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Ntsb Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coordinating investigative efforts with NTSB, FAA and other investigative organizations to provide timely technical support both on site and remotely * Ensuring accident reports and related work ...

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152.07 - $241.16/hr

Perform and coordinate incident, accident, and irregular operations event investigations; work with local and onsite entities to include the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) when required

Perform and coordinate incident, accident, and irregular operations event investigations; work with local and onsite entities to include the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) when required

Director-Air Safety

Duluth, MN · On-site

$152K/yr

Perform and coordinate incident, accident, and irregular operations event investigations; work with local and onsite entities to include the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) when required

Perform and coordinate incident, accident, and irregular operations event investigations; work with local and onsite entities to include the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) when required

FELA Claim Agent

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

Confer with and assist in FRA, PTSB, PESH, and NTSB investigations and audits. Confer with and assist the Inspector General's Office in investigations and criminal prosecution. Confer with and assist ...

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Ntsb Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do ntsb investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for ntsb investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an NTSB Investigator?

An NTSB Investigator is a professional responsible for investigating transportation accidents, including those involving aviation, railroads, highways, marine, and pipelines. They analyze evidence, interview witnesses, examine wreckage, and determine probable causes to improve safety and prevent future incidents. Investigators work for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and often specialize in specific areas such as human performance, mechanical systems, or operational factors. Their findings contribute to safety recommendations and policy changes to enhance transportation safety nationwide.

What does an NTSB Investigator do?

As an NTSB Investigator, your workweek can vary greatly depending on ongoing cases, with many investigations requiring prompt travel to accident sites, sometimes on short notice. Much of your time will be spent in the field gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with local authorities and industry experts, followed by periods in the office dedicated to analysis and report writing. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, both internally and with external stakeholders, is a key part of the role. Travel can be frequent and sometimes extensive, especially during major transportation incidents, so flexibility and adaptability are important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an NTSB Investigator?

To thrive as an NTSB Investigator, you need a deep knowledge of accident investigation techniques, aviation or transportation systems expertise, and typically a relevant degree in engineering, science, or a similar field. Familiarity with specialized investigation tools, data analysis software, and certifications such as a pilot’s license or engineering credentials are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, clear written communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure thorough, unbiased investigations and accurate reporting that enhance transportation safety.

How to become an NTSB investigator?

To become an NTSB investigator, candidates typically need a background in transportation, engineering, or safety fields, along with experience in accident investigation or related disciplines. A bachelor's degree is usually required, and applicants often need to pass background checks and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills. Relevant certifications and knowledge of safety protocols can enhance prospects for employment in this role.

What do you need to be a NTSB investigator?

To become an NTSB investigator, candidates typically need a background in transportation, engineering, or safety fields, along with relevant work experience. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to conduct thorough investigations are essential, often supported by specialized training and certifications. Investigators usually work in a team environment and may require security clearances depending on the case.
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States with the most job openings for Ntsb Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ntsb Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

$126K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary
**SELECTEE WILL CONDUCT THE WORK FROM THEIR CURRENT APROVED OFFICIAL DUTY STATION**
This position will serve as a Branch Chief in the Special investigations Branch. The Special Investigations Brach focuses on investigations performed with only a few, strategic chosen, subject matter experts. The Branch also provides technical reconstruction support for all highway investigations.
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Duties
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As a Supvy Highway Accident Investigator,GS-1801-15, you will perform the following major duties:
  • Assists with the oversight of investigative projects including but not limited to reviewing reports and other work products of the staff; responsible for overall timeliness and quality of products, including technical accuracy and adequacy, investigative approach, issue identification based upon facts, thoroughness of analysis, and general presentation of such products.
  • Manages personnel, providing authoritative advice and guidance; assigns tasks to investigative staff; identifies and assesses the significant aspects of each investigation; participates in the identification and selection of safety issues; and plans, develops and initiates the investigative procedures, and the evidence to be preserved and its public dissemination.
  • Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Evaluates work performance of subordinates and appraises staff performance.
  • Assures that major emphasis of highway investigations are timeliness and quality and that investigation results achieve tangible safety improvements.
  • Participates in all planning meetings related to the investigation and the final report product and reviews drafts of the final report for technical accuracy, ensuring necessary changes are made and that all applicable safety issues are identified and addressed.
  • Initiates, maintains, and exchanges information with other federal agencies and international organizations, industry, labor, trade, and other interested officials through meetings, conferences, seminars, letters, reports, studies, briefings, and other similar methods.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (see "How to Apply" section.)
  • Suitability for Federal employment
  • Financial Interest in transportation enterprises will be evaluated on a case-by-case-basis.
  • Bargaining Unit Position: NO
  • Direct Deposit is required.
  • Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • You may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, upon entering the position and annually.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Two-Page Resume Limit: Resumes must not be more than two standard single-sided pages (or one page if submitting a front and back, hard-copy).
  • SELECTEE WILL CONDUCT THE WORK FROM THEIR CURRENT APPROVED OFFICIAL DUTY STATION.
  • The selectee is required to serve a probationary period upon initial appointment to a supervisory and/or managerial position.

Qualifications
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal Service.
Specialized Experience is experience in NTSB highway crash investigation protocols, procedures, and methodology as they relate to highway design, human performance factors, motor carrier factors, survival factors, and vehicle factors; and experience in successfully developing safety issues and safety recommendations as well as experience with the review of NTSB reports.
For more information see link: General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801 (opm.gov)
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your resume must clearly show the specialized experience and competencies related to this position. Failure to demonstrate how you possess the education, specialized experience and/or competencies will result in an "Ineligible" rating.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
  • If you left Federal Employment and received a buy out and you are selected for this position, you may be required to repay the full amount of the payment.
  • Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements identified below please visit https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/special-hiring-authorities/.
  • Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP eligibility criteria; (2) meet the basic qualification standards (including minimum educational and experience requirements; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 and above on the rating criteria for this position; and, (4) submit the appropriate documentation ( to support your CTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • NTSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
  • Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and various benefits as well as work life amenities such as alternate work schedules, telework, flextime, fitness and transit benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.