The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) UAS Integration Office (AUS) is responsible for leading FAA’s efforts to safely integrate UAS, advanced air mobility (AAM) and other new entrant operations into the U.S. National Airspace System. AUS serves as the initial point of contact for entities regarding operational requirements, UAS registration, and collaborative efforts to find solutions to operational and technical challenges to advance new entrant integration efforts.
Duties
This position serves as an Environmental Protection Specialist applying environmental concepts, laws, practices, analytical and diagnostic methods and techniques to address technical issues and problems, particularly in matters involving the application of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The Environmental Protection Specialist performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities, performs project management and analytical tasks. Possesses knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act to provide support on the implementation of agency wide environmental policy and guidance.
Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge of the principles and methods of administering environmental protection programs and the laws and regulations related to environmental protection activities for new entrant transportation technologies such as drones, advanced aerial mobility (AAM) and commercial space. Prepares appropriate documentation for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews of proposed Agency actions for new entrant transportation technologies that may be complex, unusual, programmatic, or precedent setting; such, environmental documents and studies must be in accordance with applicable environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations, as well as Agency policy.
Coordinates within FAA lines of business to develop a strategy to assess the scope of proposed Federal actions and ensure that appropriate level of environmental review is conducted (i.e., Categorical Exclusion (CATEX), Environmental Assessment (EA), or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)), and that compliance with special purpose environmental laws is addressed and integrated into the NEPA process. Assists in scope development for contractor resources supporting environmental review and documentation activities.
Researches technical, policy or procedural issues to develop plans and techniques to improve programs and policies. Identifies problems and recommends alternative solutions that meet Federal requirements, the mission of the Office and LOB, as well as appropriate consideration of local or applicant needs. Plays a lead role in drafting, reviewing, and editing reports or request for proposals, cost estimates, statements of work (SOW) for final approval prior to external distribution. Presents briefings to obtain consensus/approval on environmental reviews associated with policies and/or proposals for federal action received by the agency or proposals developed by the agency to advance integration of new entrants.
Participates in a broad range of environmental evaluations in support of individual operational approvals, programmatic actions, rulemakings, and the subsequent development of findings and recommendations. Provides technical guidance and instructions to stakeholders on a wide variety of information that should be considered when analyzing environmental impacts or conditions and elements of new entrant technologies that may be complex or unusual.
Collaborates and coordinates with inter-intra government agency organizations and stakeholders in the aviation industry to accomplish work. Communicates technically complex information in a manner that is easy to understand by a diverse audience.
Work is reviewed rarely, typically though status reports and at project completion, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities typically impact directly on the objectives of one or more major subdivisions or LOBs/SOs and may impact on the objectives of the FAA. In some areas, the work may affect the safety and security of customers.