an FAA employee?
You must provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing specific information in blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
*A: No, this position is restricted to U.S. citizens.*
What happens when the two-year temporary assignment ends?
*A: The employee will return to their previous permanent position or an equivalent role in the same commuting area.*
How do I know if I am eligible for an interview?
*A: Human Resources will evaluate your qualifications based on your submitted materials. If you are selected, you will be contacted directly for an interview.*
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is a diverse organization of over 44,000 employees responsible for regulating every aspect of civil aviation. The Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) specifically oversees the safety of new technologies, ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of public security. Working at the FAA means joining a mission-driven team where your decisions directly impact the safety of the flying public.