Special Program Investigator (Temporary - NTE 2 years)

Serves as a lead investigator responsible for duties in one or more assigned program areas (i.e., FAA Administrator and Aviation Safety Hotlines, Whistleblowers, and SUPs). The incumbent is responsible for the planning, evaluation, and administration of critical and complex aviation safety analysis and evaluation for these programs, which are designed to identify and address risks. The incumbent conducts interviews, research internal and external records, gather evidence, follow leads, clearly articulate findings, prepare reports and documents, and work under tight deadlines. Applies knowledge of FAA regulations and policies and interacts with personnel in various FAA offices and companies. For these program areas, the incumbent plans, conducts, monitors, and leads complex, comprehensive investigations, inspections, and evaluations related to companies for which the FAA has regulatory and oversight responsibilities. The incumbent researches, reviews, and analyzes information obtained during the investigative process to evaluate if allegations are substantiated and prepares an investigation report, as well as assists in any follow-up activities and/or status reports. Work activities may be extremely fluid and subject to rapid and frequent change. The incumbent will manage assigned FAA programs and deadlines, perform assessments, document analysis, and work with AIR Branch personnel and appropriate oversight offices to plan investigations, determine compliance with regulatory requirements, and identify any violations to FAA standards, orders, or regulations. The incumbent will help evaluate and conduct an analysis of the associated program data to identify trends or risks, and assess system performance. This includes developing and analyzing metrics associated with the programs, relative to the FAA. Based on this analysis, the incumbent makes recommendations to management as appropriate. The incumbent reviews new or proposed laws, regulations, policies, rulings, etc. to identify any impacts on the management of assigned programs and projects involving investigations, inspections, analysis, and enforcement activities. Based on the identified impacts, the incumbent may recommend alternatives, changes, revisions, etc. to assigned program processes, policies and regulations to eliminate program risks and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program's performance. Demonstrates flexibility and leadership in the performance of work activities, which encourage cooperation and joint efforts of stakeholders. Establishes and maintains appropriate liaison with the FAA, aviation industry, government officials, and law enforcement agencies essential to the program's effectiveness. Explores alternatives when resolving issues, identifies program improvement opportunities to include evaluating feedback, and uses tact and diplomacy when communicating solutions. The incumbent works collaboratively with line of business personnel to educate those asked to assist with the investigative process. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a mentor to guide, train, and transition program duties to the new special program investigators joining the section. The incumbent exercises a high degree of personal initiative in the accomplishment of assigned duties within the established guidance and policies and receives direction related to the program goals and objectives from the section manager. The incumbent is independently responsible and accountable for planning, managing, implementing, evaluating, and coordinating work necessary to meet program goals and objectives. Work accomplished is thorough, complete, and objective, and recommendations and decisions are accepted as technically sound. Management is kept informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications concerning funding, management, personnel problems, solutions, and program activities.