Launch Your Career: Aviation Safety Technician with the FAA
Are you looking to take your aviation expertise to a new level? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a detail-oriented professional to fill the role of Aviation Safety Technician (AST) at the Denver Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in Watkins, Colorado. This role is a vital component of the team that ensures the skies remain safe and orderly for everyone.
Job Responsibilities
As an Aviation Safety Technician, your day-to-day duties will revolve around supporting Aviation Safety Inspectors in their efforts to maintain high regulatory standards. Your responsibilities will include:
- Certification Support: Assisting inspectors in certifying operators and air agencies and reviewing certification files for accuracy.
- Surveillance and Enforcement: Drafting Enforcement Investigative Reports (EIR) and assisting in the investigation of aviation incidents and potential violations.
- Data Management: Utilizing FAA databases to extract safety-critical information and identifying emerging trends that impact national aviation safety.
- Technical Correspondence: Preparing detailed reports and official correspondence in support of office operations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Federal Aviation Administration |
| Location | Watkins, Colorado |
| Salary Range | $62,308 - $89,470 per year |
| Job Category | Compliance Inspection and Support |
| Telework | Eligible |
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate a deep understanding of aviation operations. The FAA looks for candidates who can blend technical knowledge with strong analytical skills. Specific requirements include:
- Citizen Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the previous grade level is mandatory. This experience must demonstrate your ability to handle technical operations and database systems.
- Background Investigation: This is a Moderate Risk (Tier 2) position, and candidates must successfully pass a background check before appointment.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $62,308 to $89,470 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level (FG-8 or FG-9). As a federal employee, you will also benefit from potential locality pay increases and cost-of-living adjustments where applicable.
Benefits
Joining the FAA comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings plans (FERS).
- Generous leave policies, including vacation and sick time.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional training.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your application is comprehensive. Stick to the two-page resume limit and be incredibly specific about your past experiences. When detailing your work history, explain how your experience directly addresses the duties of an Aviation Safety Technician. Always ensure you have submitted your SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
The role of an Aviation Safety Technician is a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety of the national airspace. If you have the technical skills and the drive to excel, apply today to start your journey with the FAA.
Why This Aviation Safety Technician Job Matters
Elevate your career in aviation safety with the FAA, where your expertise in technical operations and compliance directly supports the world's safest and most efficient aerospace system.
Aviation Safety Technician Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking an Aviation Safety Technician for the Denver Flight Standards District Office in Watkins, Colorado. In this role, you will provide critical technical support to Aviation Safety Inspectors, assisting with certification, surveillance, and enforcement activities to ensure regulatory compliance and operational safety within the national airspace.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Technician
- Must be a United States citizen.
- For FG-8: Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG/GS-7 level in practical technical aviation operations.
- For FG-9: Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG/GS-8 level, including data gathering, investigation support, and technical reporting.
- Proven proficiency in computer software and database management.
- Ability to undergo and pass a Moderate Risk (Tier 2) background investigation.
- Submission of all required documents, including valid SF-50 forms for current/former federal employees, by the closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Technician
- Strong analytical and research capabilities applied to aviation safety data.
- Demonstrated experience in drafting technical reports and enforcement documents.
- Expertise in identifying aviation trends through database analysis.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills for professional interaction with stakeholders and airmen.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework options.
- ✓Participation in a stable, mission-driven organization.
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Technician Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
- Clearly document your work history, including job titles, hours worked, and specific dates.
- Submit your application through the official FAA job portal by the closing date.
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the specialized experience requirements listed in the announcement.
- Do not include KSA narrative responses; instead, weave evidence of your skills directly into your work history descriptions.
- Double-check that your SF-50 contains all required blocks (15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24) if applying as a federal employee.
- Resubmit your application if you make any modifications after your initial submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of an Aviation Safety Technician?
The AST provides essential technical support to Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) by conducting research, managing databases, reviewing certification files, and assisting in the drafting of enforcement reports to ensure safe aviation operations.
Are there telework opportunities for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for flexibility in how you fulfill your technical and administrative duties.
What documentation must current FAA employees submit?
Current employees must provide a copy of their most recent (non-award) SF-50 that verifies their tenure and position details to ensure eligibility and proper grade verification.
What is the career potential for this role?
This position has a promotion potential to the FG-9 grade level, allowing for growth within the agency.
Is this a union position?
Yes, this position is represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary authority for the United States' civil aviation. With a workforce exceeding 44,000 employees, the FAA is dedicated to providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. Whether it's through cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicles or overseeing standard aviation safety protocols, the FAA is at the forefront of aerospace innovation.