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Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.  The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist provides staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on behalf of ALPA's Air Safety Organization (ASO) and other Association committees, Master Executive Councils (MECs), and National Officers, as assigned by the department Director or Manager.  Their specific focus is in the policy area of pilot training and qualification-encompassing air carrier training programs as well as student, private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and instructor certification.  Additionally, they serve as the subject matter expert in training conducted internationally, including ab initio training, as well as standards and recommended practices at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist effectively represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry safety officials on a routine basis, advocating on behalf of the Association's priorities from a policy perspective.  In coordination with relevant ALPA committees and staff members, they develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of pilot training issues.

They occasionally provide technical support to accident and incident investigations involving pilot training issues, Federal Aviation Administration/Transport Canada (FAA/TC) pilot certificate enforcement action cases, and other safety investigations within their policy area(s).

Travel:  Up to 20%; sporadically, travel, local and national, could be as much as 25% of the time.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace.  We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws.  We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, aeronautical science, or a closely related field required, from an accredited college or university; or, an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Three (3) years of progressive experience in civil aviation pilot training, pilot qualification programs, regulatory compliance, or a closely related area required, five (5) or more strongly preferred. 
• Experience in U.S. and/or Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs); national and international aviation standards related to pilot training and qualification.
• Pilot's license with an instrument rating and/or special knowledge or applicable expertise in the aviation industry strongly preferred.
• Experience engaging with federal advisory committees, aviation rulemaking committees, or international aviation organizations (ICAO, IFALPA) preferred.
• Expert knowledge of pilot training and qualification requirements at the air carrier level, including ATP, type rating, First Officer Qualification, and recurrent training standards a definite plus.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare guidance, training materials, policy summaries, and program documentation for pilot leadership use.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority projects under tight deadlines.
• Sound judgment and analytical thinking, with the ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, support sensitive volunteer work, and navigate issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and respond proactively to emerging needs or time-sensitive program issues.
• Must possess strong time management skills; be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel) and the ability to quickly learn new platforms or organizational systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including supporting volunteer coordination during incidents or time-critical events when needed.      

Physical Demands:

Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below. 

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.  Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally).  May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.).  While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs.  (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment.  No employee contribution required!  Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period; 
• Generous health care benefits on day one -  Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year; 
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
• Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
• Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE:  $ 97,948.00  -  $ 139,923.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position. 

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