SAFA Inspecting Officer

Salary: £38,454 up to £42,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: CTC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

The SAFA (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft) Inspecting Officer (IO) complements the work of the SAFA Principal and Inspectors in the overall Ramp Inspection Programme.

The Inspecting Officer (IO) is assigned the following responsibilities:

• Deputise for and assist the SAFA Principal / National Coordinator in planning the delivery of the ramp inspection programme of Safety Assessments of Foreign and National aircraft (SAFA / SANA)
• Define the annual ramp inspection and alcohol testing programme with the SAFA Principal, taking into account EASA and DfT requirements.
• Manage the delivery of the programme, monitoring progress on a daily basis, identifying any ad-hoc or high priority foreign operators that should be inspected
• Ensure agreed targets and KPIs are met, identifying and implementing corrective action as necessary
• Provide related information as required to other CAA departments on operators flying to, from and within the UK
• Moderating inspection findings for accuracy and standardisation purposes, monitoring operator responses and raising safety reports
• Preparation of minutes and presentations for internal / external meetings
• Administering access on the European SAFA database for new users
• Preparation and maintenance of training records
• Calibration of alcohol testing breathalyser equipment
• Liaison with Business Management department as required for PPE and airport security pass requirements
• Represent UK SAFA team at RICS meetings and other relevant EASA Working Group meetings
• Assist in the development of Technical Procedures where required
• Assist in supporting the undertakings of the EASA Standardisation teams
• Liaise with stakeholders such as DfT & EASA regarding SAFA Standardisation inspection process and outcomes where necessary.
• (When eligibility criteria is met) Qualify as a supporting SAFA inspector and conduct a minimum of 12 ramp inspections per year in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 in order to retain currency

About You

To be considered for the role you must have:

• Relevant experience (at least 5 years as defined in EASA regulations we are obliged to meet) in aviation, aviation regulation, engineering, or appropriate degree (aviation, aeronautical etc.). 
• Knowledge of aviation regulatory requirements.
• Ability to investigate and reach justified conclusions to an acceptable level.
• Self-starter, solutions focused, capable of working autonomously and using initiative.
• Ability to cope concurrently with a number of widely differing requests, which are continually subject to changing priorities (external and internal stakeholders).
• Excellent communication skills in English to be able to advise industry and colleagues at all levels of seniority with confidence, both orally and in writing.
• Excellent IT skills, specifically in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) .
• Excellent planning and organisation skills with experience of working to deadlines.
• Good time management skills.
• Adaptable and flexible approach.
• Delivering high quality results in a timely manner.
• Teamwork, collaboration and partnership, ability to deputise in managing the team.

What Can We Offer You?

An opportunity to join the UK’s SAFA team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The CAA provides flexible working options as well as training and development opportunities to support all employees.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 3 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property
 

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.
 

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values
 

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here
 

Closing Date: 8th April 2025

Interview Date: w/c 14th April 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.