1 

POSITION

• Aircraft Mechanic, WG-8852-10

(Fixed Wing Single & Light Multi-Engine Piston Powered Airplanes)

SALARY

• WG-10 $31.18 to $36.46

New Hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the

grade selected.

DUTY LOCATION

• Mission, Texas

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT

• Permanent

NUMBER OF VACANCIES

• One (1)

PROGRAM AREA

• Plant Protection and Quarantine, Field Services, Aircraft and Equipment Operations

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional travel for training and work assignments

WHO MAY APPLY

• Non-competitive Hiring Authorities. Veterans – VRA or 30% or More Disabled

Veterans, Schedule A (persons with disabilities), Military Spouses, Peace Corps or Vista

Volunteers.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.

• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or

exempt.

• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.

• Successful completion of one-year trial period or probationary period as applicable.

• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have

federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
2

• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about EVerify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.everify.gov/

• Must be able to perform the duties of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated 

Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic

OVERVIEW

This position is part of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Plant Protection and Quarantine; 

Field Services, Aircraft and Equipment Operations. 

The incumbent serves as a journeyman fixed wing airplane mechanic responsible for performing 

inspections, maintenance, repairs, and/or alterations on fixed wing single and light multi-engine piston 

powered airplanes. The basic mission of AEO is to provide aircraft and equipment related planning, 

guidance, services, technology, and operational support for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Services’ (APHIS) programs and emergency pest outbreaks. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Tests, troubleshoots, removes, installs, aligns, and adjusts the oil, fuel, hydraulic, and

electrical systems of aircraft.

• Inspects, installs, replaces, and repairs airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, and

other components as necessary. 

• Performs all phases of aircraft structural repair and alteration, including sheet metal

structure, wood structure, steel tubing structure, and composite structure. Conducts

detailed 100-hour and annual inspections in accordance with manufacturer, FAA, and

APHIS established requirements to determine aircraft condition and airworthiness. 

• Troubleshoots, checks, and repairs aircraft systems and associated mechanisms through

connecting, adjusting, and operating test equipment and conducts ground functional tests of

aircraft systems, including piston engines, installed accessories, and avionics. 

• Traces and corrects electrical problems in various aircraft systems and makes aircraft alterations

to facilitate the installation of specialized equipment for research and development projects and to

support sterile insect technique programs. 

• Operates and maintains shop machinery and tools used to maintain and modify aircraft.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be graded on a series of Job Element related questions and multiple-choice 

answers. Your resume must support the following job elements: 

• Ability to do the work of a journeyman fixed wing airplane mechanic without more than

normal supervision.

• Ability to inspect.

• Ability to instruct.

• Ability to provide production support services.

• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair etc.
3

• You must be familiar with Department of Transportation FAA publications (Code of

Federal Regulations Part 14, Airworthiness Directives, Orders, Bulletins, Advisory

Circulars, Forms, etc.) and be able to work within the confines and compliance of such

oversight.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to submit the following items for consideration to

gary.a.rakow@usda.gov. Please list the Position Title in the subject line.

• Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact

information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as

described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of

employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications or certifications;

and 5) supervisors’ name and phone number for each work period listed and whether or

not they may be contacted for reference checks.

• When claiming Veterans' preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release

from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable

conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected

discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions within 120 days

after the date the certification is submitted.

• Disabled Veterans must also submit a VA Disability Letter (if applicable) for verification

of service-connected disability.

• Schedule A candidates must include a Schedule A Letter for eligible disabled persons. To

be eligible for Schedule A, you must provide a proof of a disability letter stating that you

have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. You

can get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational

rehabilitation specialist or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides

disability benefits. Letter must be on office Letterhead.

• Military Spouses must provide a copy of: Spouse ID card, Copy of Active-Duty spouses

military orders, and marriage certificate.

• Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteers must provide their NCE letter.

• Aircraft Maintenance training certifications to include transcripts and military Joint

Services Transcript as applicable.

Equal Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Privacy Act