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Air Traffic Control Specialist, Support Specialist (MSS-1, Level 12)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Western Service Center, Quality Control Group, Operations Evaluation Team, AJV-W130 (W290)

Summary

Serves as a Staff Support Specialist, in the Western Service Center, Quality Control Group, Operations Evaluation Team, providing guidance and support to Terminal and/or EnRoute facilities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/07/2026 to 04/21/2026
Salary
$173,033 - $228,000 per year

Salary shown includes 31.57% locality payment for Des Moines, Washington.

Pay scale & grade
AT LI
Location
Des Moines, WA
few vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Travel Required
75% or less - The job may require up to 75% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
NA
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes - This position is represented by NATCA: Staff Support Specialists.
Announcement number
ANM-AT-26-QCG-97876
Control number
864081700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees within the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) only.

Duties

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Serves as a Staff Support Specialist (MSS-1) at the Western Service Center. Responsible for tactical, strategic, and administrative support of multiple program areas such as training, quality control, quality assurance, traffic management, airspace and procedures, plans and programs, operational automation, military operations, special and security operations, safety management system, safety reporting and other areas of specialty identified collaboratively at the local level. The work requires a comprehensive knowledge of the ATC field and familiarization with the many integral components of the industry which comprise the National Airspace System. Specialists must have the ability to apply this knowledge to the analysis, evaluation and development of new methods, studies, approaches, and procedures. The Staff Support Specialist must be knowledgeable of agency wide programs, facility goals and objectives. Must be able to communicate clearly and tailor their message to the target audience. While not required, hardware/software experience is desirable. Some travel will be required.

For the assigned Facility/Duty Location:

1. Performs daily functions of maintaining and or improving operational material and or resources within the assigned area(s) of specialty.

2. Communicates intra / inter facility as well as among various lines of business and industry.

3. Makes recommendations for new projects/studies, taking into account available resources and the accomplishment of facility goals and objectives.

4. Applies expertise toward the completion of projects/studies and facility reports.

5. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of equipment, facilities, and procedures.

6. Conducts investigations, evaluations, and briefs facility personnel.

7. Develops methods to improve customer service and the quality of support provided.

8. Collaborates freely among facilities, provides feedback and consults with other Staff Support Specialists regardless of duty location.

9. May perform duties outside of the facility commensurate with grade and experience.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Interviews may be conducted.
  • Must submit the 3330-43-1; this no longer has to be signed by the applicant or manager.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you:

1. Must have held an FAA 2152 FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks);

OR

2. Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility (Note: an employee who has been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility that is upgraded is considered to meet qualification requirements of the upgraded position, since he or she has been performing the higher-graded work);

OR

3. Must have held an MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility (see note above).

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Preview job questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

Career Enhancement/Career Progression: In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position may be a Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee(s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.

Interview Policy: If the agency decides to interview any qualified applicant on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed.

Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a Moderate Risk Background Investigation (Tier 2) background investigation prior to appointment, unless waiver is obtained.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.



IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Agency contact information

David Lassen
Phone
1 (206) 231-4039
Fax
1 (206) 231-4150
Email
david.lassen@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
ANM Regional HR Services Branch
2200 S. 216th St.
AHF-N210
Des Moines, WA 98198
US

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