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Air Traffic Control Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Organization. Safety and Technical Training, AJI-0

Summary

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Safety and Technical Training (AJI). This Service Unit is responsible for identifying, mitigating, and reducing risk in the National Airspace System (NAS) through reporting, data collection, education, and assessment. This is accomplished by four directorates that develop and implement data-driven, risk-based mitigation strategies that influence day-to-day NAS operations.


Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/14/2026 to 05/18/2026
Salary
$112,283 - $173,980 per year

The salary listed above does not include locality. Locality will be determined based on the duty location of the selectee.

Pay scale & grade
FV K
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
FAA Nationwide-Selectee Remains in Current Duty Location
1 vacancy
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
Secret
Drug test
No
Announcement number
AWA-AJI-26-3457TY-98479
Control number
869082400

Duties

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The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) serves as the Senior Technical Advisor to the AJI Vice President. The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) applies experience and expert technical knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations to provide national-level expertise on all AJI programs, policies, and issues. As the focal point for major programs or projects involving complex technical operational issues, the Senior Technical Advisor advises the Vice President on the impact of proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Air Traffic Organization (ATO) policies, agreements, highly sensitive and potentially controversial grievances, and adverse actions on National Airspace System (NAS) operations and procedures. This work directly impacts critical operational programs and impacts all components of the aviation industry and the NAS.

The ATCS use experience separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal or en route air traffic facility to serve effectively as project manager for projects involving the evaluation and analysis of aviation incident reports and data that cross all ATO operational Service Units, airports and the aviation industry. Uses project management principals to develop, maintain, and/or modifies project plans, schedule, and budget estimates as needed to meet program requirements. Leads team meetings to obtain project status ensuring schedules are adhered to and that tasks are assigned and completed. Develops project metrics to analyze and evaluate project progress, and identifies and implements improvements or changes as needed.

Plans and directs studies to develop solutions for complex issues and unique problems. Evaluates aviation safety management programs to facilitate and expedite the resolutions of issues brought to the Vice President¿s attention. Compiles and prepares staff findings from studies and advises senior management on recommendations and reports, focusing on complex issues that may negatively impact the Safety and Technical training programs.

Reviews responses and inquiries from Congress, Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Government Accountability Office (GAO), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or accuracy and consistency with existing policies. Coordinates responses involving significant issues that impact the effective operation of the NAS and develops new procedures and approaches, or recommends new policies. Analyzes and determines whether proposed recommendations conflict with existing ATO policies.

Develops and utilizes new and innovative approaches to identify, mitigate and reduce risk in the NAS. Evaluates technical issues generated through voluntary safety reporting programs to coordinate AJI's response to major aviation incidents and events and to recommend strategies to mitigate risk. Applies knowledge of air traffic control training and curriculum to recommend and evaluate proposed changes to enhance facility skills enhancement training efforts to ensure that work is integrated with organizational objectives and policies.

Contacts are internal and external to the Service Unit and include senior management, industry and external stakeholders, vendor representatives and representatives from national labor unions. The Senior Technical Advisor often represents the FAA at the national level as the focal point for major AJI projects. Recommends AJI position to senior management. Prepares and reviews reports or policies for internal and external distribution.

The Vice President and other Agency's managers accepts work products as technically authoritative, though work is reviewed for success in achieving desired results, effectiveness, and consonance with agency goals and objectives. As a recognized expert in the FAA, the Senior Technical Advisor works independently and exercises broad discretion to ensure that work is integrated with AJI, ATO and FAA objectives and policies.

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).
  • Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

Qualifications

Candidates must have one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-J or FG/GS-14) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:

  • Experience evaluating aviation safety management programs to facilitate and expedite the resolution of issues.
  • Experience developing project metrics to analyze and evaluate project progress, and identify and implement improvements or changes.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. *

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. **

Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Leadership & Management Dimensions and/or Technical Requirements listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.

In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position MAY be a Career Enhancement Program/Career Progression assignment. 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. Pay retention is not guaranteed.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

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

NOTES:

1) As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each Leadership and Management Dimension and Technical Requirement.

In lieu of providing a narrative response in the text box listed below each Leadership and Management Dimension and/or Technical Requirement, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.

2) This Level 3 (Critical-Sensitive; Top Secret) position requires favorable adjudication of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

3) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: http://jobs.faa.gov/FAACoreCompensation.htm3)

4) This position is not covered by PL 92-267 for early retirement purposes, and is therefore, not eligible for "good time" credit.

5) Position is ineligible for true time and one half.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

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

Tiwanda Yarborough
Phone
1 (202) 267-4609
Fax
1 (202) 267-8330
Email
tiwanda.yarborough@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US

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http://www.faa.gov/jobs

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