Explore how your federal experience as a Air Safety Investigating (GS-1815) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Safety Assistant, Aviation Safety Coordinator, Junior Safety Analyst | Assists senior staff in conducting safety investigations, gathers data, prepares reports, and maintains investigation files. Supports the compilation of safety statistics and assists in the analysis of safety trends. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Safety Investigator, Aviation Safety Specialist, Safety Compliance Officer | Conducts investigations of aviation incidents and accidents, collects evidence, analyzes data, and prepares detailed investigation reports. Collaborates with other safety professionals and participates in safety audits and inspections. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Lead Safety Investigator, Safety Program Manager, Aviation Safety Consultant | Leads investigative teams on aviation incidents, develops safety program strategies, coordinates safety investigations, and provides expert testimony in hearings. Engages with stakeholders to improve safety protocols and compliance measures. | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| 10-11 | Senior Safety Investigator, Aviation Risk Manager, Safety Operations Director | Oversees the aviation safety investigation process, manages complex investigations, develops risk management policies, and implements safety improvement initiatives. Evaluates safety performance metrics and reports to upper management. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| 12-13 | Chief Safety Engineer, Aviation Safety Director, Safety Program Executive | Directs all aspects of the aviation safety program, ensures compliance with federal regulations, allocates resources to safety investigations, and leads strategic safety initiatives. Interfaces with executive leadership to communicate safety priorities and program effectiveness. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Safety, Senior Director of Aviation Safety, Chief Safety Officer | Sets the vision for the organization's aviation safety culture, develops comprehensive safety policies, allocates budget resources, and represents the organization in national safety standards discussions. Oversees a team of safety professionals and coordinates interdepartmental safety efforts. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Executive Vice President of Safety, SVP of Aviation Safety and Compliance, Chief Operating Officer for Safety | Provides executive leadership of the organization's safety strategy, aligns operational goals with safety initiatives, and develops cross-functional partnerships to enhance safety and compliance. Advocates for safety initiatives on the executive level, influencing policy and regulatory changes. | $200,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
The CSP certification demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and skill in safety management, which is crucial for an Air Safety Investigator. Having this certification can distinguish an applicant in the civilian sector, showcasing their commitment to safety and ability to reduce risks in aviation environments.
Aviation Safety and Security Certification (Aviation Safety Officer Certification)
This specialized certification focuses on safety management systems and risk assessment in the aviation industry, making it directly relevant to the knowledge required in the GS-1815 series. It enhances an individual's profile in the civilian market, presenting them as a qualified candidate with specific expertise in aviation safety protocols.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Certification
This certification equips professionals with the necessary skills to conduct thorough investigations into aviation accidents, aligning perfectly with the responsibilities of the GS-1815 job series. In the civilian sector, this credential can set candidates apart by demonstrating their capability to handle complex investigations with essential technical understandings.
Safety Management System (SMS) Certification
SMS certification provides a framework for managing safety in aviation and is increasingly recognized in the civilian job market, especially among companies that prioritize safety. This credential signals to employers that a candidate has not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise in implementing safety programs.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Achieving a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt demonstrates proficiency in process improvement and efficiency, skills that are valuable in both government and civilian aviation roles. This certification can enhance an applicant's ability to streamline safety investigations and recommendations in the private sector, making them a competitive choice.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
A PMP certification highlights strong project management skills essential for coordinating safety investigations and ensuring compliance with regulations. In the civilian realm, this certification is highly regarded and can help candidates stand out as capable leaders, effectively managing complex aviation safety projects.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Inspector (Air Carrier)
Being certified as an FAA Safety Inspector ensures a deep understanding of federal aviation regulations, which directly translates to civilian roles where compliance is crucial. This certification can reassure potential employers of a candidate's expertise and familiarity with industry standards and regulations.
Master of Science in Aviation Safety
With a focus on advanced safety concepts and risk management specifically tailored for aviation, this advanced degree provides comprehensive knowledge that can significantly enhance a candidate's qualifications. In the civilian sector, possessing such a degree will often signify an individual's commitment and expertise in the field, making them a more attractive hire for aviation firms.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-1815 Air Safety Investigating role to a private sector job can be a significant shift, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Here are some comprehensive insights to help you navigate this transition:
Embrace Change: The transition from public to private sector often requires you to let go of the stability associated with federal employment. Embrace this change as an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences.
Be Open to Learning: In the private sector, processes may differ from what you’re accustomed to in your federal role. Stay open-minded and willing to adapt to new methodologies or technologies.
Value Your Experience: Your federal background has equipped you with unique skills and insights. Confidence in your skills is crucial; remember that what you bring to the table is valuable to potential employers, even if it doesn’t align perfectly with their traditional expectations.
Translate Your Skills: Start by converting your federal job titles and duties into language that resonates with the private sector. Use action verbs and avoid using federal jargon. For example, instead of "Conduct investigations and ensure compliance with federal safety regulations," you might say, "Led investigations to enhance aviation safety and ensure corporate compliance with industry regulations."
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills that are transferable, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and risk management. These are highly valued in the private sector.
Quantify Achievements: Employers love numbers. Whenever possible, use metrics to emphasize your accomplishments. For example: "Successfully led a team in conducting 20 safety investigations annually, resulting in a 15% reduction in aviation incidents."
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application, aligning it closely with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to ensure that your resume matches what the hiring managers are looking for.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: The private sector often uses behavioral interviews to assess candidates. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in action. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Show Enthusiasm: Employers look for candidates who are genuinely interested in their company and role. Do your research on the employer and express your enthusiasm for their mission and how you can contribute.
Practice Common Questions: Be ready to answer common interview questions like "How do you handle conflict?" or "Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision." Relate your answers back to your federal experience where applicable.
Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer that demonstrate your interest in the company’s culture, challenges, and future direction. This not only shows that you’re engaged but also helps you determine if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.
Leverage Existing Connections: Reach out to former colleagues or contacts who have made similar transitions. They can provide insights and possibly refer you to relevant job openings.
Join Relevant Professional Organizations: Many organizations focus on aviation safety and investigation in the private sector. Join these groups to meet industry professionals and learn about job opportunities.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, seminars, or workshops related to your field. Not only can these events provide valuable learning opportunities, they also allow you to connect with potential employers and other professionals.
Utilize LinkedIn Effectively: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your transition goals. Engage in discussions and follow companies that interest you. Share articles or insights related to aviation safety to increase your visibility as a knowledgeable candidate.
Understand the Business Context: Research typical roles within private companies that utilize safety investigators. Understand the business implications of safety and how it affects profitability, corporate reputation, and customer satisfaction.
Frame Your Experience: When discussing your federal experience, frame it to highlight its relevance to the private sector. For instance, if you led teams or managed projects, emphasize your leadership and project management skills as they relate to driving business results.
Use an Industry Lens: Think about how your experiences can be positioned to speak to industry-specific challenges. For instance, stress how your work has helped aviation evolve in safety measures and how that knowledge can benefit the private sector.
Transitioning to the private sector may seem daunting, but by approaching this process with a thoughtful mindset, a well-tailored resume, solid interview preparation, strategic networking, and effective translation of your federal experience, you can significantly enhance your prospects.
You possess a wealth of skills and knowledge that can contribute tremendously to any organization. Stay positive and proactive throughout this journey, and remember to celebrate each small success along the way.