- Position Title
- Senior Aviation Accident Investigator IIC
- Agency
- National Transportation Safety Board
- Announcement Number
- AS-12737673-25-KAT Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Friday, May 23, 2025 to Wednesday, June 4, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
- have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30%or more OR
- retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
3.
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm that you are indicated on the PCS orders; and you
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
- have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders
- are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location AND
- have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
4.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
5.
Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you
complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
6.
Are you a current federal employee in the competitive service that holds a career or career-conditional position?
To verify eligibility, submit a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent and competitive status.
To verify eligibility, submit a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent and competitive status.
- Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2, box 24) and,
- Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1, box 34) and,
- Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your position title, series, grade, step and salary.
7.
Have you completed three years of substantially continuous service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type Foreign Service appointment that meets a requirement for career tenure?
-OR-
Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
-OR-
Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
8.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
9.
Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
10.
Are you a Land Management Eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act?
11.
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
-OR-
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR-
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years? If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
-OR-
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR-
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years? If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
12.
Non-Competitive Current or Former Federal Employee:
Do you meet any of the following eligibilities?
I am currently at a higher grade level than the full performance level of the position being announced; or
I have competed for and am currently at the same grade level as the full performance level of the position being announced;or
I am currently serving in a position with full performance level equivalent to or higher than the full performance level of the position being announced;or
I am a former Federal civilian employee that served on a permanent competitive career appointment AND have held the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential; or
I have obtained career-conditional status (within 3 years of the date of separation or am a preference eligible) AND have held the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation as outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
Do you meet any of the following eligibilities?
I am currently at a higher grade level than the full performance level of the position being announced; or
I have competed for and am currently at the same grade level as the full performance level of the position being announced;or
I am currently serving in a position with full performance level equivalent to or higher than the full performance level of the position being announced;or
I am a former Federal civilian employee that served on a permanent competitive career appointment AND have held the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential; or
I have obtained career-conditional status (within 3 years of the date of separation or am a preference eligible) AND have held the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation as outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
13.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?
If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medicalprofessional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medicalprofessional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
14.
Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnelaction form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnelaction form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
- Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) mustreflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
- Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) mustreflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
15.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
- served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly beforecompleting a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
- are entitled to veterans' preference
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Senior Aviation Accident Investigator (IIC), GS-1801-15 position with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your education and experience.
1.
Select the one statement that best describes your ability to perform as a Senior Aviation Accident Investigator (IIC) at the GS-15 grade level.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
2.
Leads a group of safety specialists in the investigation of air carrier or commercial space accidents or incidents.
3.
Applies investigative procedures including those pertaining to the party process. Documentation of factual evidence, evidence management, control and use of proprietary information, and docket management.
4.
Utilizes techniques, methods, and tools to investigate any of the following areas in air carrier accidents or incidents: flight operations, human performance, airworthiness/maintenance, survival factors, airports, air traffic control, weather, data recorders, or aircraft performance.
5.
Utilizes agency policies, practices, and procedures for organizing and/or conducting an investigative hearing, public forum, or public symposium.
6.
Has knowledge of flight, launch or re-entry operations and piloting related policies, procedures, regulations, and standard practices for air carrier or commercial space operations, or knowledge of air traffic control related policies, procedures, regulations, and standard practices for flight operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).
7.
Applies knowledge of the design and certification of transport category aircraft with respect to structure, engines, installed systems, and/or stability and control.
8.
Has knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to air carrier, manufacturer and commercial and space operations.
9.
Conducts aviation or commercial space accident investigations to determine findings and probable cause of incidents and accidents and applicable safety recommendations.
10.
Has knowledge of the interaction between the agency and the U.S. State Department concerning all aspects of aviation or commercial space accident or incident investigations involving international stakeholders.
11.
Interacts with a foreign investigator-in-charge (IIC) as the U.S. Accredited Representative or technical advisor on a high visibility aviation accident or incident investigation involving a U.S. operator, product, or registered aircraft under the provisions of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
12.
Interacts with a foreign Accredited Representative as the Agency IIC or Group Chairman on a high visibility domestic aviation accident or incident investigation in accordance with Annex 13 protocols and agency policies, practices, and procedures.
13.
Identifies, clearly states, and comprehensively describes relevant issues/problems to be considered in complex aviation accident or incident investigations.
14.
Breaks down a complex sequence of events and conditions during the course of an aviation accident or incident investigation in order to form logically supported conclusions.
15.
Applies critical thinking to multiple aspects of an accident investigation.
16.
Determines relationships between vehicle performance, human performance, control systems, meteorology, and approved operator techniques in accident/incident investigation.
17.
Remains open to changing and new information and adapts work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
18.
Identifies, clearly states, and comprehensively describes relevant issues/problems to be considered in complex aviation accident or incident investigations.
19.
Logically ties conclusions to a range of evidence and information, including opposing viewpoints, and puts perspectives discussed in priority order.
20.
Analyzes your own and others' assumptions and carefully evaluates the relevance of contexts when presenting a position or conclusion.
21.
Breaks down a complex sequence of events and conditions during the course of an aviation or commercial space accident or incident investigation in order to form logically supported conclusions.
22.
Evaluates a variety of sources of information to determine what safety problem(s) may exist relevant to an accident or incident.
23.
Breaks problems down into elemental pieces to develop corrective actions to complex problems.
24.
Leads and interacts with others in formal teams or organized groups to accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively.
25.
Resolves conflicts among agency investigative staff and/or parties in an aviation or commercial space accident or incident investigation in a positive and constructive manner.
26.
Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members of varied background and skill levels to accomplish group goals.
27.
Leads a team of agency group chairmen or party members/technical advisors in gathering and documenting the facts and circumstances pertaining to a technically complex aviation or commercial space accident or incident investigation.
28.
Deals with sensitive international concerns and issues related to aviation or space accidents or incidents that involve a foreign state of occurrence, a foreign operator, a foreign designed/manufactured aircraft, or a foreign registered aircraft.
29.
Leads and supervises a multi-person U.S. team on an international led investigation.
30.
Comprehends new and often complicated concepts and issues independently through self-directed research and learning.
31.
Learns complex matters in a short period of time in order to interact effectively with technical experts and senior managers for the purpose of communicating safety issues and proposed corrective actions.
32.
Briefs senior managers about complex investigative activities, challenges, and findings while on-scene at an aircraft accident or in follow up work including draft accident investigation reports.
33.
Answers questions from NTSB Board Members, Members of Congress, the media, and other high-profile individuals.
34.
Presents complex technical/safety findings from accident investigations to large groups of industry professionals.
35.
Communicates highly technical information/tasks with foreign investigators who may speak little English.
36.
Writing technical reports, studies and audits that is appropriate for the intended audience.
37.
Presents complex information, analysis, ideas, and positions orally and in written formats in a clear, succinct, and credible manner, to others in the safety community and to large audiences.
38.
Organizes, expresses, and communicates ideas to executives and managers clearly in writing.
39.
Interprets complex topics and concepts into clear, succinct written information for the public.
40.
Evaluates, interprets, and presents in writing factual findings and the results of complex problems and theories concerning the sequence of events and probable cause of an accident or serious incident.
41.
Applies report writing policies, practices and procedures for a complex accident report and brief of accident reports, including experience in drafting aviation or commercial space accident safety recommendations.
42.
Drafts aviation or space accident analyses and analyzes complex issues regarding deficiencies and safety improvement.
43.
Develops a written argument based on factual information from a variety of sources to support a conclusion(s).
44.
Prioritizes and coordinates with others in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure quality work is completed in a timely manner.
45.
Organizes work, sets priorities, determines resource requirements, and manages unplanned situations to prevent schedule and quality impacts for a complex aviation accident investigation.
46.
Organizes complex sequencing of activities and communicates the tasks, resources, and constraints to senior management via a written work plan and verbal briefings.
47.
Manages complex, long-term projects that require effective communication between various stakeholders.
48.
Applies and leverages technical knowledge and skills of those you are overseeing on an investigative team to accomplish assigned projects effectively and efficiently.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
49.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, that my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 CFR part 731), or I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001), I understand that any information I give may be investigated.