Human Factors Scientist

DutiesThe Human Factors Scientist applies comprehensive technical knowledge of scientific principals related to human factors, industrial/ organizational psychology, safety and training to update and prioritize risk mitigation strategies that integrate human factors into the Air Traffic Organization. The Scientist performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of the manager. This work is a critical area of human performance and directly affects the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).As a principal technical specialist, the Scientist uses experience and comprehensive technical knowledge of human performance related factors such as human performance safety investigations and taxonomies, safety culture, and human performance management to research, analyze and lead teams in identifying and assessing issues involving safety culture, training performance and human performance. Solves complex problems and develops improved technical processes, systems or safety mitigations for the operational workforce. Considers the objectives of Safety and Technical Training and the ATO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing, and editing reports for final approval prior to external distribution. Develops and recommends innovative changes to NAS systems, equipment and procedures.Applies knowledge of program/project management principles to define, organize, and assign resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Allocates resources to accomplish large work activities within established schedules. Has a direct responsibility for program/project management. Develops plans for technical operations human performance management programs and activities. Develops plans to facilitate program reviews to predict potential issues and proposes recommendations to mitigate risks. Investigates, collects and analyzes human factors and performance data to identifies and assesses existing or potential issues, risks, and solutions involving human factors and performance in civil aviation operations. Examines the role of environmental, social, financial, emotional, and other health and wellbeing factors on human performance. Prepares results and conclusions; writes reports and presents findings which may address topics from training, selection, change management, ergonomics, industrial organizational psychology, educational psychology, and applied cognition. Develops plans, techniques and policies to address current and anticipated training problems and issues. Leads and contributes to focus groups, workshops and programs.Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as a senior technical point of contact for human factors and performance. Communicates results to all levels internally within AJI and externally with other FAA lines of business, other governmental agencies and private industry. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on policies. Works across functional and/or organizational lines to coordinate significant technical matters with representatives of external organizations. Supports the development of Human Performance Standards of Excellence for the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization.Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, the Scientist is allowed considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation require. The Team Manager rarely reviews work typically though status reports and at project completion to ensure technical compliance and alignment with requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities typically impact
directly on the objectives of one or more major subdivisions or LOB's/SO's and may impact on the objectives of the FAA.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentUS Citizenship is required.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required. QualificationsTo qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. This experience 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 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 using human performance related factors such as human performance safety investigations and taxonomies to lead teams in researching, analyzing, identifying and assessing issues involving safety culture, training performance and human performance.Experience developing techniques and plans to improved technical processes, systems or safety mitigations for the operational workforce.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.*Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or Selective Placement Factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; priority grouping; or (3) alphabetical, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.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.**Education
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: .Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.Degree: Behavioral or Social Science (or related disciplines appropriate to the position); or a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; or four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.*Applicants who are not currently in the 101 occupational series in the Federal Government and fail to provide a copy of an unofficial or official transcript will not receive consideration for this vacancy. If you do not have an official transcript (original, with the raised seal), you should contact your school immediately to request it.
Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional informationWe 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 U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.1) As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA 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.2) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: 3) Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.4) This Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust) position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.5) The selectee will be assigned to the Human Performance Team, AJI-3420.6) This announcement is also being advertised under VA #AWA-AJI-24-1220MN-93119. Please review both vacancy announcements before making an application to determine your eligibility to apply.This is not a bargaining unit position.Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA Help

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.
Review our benefitsEligibility 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.