Principal Standards Officer

About the opportunity

The Principal Standards Officer (PSO) (Flight Operations Policy) is an exciting position that covers the formulation, development and maintenance of policies, safety regulations and associated guidance material in relation to all operational aspects of Flight Operations.

The PSO (Flight Operations Policy) key duties includes, but is not limited to:

• Conducting detailed research, undertaking risk assessments, collecting and analysing safety data, and developing safety policies and guidelines that supports the preparation of policy proposals.
• Recommending policy proposals relating to flight operations standards and regulatory change matters.
• Developing consultation advisory documents and post-consultation decision documents that include analysis of consultation responses.
• Developing guidance documents that support stakeholders to interpret the intent of legal instruments with the support of the CASA Legal staff.
• Providing high level technical interpretation, advice and guidance on Australian and international aviation rules and policy within their areas of responsibility.
• Conducting assessments of regulated entity applications for approvals or exemptions specific to the flight operations rules.
• Developing and maintaining CASA's long term strategic plan relating to the Australian flight operations rules.
• Providing professional (as distinct from administrative or career) oversight and review of work conducted by other Standards Officers in the Operations Standards section. This is a professional leadership, mentoring and oversight role and will operate under minimal guidance
• Establish and maintain professional and effective relationships with other aviation regulatory authorities, foreign government agencies, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other international representative organisations as necessary on the technical safety standards relating to Flight Operations.
• Managing CASA responses to ICAO flight operations protocols and corrective actions and present that information to relevant stakeholders or delegates through high quality reports with clear recommendations, identifying any risks and/or systemic issues.
• Represent CASA when required national and international forums.

Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate must demonstrate the following:

• Extensive experience in the leading of regulatory and standards development projects and tasks, including an understanding of government policies, funding arrangements, and economic impacts.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, analysis, problem solving, judgement, and decision-making and apply technical knowledge and expertise on complex to highly-complex matters and/or unusual matters, anticipating future consequences or outcomes, and develop long-term plans that maximise opportunities and minimise risk.
• Ability to work under broad direction from CASA in accordance with established regulatory practices, operational needs, procedures, and assigned delegations.
• Ability to actively engage in effective stakeholder management, including with regulated entities, on sensitive and complex issues requiring conflict resolution within constrained time limits.
• Advanced working knowledge of Australian aviation safety legislation and guidance materials, and other aviation regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
• Advanced working knowledge of Australia's ICAO compliance requirements relevant to flight operations policy.
• Operational management experience in flight operations or national aviation authority management experience.

Qualifications and licenses

Mandatory

• 8+ years' experience in flight operations
• High level understanding of flight operations regulations in Australia's civil aviation legislation and their application in a regulatory environment.
• Hold or have held the following an Australian Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane or Helicopter Category Rating).
• In-depth understanding of Australia's
  Civil Aviation Act 1988
  (the Act), and relevant CASRs and CARs, guidance materials and other legislation or similar aviation regulatory regime.

Desirable

• Experience in people leadership and/or management.
• Experience in leading technical writing projects.
• Understanding of and previous involvement in financial management.

Eligibility Requirements

Employment with CASA is subject to conditions prescribed within the
Civil Aviation Act 1988
. The following eligibility requirements apply to this position:

Must:

• High level understanding of flight operations regulations in Australia's civil aviation legislation and their application in a regulatory environment.
• Hold or have held the following an Australian Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane or Helicopter Category Rating).
• The position's occupant must be an Australian citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain the required
• level of security clearance as required.Undertake and pass a pre-employment alcohol and drug test as part of CASA's Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Directive and Procedure.

Affirmative Measures

This vacancy is being advertised
concurrently
under a general and an affirmative measure recruitment process.

Affirmative measures is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people or people living with a disability, evidence will be requested if your application progresses under an affirmative measures process.

About us

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas.

CASA is committed to having a flexible and inclusive workplace and recognises and values the diversity of the wider Australian community.

We encourage and welcome applications from people with Disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

Culture and benefits

We value our people. CASA values social and cultural diversity and is committed to a safe workplace. We are committed to the attraction, recruitment and retention of Indigenous Australians and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

CASA is committed to attaining and retaining the highest quality of skilled professionals and providing a desirable work environment in which they can maximise their talent and potential. We provide rewarding careers, promote work-life balance and support professional and personal development.

Contact Officer for enquiries:
Scott Watson I I

Closing Date for Applications:
9am AEST Tuesday, 30 September 2025

For full details and information on the role please visit the Careers | Civil Aviation Safety Authority ). Applications for all CASA vacancies must be submitted through the CASA e-Recruitment portal.