This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), System Operations, System Operations Security Directorate, Strategic Operations Security Group (AJR-2200). This group is responsible for a broad spectrum of the Directorate's policy, planning, and procedures efforts. The Group also carries out an array of specialized programs critical to the ATO's air traffic management (ATM) security and emergency management efforts.
Summary
This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), System Operations, System Operations Security Directorate, Strategic Operations Security Group (AJR-2200). This group is responsible for a broad spectrum of the Directorate's policy, planning, and procedures efforts. The Group also carries out an array of specialized programs critical to the ATO's air traffic management (ATM) security and emergency management efforts.
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - The job may require travel from time-to-time, but not on a regular basis. The travel may be for training or other work-related duties.
The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. Provides national-level expertise in complex air traffic control operations and procedures to analyze and evaluate critical strategic issues involving Air Domain threats, the ATO's strategic use of Air Traffic Control (ATC), and other Air Navigation Services (ANS) capabilities. Performs duties to support the System Operations Security mission, including participating in the directorate's response efforts addressing natural disasters and other crisis events that impact the national airspace system.
Serves as a recognized expert for critical and strategic Air Traffic Management (ATM) security issues, the ATCS advises and assists the Team Manager on a variety of air traffic control operations and strategic security issues. Uses program/project management principles to act as a senior project manager to coordinate large, challenging efforts across the directorate's five component security groups. Evaluates ATM security threats and recommends innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of those threats on the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of the National Airspace System (NAS). This work directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of the U.S. aviation system.
The ATCS applies experience and expert technical knowledge of air traffic control operations security issues to study, recommend and implement critical strategies for crucial ATM security matters, such as the usage of Temporary Flight Restrictions. Coordinates strategies within the directorate and external stakeholders. Identifies and resolves highly complex problems involving the delivery of ATM security services to mitigate NAS safety, efficiency, and accessibility challenges; these challenges cross national and international boundaries and affect the accomplishment of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation, and U.S. objectives.
Applies experience separating and controlling air traffic to evaluate and advise senior leadership on proposed policies, legislative and regulatory initiatives that impact ATC and ANS operations, procedures and interests. Uses accepted correspondence policies and guides to prepare reports and responses to Congressional Technical Assistance requests, White House Statements of Administration Policy, and requests from the National Security Council on critical ATM security and emergency management strategies. Participates in international forums to evaluate and develop strategies for engaging in situations when international conflicts and disasters affect U.S. operators and other interests.
Contacts are internal and external and include FAA leadership, inter-agency counterparts, industry stakeholders, and representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Congress, and the White House. Often represents the FAA at the national level as the agency focal point for major projects or programs involving air traffic critical strategic security initiatives. Recommends organizational positions on major programs and issues to agency management. Prepares and reviews reports or policies for internal and external distribution.
Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues but almost always require the development of new and innovative approaches. Often recommends new ATM security policies. Develops ATM security procedures and approaches. As a recognized expert in ATM security operations and procedures, the specialist works independently and exercises broad discretion to ensure that work is integrated with organizational objectives and policies. The Group Manager accepts work products as technically authoritative, though work is reviewed for success in achieving desired results, effectiveness, and consonance with agency goals and objectives. Conceives, plans, and directs studies involving complex issues and unique problems.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position MAY be a Career Enhancement Program/Career Progression (CE/CP) 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. CE/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility. Pay retention is not guaranteed.
This position is not covered by PL 92-267 for early retirement purposes, and is therefore, not eligible for "good time" credit. Position is ineligible for true time and one half.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-J, FG/GS-14 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be credible, 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 and advising leadership on proposed air traffic policies, legislative, and regulatory initiatives. - Experience participating in international forums to evaluate and develop strategies for engaging in situations during international conflicts and disasters.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; (3) alphabetical; or (4) priority grouping and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.
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.
You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.
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.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy
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
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA 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.
Please ensure that 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.
This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation Plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the website: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits
This is a Level 4 (Special-Sensitive: TS/SCI) position requires favorable adjudication of a Special Sensitive Background Investigation) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.
Management may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred candidates.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.
Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.
If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.
You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.
Amendment Date: 06/22/2026
Amendment Note: LOB wanted to change the close date to 10 days instead of 5.
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.
Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.
Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.
If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION.
Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.
You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.
Amendment Date: 06/22/2026
Amendment Note: LOB wanted to change the close date to 10 days instead of 5.
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.
Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
