Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations), GS-1801-13 (DIRECT HIRE)

📍 Washington, District of Columbia · 🏛 National Transportation Safety Board · 💰 $121,785–$158,322 per year · 🎓 GS 13 · 🧭 General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series (1801) · ⏳ Closes Nov 18, 2026 · 7 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 6, 2026
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About this job

The Office of Aviation Safety has the responsibility of investigating domestic aviation accidents and incidents and for proposing probable cause for the Board's approval. In conjunction with other offices works to formulate recommendations to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents and incidents and improve aviation safety. The incumbent is primarily responsible for overseeing investigations of the most complicated and complex major air carrier accidents and incidents.

Duties

As a Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations), GS-1801-13 (DIRECT HIRE),GS-1801-13, you will perform the following major duties: The incumbent serves on the Go-Team and is available for accident or incident response 24 hours a day during Go Team assignment Period. Under the direction and guidance of more senior investigators and the Division supervisor(s), the incumbent is primarily responsible for conducting investigations of major, civil, air carrier accidents and incidents. Manage and oversee the activities of various technical experts during all phases of the investigation, develop test plans, and conduct flight simulators and other technical exercises. Oversee the collection and documentation of all information and data and evidence relevant to the investigation. Conducts and oversees the conduct of documentation of thorough and comprehensive investigative interviews and the obtaining of comprehensive statements from witnesses. Develops and oversee the development and conduct of tests and analyses regarding operational factors for operations. Prepares and oversee the preparation of comprehensive written reports of investigative activities in a timely manner and in accordance with Board policy and procedures; these reports include, but are not limited to field notes, factual reports, and analytical reports. Participates in public hearings either as a member of the technical panel or as a technical advisor presenting evidence or questioning witnesses regarding the operational aspects of investigations. Collaborates with other Board personnel in the preparation of formal Board reports within the scope of his/her expertise and responsibility and follows Board policy when providing information to news media or other personnel or organizations.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following Basic Requirements: The applicant must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, or comparable pay band system. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as: Operating large turbine powered aircraft including the use of automated flight systems, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), on board weather radar, and Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) cockpit instruments through all phases of flight, including pre-flight, takeoff and landing, Monitoring engine performance, airborne navigations systems, fuel consumption, communicating with air traffic control, and resolving any mechanical emergencies; participating in teams that provided investigative support to a civil aircraft accident/incident investigations; and writing reports documenting the factual findings of civil aviation aircraft accidents/incidents. For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801 NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.

Education

EDUCATION Education is not applicable at the GS-13 level.

Evaluations

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/Your application must include your resume and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination. Referral: Applicants who meet the qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person) at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package (see the required documents section). The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/18/2026. To begin the process, click the 'Apply' button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. To view or print occupational questionnaire click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13108653. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position. NOTE: If you cannot apply online, please send an e-mail which includes the vacancy announcement number, position title and the reason you are not able to apply on-line to recruitment@ntsb.gov at least 1 business day before the closing date.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

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Required documents

The following documents are required for a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE: A Complete Two-Page Resume is required: Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information MUST be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience. Please see OPM's video on Resume Writing Tips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk Responses to the questionnaire. You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional. Failure to submit required documents will result in you being considered as "ineligible" for this position.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Other information

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits. Moving expenses associated with permanent change of station (PCS) ARE NOT authorized for this position. A Relocation or Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidates. If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment. Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) meet the basic qualification standards (including minimum educational and experience requirements; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 and above on the rating criteria for this position; and, (4) submit the appropriate documentation ( to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp Note: ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. Ad-hoc/situational telework as determined by the agency policy. Multiple and subsequent vacancies may be filled from this announcement. NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. The National Transportation Safety Board provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the National Transportation Safety Board directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations), GS-1801-13 (DIRECT HIRE) job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $121,785–$158,322 per year (GS 13).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 18, 2026 — 7 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the National Transportation Safety Board.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement AS-13108653-27-KM · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations), GS-1801-13 (DIRECT HIRE)
Nov 18, 2026 deadlineApply