Clarification from the agency

Title 5 Excepted Service, Non-uniformed Position with the Minnesota National Guard

Major Duties: This is not an all-inclusive list

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) (T5), GS-2152-11,
1. Performs air traffic control duties in the control tower. Directs movement of aircraft in flight and on the ground by utilizing pilot and controller reports, visual observation, and/or tower displays, or a combination of methods and in close coordination with other controllers. under restrictive time and space limitations, formulates and issues ATC clearances and instructions to provide for the required separation and or sequencing of all IFR and VFR traffic within delegated airspace. Assigns arrival and departure runways to various types of aircraft and adjusts speed to accommodate multiple types and performance level of civilian and military aircraft to affect separation and expeditious traffic flow as prescribed by regulation. Provides assistance to both experienced professional and inexperienced student pilots within the airspace and ensures expeditious traffic flows are maintained. Provides mandatory additional services and assistance to aircraft to include those experiencing in-flight emergencies, hijacking and unlawful seizure, pilot disorientation, and to those aircraft otherwise experiencing distress during flight. Assist adjacent ATC facilities in locating and recovering aircraft that are disoriented and/or in distress. Participates in a host of Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and FAA mandated homeland security procedures and implements Federal and local guidance and direction for aircraft operations within terminal areas. Formulates/relays/issues air traffic clearances and instructions in facility of assignment for aircraft operating IFR and/or VFR in addition to VFR advisory information. Formulates and issue all ground movement clearances to aircraft on the ground, vehicular, and personnel operating on the movement areas and runways. Coordinate Notices to Airman (NOTAM) actions and airfield advisories in order to provide information to all users and supporting agencies. (35%)

2. Executes the standardized ATC training program in accordance with guidelines established by regulations of the Department of Army (DA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Incumbent is responsible for the utilization of training materials that ensure controller-trainees are adequately trained and tested with the goal of creating a cohesive ATC team that provides multi-level ATC services to the aviation customer. Incumbent ensures all newly assigned trainees receive training in accordance with applicable regulations. Incumbent executes controller qualification, proficiency, and remedial training. Completion of training results in newly assigned personnel receiving their Control Tower Operator (CTO) certifications within prescribed time limits or elimination actions that require documentation of performance deficiencies. Assigns study assignments and administers practical exams to trainees to ensure proficiency is maintained. Conducts proficiency training on changes to FAA, DOD and DA regulations and provides guidance on implementation. Administers Trainee/Controller Evaluations and makes entries in accordance with applicable instructions ; provides on-the-job training instruction and guidance to trainee controllers involved in qualification training for their FAA CTO certificate. The incumbent instructs trainees in methods, techniques, regulatory requirements, and monitors trainee performance. (25%)

3. Operates, trains, and provides preventative maintenance on a host of automated communications and display hardware and software systems that are integral and vital to the operation of the air traffic control facility. Maintains communications with aircraft and adjacent facilities to transmit and receive instructions and information relative to flight. Determines when backup or alternate communications are required and places same in operation as appropriate. Investigates possible equipment outages and issues appropriate advisories to aircraft. Ensures adjacent facilities and aircraft operators are advised of additional support requirements during equipment outages. Provides training on systems to ensure controllers understand and apply correct equipment system operations. (25%)

4. Evaluates weather reports from automated (ASOS, AWADS, IDS, etc.) or other sources (i.e. Pilot Reports) and ensures weather information is accurate, specific, and timely. Modifies, corrects, or augments as appropriate for official weather reporting. Provides dissemination of weather warnings, Center Weather Advisories (CWA), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), or Meteorological Information (MET) watch advisories. Requests, records, and disseminates Pilot Reports (PIREPS) as mandated by FAA and NWS directives. (10%)

A full duty description is available upon request.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Prior to appointment, an applicant must have a current completed/clear drug test
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
• Rotating Shifts: Airfield operating hours range from 16-24 hours per day, 5-7 days per week. All non-supervisory positions work rotating shift work in order to support published operational hours as well as occasional operations outside operating hours.
• State Issued Driver's License: AR 95-2 Ch 10 - airfield mgmt./ops, safety and electronics techs are required to perform various inspections around the airfield cantonment area daily on a daily basis.
• Class IV Flight Physical: AR 40-501 Ch. 4; AR 95-2 para 4-4 & para 5-1; TC 3-04.15 para 1-121.
• Control Tower Operator or Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate: required as minimum qualification for ATC positions; indicates applicant has completed initial ATC training and has demonstrated minimum skills/qualifications to perform ATC duties. Initial ATC training is conducted by DoD (technical skills training) or the FAA - it is not conducted in ARNG ATC facilities
• Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age has been established for Terminal and Center positions.

***Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation*** Upon selection, individuals will undergo a background check to validate suitability for employment with the federal government as permitted by law, regulation, Presidential order or other authority. Suitability is dependent upon the particular requirements for security clearance, sensitivity level, and DOD IT network access. Items checked include, but are not limited to all criminal history record information, employment history, education and fiscal accountability/responsibility.**

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

GENERAL AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level. Specialized Experience:
Experience in a military or civilian air traffic control tower that demonstrated 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.

Issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement.

This specialization also requires:
-Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure;
-Skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and
-Judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.
Must have provided the ability to:
-Arrive quickly at well-reasoned solutions to complex problems;
-Adjust quickly to different assignments, changing conditions, and workload fluctuations;
-Remain calm and controlled during and after long periods of tension and fatigue; and
- Speak rapidly, clearly, and distinctly.

For Terminal Positions: Issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. This specialization also requires:
- Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure;
- Skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and
- Judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.

Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located.

Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate. These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic.

Facility ratings require demonstration of a knowledge of the kind and location of radio aids to air navigation, the terrain, the landmarks, the communications systems and circuits, and the procedures peculiar to the area covered by the facility.

Medical Requirements
In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations.
The physical impairments/medical conditions that follow, unless otherwise noted, are disqualifying because there are medical and/or management reasons to conclude that an individual with such impairment/condition cannot perform the duties of the position without unacceptable risk to his or her own health, or to the health or safety of others (employees or the public).

How you will be evaluated

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

Basis for Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the following areas of consideration (AOC) based on the Minnesota National Guard Merit Placement Plan:

• Area 1: Current On-board Title 5 Employees (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite or 4-Term ) - Only those current Minnesota National Guard employees who are in permanent, indefinite, or term technician status as result of being competitively hired by the Minnesota National Guard or Office of Personnel Management agency. This does not apply to Temporary Technicians or Temporary Employees
• Area 2: Current On-board Excepted Title 32 Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) - Only those Minnesota National Guard employees who are in permanent technician status as result of being competitively hired within the Minnesota National Guard agency.
• Area 3: Current On-board Federal Employees (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite?) from another Federal Agency nationwide who are in permanent technician status as result of being competitively hired within that agency. I.e. Title 5 employed outside of the MNNG, Title 5 USAFR.
• Area 4: All federal re-employable eligible employees. (used as a way to attract federal experience without considering all U.S. Citizens - can reach retirees)
• Area 5: U.S. Citizens (to include current ARNG and ANG members.)

Basis for Rating Area 5: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligible are listed ahead of non-preference eligible within each quality category.

• Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
• Well Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
• Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position.

Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of appropriate education, experience, training, self-development activities, and special awards. Candidates are considered on the basis of available information on their current application and supporting information that has been provided to this office. To ensure full consideration, applicants are urged to submit information about their training, self-development, outside experience, activities and awards. National Guard military (Part-time) service is considered as full-time experience when evaluated against the qualification requirements for a technician position.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.