These positions will serve within the Alaska Geographic Area of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Four positions being announced are the UAS Program Manager, Fixed Wing Operations Program Manager, Helicopter Program Manager, and an Aviation Safety Specialist. The aviation program supports fire suppression through aviation management expertise and coordination on safety, operations, investigations, training, and compliance.
Contact Victoria Leshuk @ victoria_leshuk@nps.gov for any questions.
Duties will be developmental if selected below the full performance level. As a Aviation Manager (Program Manager) -Direct Hire Authority your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Provides senior-level aviation management guidance and coordinates aviation safety, operations, investigations, training, and compliance across U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) units and assigned Department of Interioragencies.
Ensures aviation programs operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable Department of Interior, Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and U.S. Forest Service policies and regulations. Develops and oversees aviation safety training programs and evaluates performance to identify deficiencies, recommend corrective actions, and improve safety practices.
Supports accident prevention, safety reviews, investigations, and high-risk aviation operations by identifying hazards and recommending risk mitigation measures. Develops, reviews, and updates aviation policies, procedures, safety bulletins, manuals, and training materials. Evaluates new aviation technologies and coordinates their procurement, implementation, training, and use.
Conducts aviation needs assessments, develops cost estimates, supports budget planning, and monitors aviation funding and resource allocation. Reviews Project Aviation Safety Plans and assesses aviation mission risks to ensure appropriate mitigation measures and compliance with established standards. Specialized Functional Duties for position.
UAS Program Manager Applies knowledge of UAS operations, aircraft systems, regulatory requirements, and risk management to support the safe integration and use of UAS in wildland fire and all-hazard missions .Ensures operations comply with applicable policies, FAA requirements, and interagency standards Helicopter Program Manager Applies knowledge of helicopter operations, aircraft capabilities, and mission requirements to support rotor-wing activities such as helitack, aerial ignition, short-haul, hoist, cargo transport, and other special-use missions.
Evaluates operational effectiveness and provides technical guidance on safe and compliant operations Aviation Safety and Training Program Manager Supports aviation safety programs through safety reviews, hazard identification, risk assessments, and development of mitigation strategies. Develop, manage, and evaluate aviation training, qualification, and standardization programs for pilots, aircrews, managers, and aviation personnel.
Fixed Wing Operations Specialist Evaluates aircraft utilization, supports mission planning, and ensures operations are conducted in accordance with established aviation policies, standards, and safety requirements. Applies knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft operations and mission applications to support aerial supervision, reconnaissance, transport, and other aviation missions
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: There is no qualifying education for the 2101 series at the GW-13 grade level.
This position is with Office of the Secretary of the Interior, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $110315 – $165842/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-16.
There are 4 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-30 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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