Supervisory Program Specialist (Front Line Manager)

Federal Aviation Administration; Watkins (CO); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Aviation Administration in Watkins, Colorado seeks a Supervisory Program Specialist (Front Line Manager) to lead a unit, plan priorities, and drive the agency's aviation safety mission. The role emphasizes change sponsorship, stakeholder collaboration, and performance management across the Flight Standards organization.

Incumbent will direct work, mentor staff, and engage in strategic decision-making with upper management to ensure policy compliance and timely results in a complex

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and set priorities for a unit or team.
• Manage performance standards and provide feedback.
• Direct the work of subordinates; delegate tasks and oversee outcomes.
• Develop and sponsor change, address resistance, and build coalitions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across functions to meet organizational goals.

Job description

Supervisory Program Specialist (Front Line Manager)

• Department: Department of Transportation

Serves as a Front Line Manager within a Flight Standards organization. The incumbent will execute the Agency¿s aviation safety mission, while responsible for communicating and building change coalitions, seeking out opportunities to involve teams in supporting change across the organization, and employing best practices for sponsoring change and managing resistance.

Key Responsibilities

The Front Line Manager assists in the planning, organizing, setting priorities and allocation of work for a unit, group or team. Defines/redefines priorities as needed while meeting changing demands. Manages and monitors individual and unit, group, or team performance standards with organizational initiatives, goals, and objectives by providing feedback, acknowledging achievement, and addressing performance deficiencies.

Incumbent has authority and responsibility to make decisions and take action in the assigned program areas, subject to higher level manager's administrative review. Higher-level management reviews performance periodically by utilizing/reviewing work products, status reports, and organizational measures in place to ensure timeliness, policy compliance, and overall alignment with the Flight Standards Service.

Directs the work of subordinate employees at the organizational unit level creating appropriate expectations for achieving intended results. Managerial duties include planning, organizing, setting priorities; assigning and allocating work for a unit, group, or team; monitoring and evaluating performance; coaching and developing employee capabilities; approving leave; and taking or recommending corrective/disciplinary action, as appropriate.

Defines/redefines priorities as needed while meeting changing demands. Delegates the work that is appropriate for others under their direct supervision. Identifies relevant stakeholders associated with the work of the unit or branch and engages to receive feedback on unit performance, relationships and individual well-being. Creates partnerships exemplified by mutual respect, productive conflict, and effective action taking to address service issues.

Encourages teamwork within the unit or branch exemplified by ensuring individuals are working with others beyond their area of expertise, specialty or job role to collect and consider other views and perspectives. Applies advanced knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of the directed work, typically governed by established guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Faces challenges or barriers, taking time to consider and discuss a range of relevant views from direct reports, peers and others. Takes actions to address impediments to success for individuals, unit, or team. Creates, communicates and reinforces clarity of direction for individuals. Views questions from direct reports as opportunities to clarify direction, learn, and grow. Builds and maintains external stakeholder trust and confidence.

Works collaboratively to resource and achieve critical priorities effectively across functions and cultures. Works collaboratively with stakeholders and service providers in designing and providing a sound business case to next-level manager for fiscal and human resource needs that support individual direct reports and the unit, group, or team, aligning with the expectations of Flight Standards (FS).

Contacts are primarily within the organizational unit, major subdivision and the LOB/SO with subordinates, peers, and higher-level managers to discuss the status of projects/programs and to plan for the future. Contributes views, perspective, and experience as a member of the office, branch, or division leadership team. Anticipates changes that affect organizational vision, and assists in developing new policies and procedures.

Develops strategies to implement organizational change. Demonstrates a positive attitude to achieving results, quickly recovering from setbacks, and learning from experience. Modes creative thinking and innovation. Selects or recommends selection of non-supervisory employees for positions in the unit. Ensures direct reports are competent in their role and range of responsibility. Provides guidance and mentoring to enhance employee¿s knowledge and ability.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $95489 – $148037/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-09.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.