Position Summary:
As an Operations Research Analyst, the incumbent of this position provides technical advice and guidance based on complex financial formulas and other quantitative measures and metrics, to FAA, the Department of Transportation, Congress and aviation industry stakeholders regarding the development of new legislative and policy proposals, and the implementation of existing grant law and policy.
Key Responsibilities:
Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, team leader or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities. Provides advice and guidance on interpretation and direction for the implementation of Airport Grants programs. Regularly performs invoice and reimbursement requests reviews. Responsible for achieving/maintaining a high level of technical analysis, professionalism, national quality control, public and Congressional confidence in the FAA’s management of programs that award grants to airport sponsors.
Applies comprehensive knowledge and experience in operational research to design and maintain financial models reflecting the interaction of complex legislative provisions; and produces analyses pertaining to the use of Federal funds. Performs scientific work that involves designing, developing, and adapting mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques. Develops analytical methods as necessary to evaluate technical issues related to construction, operations, maintenance, life-cycle costs and procurement requirements. Conducts research, quantitative analysis of airport operational issues and functional requirements to comply with statutory provisions.
Develops, reviews and evaluates legislative proposals or enactments, (including legislative proposals for Airport Grant programs) and provides technical advice and assistance to high level agency officials concerning the impact of legislative proposals developed by agency personnel, Congressional staff, or third parties. Interacts with senior Congressional Committee staff (in coordination with the Office of Government & Industry Affairs, the Office of Chief Counsel, and the Office of Budget) to provide technical drafting assistance relating to airport issues including engineering, construction, financial, procurement and environmental matters and to provide advice
and assistance to staffs regarding the legislative impacts on the Office of Airports, more than 3,300 airport sponsors, state aeronautical agencies and other airport industry stakeholders.
Interprets laws and regulations; the development of national policy and guidance; and the provision of technical advice on approaches to eligibility issues, formulas and general budgetary impacts on the full range of Office of Airports programs. Evaluates impacts of various financial scenarios on the FAA’s ability to fulfill safety, capacity and environmental initiatives. Analyzes (and assists the Office of General Counsel) with complex and controversial proposals for airport funding to assure consistency with applicable legal and policy requirements and assures technical validity, compliance with laws, regulations and policies and national quality control.
Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as a senior technical point of contact on projects, programs and other work activities. Communicates results to all levels internally (within an LOB/SO or across LOB’s/SO’s) and externally. Represents the FAA with other Federal agencies and state agencies, aviation industry organizations and at national meetings and conferences as the recognized senior technical point of contact on legal, regulatory, policy and program issues governing federal financial assistance for airports.
Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues but allow 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 requires. Provides national policy guidance on questions of national impact on federal regulatory requirements and financial assistance programs and new legislation affecting programs and related programs.
Required Education & Experience:
- Experience in determining project eligibility and justification consistent with federal program requirements.
- US Citizenship is required.
- Experience in developing curriculum and providing training on new program policies and operating procedures.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Multiple positions will be filled.
- Experience analyzing complex legislation; conducting technical research; and utilizing financial models and other quantitative tools to provide analysis and make recommendations to decision makers.
- Experience applying processes related to airport planning, engineering or other aspects of airport development, including Federal financial assistance programs.
- Experience in preparing reports, briefing and details documents for presentation to high level government officials, external entities, congressional staff, or other similar high-level officials.
- This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required.
- Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents)