Summary

This position is located within the FAA Office of Audit and Evaluation (AAE), Office of Whistleblower Ombudsman Division (AAE-200) a congressionally mandated responsibility. AAE is the primary focal point for the assessment and initiation of investigations of aviation safety-related disclosures or complaints and those alleging fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement or misconduct related to FAA programs, personnel, organizations or facilities.

Duties

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Coordinates with the Whistleblower Ombudsman on the matters listed below to appropriately address the handling and management of whistleblower disclosures and matters related to whistleblower retaliation. Ensures whistleblower safety-related disclosures and claims of retaliation are prioritized by potential safety or other risk.

Engages in preliminary fact-finding and interviews with minimal supervision. Monitors cases in coordination with the Whistleblower Ombudsman to ensure proper accountability of actions taken or not taken by management for investigations surrounding whistleblower retaliation at all levels and actions on all safety-related investigations. May participate in investigations delegated to the office by the Office of Inspector General, Office of Professional Responsibility, Office of Special Counsel or other matters delegated by the Director. Performs assignments under the minimal direction of the Supervisory Whistleblower Ombudsman or Assistant Whistleblower Ombudsman.

Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to his/her discipline, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems.

Contacts are internal and external. Collaborates and coordinates with multiple Lines of Business (LOB) and Staff Office (SO) stakeholders to facilitate or ensure appropriate action or resolution or during the course or review of an investigation to obtain access to LOB/SO records. Prepares written memoranda related to recommendations, advice and summary of findings. Demonstrates interpersonal skills needed to develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, to include whistleblowers. Actively participates with stakeholders to identify and meet goals and objectives.

Maintains the confidentiality of Agency personnel and other complainants and shall not disclose the identity of individuals who submit a disclosure or information unless, a.) the individual consents to the release of their identity in writing, or b.) the Director of AAE determines, in the course of an investigation, that the disclosure is required by regulation, statute, or court order, or is otherwise unavoidable, in which case the Director shall provide the individual reasonable advanced notice of the disclosure.

Assists in the coordination of investigative and other matters of interest with the AAE's Aviation Safety Investigators and Analyst, Office of Chief Counsel, Office of the Inspector General, and/or Office of Professional Responsibility related to retaliation for whistleblowing, as appropriate.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.

Qualifications

To be considered for the I Band: Applicant must demonstrate at least one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to the next lower grade/pay band (FG/GS-12/FV-H) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:

• Experience providing advice on whistleblower retaliation law, and;
• Experience interviewing employees regarding sensitive matters.

To be considered for the J Band: Applicant must demonstrate at least one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to the next lower grade/pay band (FG/GS-13/FV-I) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:

• Experience providing advice to senior officials on whistleblower retaliation law, and;
• Experience interviewing employees regarding sensitive matters, and;
• Experience performing/reviewing investigations related to retaliation.

You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.*

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Leadership & Management Dimensions and/or Technical Requirements listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical; or (4) priority grouping referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.

Position may be subject to a background investigation.

A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

NOTES:

1. This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about Core Compensation is available at: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits.

2. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each Managerial Selection Factor.

In lieu of providing a narrative response in the text box listed below each Managerial Selection Factor, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.

3. This Level 2 (Non-Critical Sensitive; Secret) position requires favorable adjudication of an Access National Agency Check and Inquiries (ANACI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

4. This announcement is limited for the receipt of applications. Once at least 50 applications are received, it will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on that date, or on the initial closing date, whichever occurs first.

5. Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.