The 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.
Starting at $123,884 Per Year (FV J)
