Federal Position Descriptions
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Administrator

Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
Responsibility
Management Scope

The Federal Aviation Administration employs more than 45,000 employees and had a proposed budget of $15.8 billion in fiscal 2016.6

Primary Responsibilities

• Serves as the final authority for carrying out the appointment and employment of all FAA officers and employees (other than presidential and political appointees)
• Offers advice and counsel to the president on the appointment and qualifications of any administration officer or employee to be appointed by the president or as a political appointee
• Is responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of FAA property, services and equipment (49 U.S.C. § 106)
• Oversees the FAA’s daily operations, capital programs and modernization efforts7

• Serves as FAA’s chief executive officer

• Is responsible for the complex national system for aviation safety, airspace, and air traffic control and management

• Oversees the development and operation of a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft

• Manages the development, expansion and operations of airports throughout the U.S. and provides grants for airport development

• Guides the regulation of U.S. commercial space transportation

• Oversees the regulation of air navigation facilities’ geometry and flight inspection standards

• Encourages the development of civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology

• Oversees staff responsible for issuing, suspending or revoking pilot certificates

• Fosters cooperation among federal, state and local governments, carriers, labor and other interested persons to achieve transportation objectives

• Evaluates, develops and recommends courses of action, both policy- and budget-related, to the secretary, executive branch officials and Congress

• Ensures fiscal discipline and effective operations8

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Civilian status
• Experience in a field directly related to aviation
• Senior management experience at an organization of significant size9

• Knowledge and experience in transportation policy, with specific knowledge of aviation policy, operations and finance

• Strong and effective congressional relationships on key committees, and understanding of congressional and legislative processes

• Effective relationships and respect within the air industry in the United States10

Competencies

• Skilled manager and communicator

Past Appointments
  • Michael Huerta (2013 to present) – Deputy Administrator, FAA; President of the Transportation Solutions Group, Affiliated Computer Services; Managing Director, 2002 Olympic Winter Games11
  • J. Randolph Babbitt  (2009 to 2010) – Partner, Oliver Wyman; Member of Management Advisory Council, FAA; member of Internal Review Team, FAA12
  • Robert Sturgell (2007 to 2009) (acting) – Deputy Administrator, FAA; Senior Counsel, FAA; Senior Policy Advisor, National Transportation Safety Board13
AGENCY

Department of Transportation

Mission: To ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future2

COMPENSATION

Level II $179,700 (5 U.S.C. § 5313)4

REPORTS TO

Deputy Secretary and Secretary of Transportation5

SENATE COMMITTEE

Commerce, Science and Transportation

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Footnote
  1. Senate Commerce nominations website: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/nominations
  2. Partnership for Public Service position description
  3. Romney Readiness Project position description
  4. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
  5. Romney Readiness Project position description
  6. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1362468/000136246816000060/algt2016q1doc.htm
  7. OPM
  8. Romney Readiness Project position description
  9. Romney Readiness Project position description
  10. Romney Readiness Project position description
  11. https://www.faa.gov/about/key_officials/huerta/
  12. http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=60886966&privcapId=7185234
  13. https://www.faa.gov/about/bios/bios_sturgell.htm
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