Pilot
Job Title: Pilot
Department: US National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Agency: Dryden Flight Research Center
Sub Agency: FLIGHT CREW BRANCH
Job Announcement Number: DF11D0001
Salary Range: $107,701.00 - $140,008.00 /year
Open Period: Friday, October 08, 2010 to Monday, October 18, 2010
Series & Grade: GS-2181-14
Position Information: Full-Time Term appointment NTE 2 years
Promotion Potential: 14
DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: Kern Cty & Dryden Edwards AFB
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
This announcement is open to all qualified U.S citizens.
JOB SUMMARY:
NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands. Creativity. Ambition. Teamwork. A sense of daring. And a probing mind. That's what it takes to join NASA, one of the best places to work in the Federal Government.
Piloting aircraft used in research, development, and test programs related to new aircraft concepts and advanced aircraft systems.
Selective Factor: Minimum of 1000 flight hours in a U-2 aircraft are required. If applicant does not show required minimum number of hours, they are ineligible for further consideration.
NASA uses the USAJobs resume as the basic application document. NASA limits resumes to the equivalent of about six typed pages, or approximately 22,000 characters (including spaces). You cannot complete the application process if your USAJobs resume is too long. More information about the NASA application process is also available under the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Position subject to pre-employment background investigation
U.S. citizenship is required
This is a drug-testing designated position
Position subject to a pre-employment drug test
Position subject to random drug testing
Frequent travel may be required
Duties
Additional Duty Location Info:
Kern Cty & Dryden Edwards AFB
Serves as a Project Pilot on research platform aircraft that are used for research in a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines. Pilots new or critically modified models, such as aircraft with newly designed systems that materially change the flight characteristics of the aircraft or require certification in the type of aircraft. Will be assigned to fly large four-engine jets, two-engine jets, or turboprop aircraft and unmanned or remotely piloted aircraft. These aircraft fly a wide variety of missions.
Will accomplish world-wide atmospheric and earth science research flights in support of the Center's Airborne Science and Aeronautical research programs. Missions often require intense preparation, flight planning, and in-flight coordination during flights with multiple aircraft participating in research campaigns.
Performs duties as a Project Pilot for programs which have national impact and encompass difficult and diverse functions or issues that affect critical aspects of major agency-wide programs. Performs preflight planning, inspections and checks of the aircraft systems; performs weight & balance and performance computations, takeoff and landing data, navigation and clearances, monitors the operation of aircraft systems throughout the flight; and controlling aircraft environmental systems. Coordinates the operation of the aircraft experiments with the mission director and controlling agencies.
The pilot develops and/or modifies aircraft operating procedures to accomplish the research objectives. These may include procedures that enable the aircraft to operate safety outside the normal altitude and temperature ranges. Prepares and conducts training for the aircrew and researchers aboard the aircraft. May assist test pilots during developmental test flights of new systems or equipment on Airborne Science aircraft.
Qualifications and Evaluations
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
The work requires a detailed knowledge of, and extensive experience in, aircraft operations, fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft. Knowledge of and proficiency in aeronautical engineering and related engineering and scientific fields is highly desired.
Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.
Specialized experience is defined as that which has given the applicant knowledge of world-wide aircraft operations, flight test programs, and testing evaluation techniques/procedures. Please describe your experience fully in your resume to include experience with large aircraft, U-2 or unmanned aircraft.
Must possess a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot certificate with an Airplane rating or the appropriate military rating.
Type ratings in the B747, DC8, or G-1159 (Gulfstream) are highly desired.
Must possess a current first-class medical certificate or equivalent, in accordance with FAA regulations at time of appointment.
Resume must show flight experience to include documentation to show possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements in manned aircraft, including recency of flight experience as follows (refer to OPM Operating Manual for GS-2181: Aircraft Operations Series requirements):
1500 hours Total Flight Time Required
1750 hours Total Flight Time Desired
1500 hours Pilot-In-Command with 500 pilot in command in a transport or bomber class aircraft with a gross weight of at least 100,000 pounds.
75 hours Night Flying
100 hours Flying Time, Last 12 months
Minimum of 1000 flight hours in a U-2 aircraft is a selective factor. Applicant must have minimum numbers of hours or they will be ineligible for further consideration.
Completion of a flight test course such as a military flight test school or the FAA flight test pilot course, or at least 1 year of experience either flight testing aircraft for engineering approval (civilian or military) or analyzing aircraft performance data is highly desired.
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major field of study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is highly desired, but not required.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Resumes will be rated by an automated system (Resumix) that matches the competencies extracted from the candidate's resume to the competencies identified by the selecting official for the position. Candidates will be evaluated on the competencies they possess that are directly related to the duties of the job, as described in the announcement. Candidates should refer to NASA's Applicant Guide for assistance in developing a complete resume, as NASA will not accept separate KSA statements."
Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality levels based on the degree to which their competencies meet the duties required. A human resources specialist will validate the qualifications of those candidates eligible to be referred to the selecting official. For the purpose of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), candidates rated in the top quality level are considered well-qualified.
Benefits and Other Info
BENEFITS:
NASA offers excellent benefit programs and competitive salaries. To learn more about pay and benefits at NASA, click HERE.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Any applicant tentatively selected for this position may be required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. See "How You Will Be Evaluated" for definition of well qualified.
Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP consideration must indicate their eligibility when applying for a position. The USAJOBS resume asks you to identify your ICTAP eligibility; the NASA Supplemental Information asks you to identify your CTAP eligibility. If you are selected for the position, you must be prepared to submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
In order to receive preference in hiring, you must clearly identify your claim for veterans preference on your resume. NASA's Applicant Guide provides the information needed to assist you in determining whether or not you can claim 5 or 10 point veterans preference. You should not submit documents to prove your eligibility for veterans preference at this time. However, you must be prepared to submit proof of veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, SF-15 plus proof required by that form) as requested by the Human Resources Office. Veterans preference will only be considered based on what is supported. For instance, if you claim 10-point preference, but are only able to document 5-point preference, you will be considered accordingly. If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, we may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.
Your USAJOBS account asks you to assign a name to each of your resumes. When you apply to a NASA position, we will show you the text of the resume you have submitted, but we do not maintain the name you have assigned to that resume. If you wish to keep track of that information, we recommend you make note of it at the time you apply.
Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and will be subject to random drug tests while occupying the position.
Identification of promotion potential in this position does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher level duties.
Allowable relocation expenses will be made to any applicant selected from outside the commuting area.
Any individual selected for this position must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Frequent travel may be required.
Incumbent may be required to fly long missions including evenings, weekends and overtime.
This appointment may be extended beyond the initial appointment date, for a period not to exceed a total of six years.
Under the NASA Flexibility Act of 2004, individuals appointed under this announcement may be converted to permanent appointment, either non-competitively or through internal agency competitive placement procedures. Conversion is not guaranteed, and term conversion eligibility is contingent on the employee meeting all legal requirements.
