NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Interdisciplinary:

Aviation Psychologist, GS-180-12/13

Human Factors Engineer, GS-801-12/13

Human Factors Investigator, GS-1801-12/13

Office of Aviation Safety,
Human Performance Division,
Washington, D.C.

MAJOR DUTIES: Incumbent serves as Human Performance Investigator with primary responsibility and expertise in psychological, physiological, and human engineering factors concerning aviation accident causation. Investigative responsibilities include such areas as operating practices and procedures; training; duty/rest cycles; fatigue; workload; control/display systems; crew coordination; situational awareness; and decision-making. Incumbent organizes and coordinates the activities of participating government and industry personnel in aviation accident investigations; determines requirements for special tests and studies, and evaluates their findings. Incumbent is responsible for developing and preparing documentation that accurately reflects pertinent findings in the human performance/human factors areas and for collaborating in the preparation of formal aviation accident reports. Other duties include participating in public hearings, initiating and developing safety recommendations and conducting studies of behavioral involvement in accident causation.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Human Resources Division will determine the appropriateness, adequacy, and quality of general qualifications in comparison to Qualification Standards Handbook. The basic requirement as a Human Factors Engineer is successful completion of a full four-year engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university, or knowledge and understanding equivalent to this education such as valid registration as a professional engineer. The basic requirement as an Aviation Psychologist is successful completion of a full four-year degree with a major or equivalent in psychology. The basic requirement as an Human Factors Investigator is successful completion of a full four-year degree in a relevant discipline. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required. Graduate education up to and including the Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree is preferred. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the responsibilities of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

SELECTIVE FACTORS (Mandatory): The following knowledge, skills or abilities (KSAs) are essential to the successful performance of the duties described. Applicants who fail to meet these KSAs will not be eligible for referral.

1. Knowledge of the National Air Space System and its users.

2. Ability to write detailed and comprehensive technical reports.

3. Knowledge of human factors.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (Desirable): The following knowledge, skills or abilities (KSAs) are desirable in the performance of the duties of this position:

1. Knowledge of practices in the aviation industry such as airlines, air traffic control system, and airframe or avionics manufacturers.

2. Knowledge of current issues in aviation human factors.

3. Ability to identify research needed to further the study of human factor issues and concerns in the aviation industry.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS REGARDING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: You must be able to effectively speak and write English. You must have a valid State driver's license and qualify for a U. S. Government-issued travel charge card. You will be required to remain "On call" for travel to investigative assignments outside normal work hours. You will frequently be given investigative assignments on short notice. These assignments may involve work at unusual hours for long periods of time at accident sites in sometimes remote, rugged, and hostile settings. You must be ready, willing, and able to work in physically demanding, adverse conditions such as swamps, deserts, ships at sea, and uneven and mountainous terrain. You will be required to wear and operate appropriate personal protective equipment to deal with these adverse environmental and potentially hazardous conditions, which may also involve biohazards. Your travel to the accident site may require extensive travel in aircraft and driving, as well as strenuous walking, hiking, and climbing in areas with treacherous footing. You may also be exposed to adverse topographic, weather, and atmospheric conditions where temperatures may be at extremes. You will need to carry all the necessary personal protective equipment, tools, and instruments to video tape and photograph pertinent factual information, take notes, make measurements, and otherwise document the wreckage and accident site. You must be able to physically maneuver around the accident site, which includes frequently climbing in, out, and on various parts of the wreckage for the purpose of documenting and gathering evidence. The position requires organizational and technical writing skills. You must be resourceful and capable of providing effective leadership to non-government participants in Safety Board investigations; you must be capable of assembling and organizing technical data, preparing comprehensive and logical factual and analytical reports, and making effective oral presentations regarding your findings. In meetings or conferences, you might be called upon to present, interpret, and maintain the positions and views of the Safety Board, to exchange information, and to interpret practices, procedures, or regulations.

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