Job opening: Aircraft Mechanic Inspector

Salary: $39 - 46 per hour

Published at: Jan 02 2024

Company: Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Employment Type: Full-time

The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.

Duties

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Office of Aviation Services (OAS), Alaska Regional Office (ARO), Aircraft Maintenance Division in Anchorage, Alaska. This position is a journeyman level inspector/mechanic fully qualified to perform maintenance, preventative maintenance, repair, alteration and airworthiness return to service on the DOI certificated light piston powered fleet aircraft. The incumbent serves as an employee of the Repair Station and is responsible to the Accountable Manager of the Repair Station (Chief of Aircraft Maintenance). The function of this position is to perform all facets of inspection, repair, alteration, and operational testing to make airworthiness determinations and effect the return to service of light general aviation piston powered fleet aircraft. At the full performance level (WG-11) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Performs duties of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Technician with Inspectors Authorization (IA). Performs periodic maintenance,100-hour/annual inspections and alterations on certified light general aviation piston powered aircraft operated by DOI. Conducts unscheduled line and heavy maintenance. Inspects and approves work completed by other service mechanics in accordance with FAA and DOI regulations and directives. Incumbent must have the ability to diagnose written and verbal communications regarding deficiencies in aircraft airworthiness or performance. When necessary, must be able to interact with pilots on a high level to develop an understanding of aircraft problems/discrepancies. Incumbent must have the technical skill and ability to start aircraft, conduct ground operational test, taxi tests, and accompany pilots on maintenance operational flights to validate/diagnose operational issues that may not be readily apparent during ground operations. Evaluates the possible effect of repairs and alterations on other structures, systems or prior alterations to insure the aircraft is at least equal to its original or properly altered condition. Makes diagnosis and solves malfunctions of aircraft systems and components by utilizing a wide variety of diagnostic equipment, studying layout drawings, blueprints, wiring diagrams and by analyzing constructional features and operating characteristics between aircraft and component interfaces. Performs all phases of aircraft structural repair and alterations, including sheet metal structure, wood structure, steel tubing structure, and composite structure to include fabric on certified light piston powered aircraft. Rigs and adjusts aircraft and aircraft components to specifications including engines, engine systems, propellers, primary and secondary control systems. Understands the theory of Weight and Balance. Traces and corrects electrical problems in various aircraft systems. Understands basic electrical circuitry and has a sound understanding of electrical principals. Must be familiar with Department of Transportation, FAA publications (Code of Federal Regulations Part 14, Airworthiness Directives, Orders, Bulletins, Advisory Circulars, Forms, etc.) and be able to work within the confines and compliance of such oversight. The Office of the Secretary has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework. This position is included in a bargaining unit. The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), Local 3820, is the exclusive representative of all employees in this bargaining unit. A recruitment incentive may be authorized at the discretion of the bureau. Salary Range Information: WG-11: $39.07 - $45.51 per hour. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lower salary range of the grade level. This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available. This vacancy is also announced as OS-6054-24-ETA-028(MP) for those applicants who wish to apply and be considered under Merit Promotion procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position you must meet the General Requirements, Medical Requirements, Inspection Requirements and the Conditions of employment for the grade to which you are applying. Your resume and responses to the self-assessment questions are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for this position. Therefore, it is important that your resume supports your responses to the assessment questions. Selective Placement Factor: You must possess a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Rating with current Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges OR qualified (per 14 CFR 65.91(1)(2)) and willing to obtain an IA within 6 months of employment. ** NOTE: Proof of A&P Rating and Inspection Authorization (IA) must be provided at the time of application or applicant may be found ineligible. If applicant is not currently in possession of an IA, applicant must be qualified and willing to obtain an IA within 6 months of employment or candidate will be found ineligible for position and terminated. As per 14 CFR 145, §145.155(a) (1), the incumbent must be thoroughly familiar with the applicable regulations and with the inspection methods, techniques, practices, aids, equipment, and tools of the article on which maintenance, preventative maintenance or alterations are being performed; Employment by the DOI's Repair Station requires the incumbent meet the summary of employment experience requirements per 14 CFR 145 with emphasis on: §145.161(a)(il) (ii) Total years of experience, the type of maintenance work performed, and §145.16 ·1(a) (4) (iii) past relevant employment with names of employers and periods of employment. Screen-Out Element: This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element will be found ineligible. The screen-out element for this position is: Ability to inspect incoming aircraft and aircraft components to verify discrepancies found during operational use and determine type and extent of repair required. Able to inspect proposed and completed maintenance actions performed by other mechanics to determine eligibility, applicability, and airworthiness of the repairs. Conducted and completed, to include release from maintenance for return to service, annual inspections, 100 hour inspections or phase inspections (all phases) on certificated light General Aviation piston powered aircraft maintained in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations. (Screen-out Element Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C; (e.g. WG-8800 Aircraft Overhaul Family). Note: Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, that you possess thorough experience, training and the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirement is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/TabF10.asp#WG-8800 Conditions of Employment: Driver's License: You must possess a valid Alaska or other state driver's license. ** You may be required to operate a government motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid Alaska or other state driver's license. **You are required to submit proof of the driver's license with your initial application. Physical Effort: You must be physically able to independently lift parts and equipment up to 20 pounds and lift and carry items up to 50 pounds as a routine job function. Inspections, alterations, and/or repairs are made from work stands or ladders. Incumbent may be required to climb, stand, stoop, and stretch. The incumbent may be required to perform work in hard-to-reach places and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. You must possess sufficient hearing, vision, and physical dexterity to fulfill the position of a journeyman Airframe and Powerplant technician with Inspectors Authorization. Working Conditions: Work is generally performed inside a heated hanger on concrete floors or on work stands/ ladders but working outside in adverse weather conditions will also be required. Subject to extremely loud noises during maintenance operations and engine run-up tests.The incumbent may be exposed to high winds, snow, sleet, rain, and temperatures in arctic conditions when performing emergency maintenance or repairs out-side. The incumbent is subject to falls, cuts, bruises, broken bones, fume inhalation, and the dangers of fire or explosion from high-octane gasoline or jet fuels. The incumbent may be required to operate away from assigned duty station for extended periods as determined by Accountable Manager of the Repair Station. The incumbent could be exposed to uncommon hours of duty that may require overtime commitments, including weekends on short notice and incidental travel to remote sites within the state of Alaska. Tools: Consistent within the industry, incumbent will provide own hand tools and personal power tools to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance both on and offsite, including, but not limited to component repair and overhaul as directed for Aircraft, engine and propellers, avionics, floats, wheels, skis, and other installed equipment. This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and is subject to future random drug testing. Physical Examination is required. Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation, and responses to the (Online Questionnaire) will be made. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Our review of your resume and/or supporting documentation must support your responses to the Online Questionnaire to accurately reflect your abilities. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.