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Air Traffic Control Specialist

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, System Ops Services, Strategic Ops Security, Ops Security Plans & Procedures, AJR-2220

Summary

Leads the ATO's operations-centric efforts in national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, disaster response, and other significant incident management arenas. AJR-2 leads the ATO's use of Air Traffic Management (ATM) security capabilities to help interagency partners protect the Nation and its interests from Air Domain-related threats in the aforementioned mission areas.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/15/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 15, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be permitted in accordance with agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$127,898 - $198,281 per year

The salary listed includes the locality rate of 33.94% for the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

Pay scale & grade
FV J
Promotion potential
NA
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.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Announcement number
AWA-AJR-26-5707CM-99285
Control number
875186600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees -- ATO-WIDE

Duties

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The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) serves within the Operations Security Plans and Procedures (OSPP / AJR-222) team. The ATCS performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. Provides national-level air traffic management expertise to support the assessment and evaluation of operational issues related to Air Domain awareness, the Air Traffic Organization's (ATOs) use of air traffic control (ATC) capabilities, and other Air Navigation Services (ANS) functions. Contributes to analyses that inform regional and national program activities.

Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations, as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions. Must also apply comprehensive knowledge of staff programs (e.g., procedures, traffic management, quality assurance, training, automation) to carry out regional or national programs. Supports System Operations Security mission activities as assigned, including participating in directorate response efforts during natural disasters and other operational crises, which may require work outside the scheduled tour of duty and at various locations.

Uses experience separating and controlling air traffic to serve as an authority on critical Air Traffic Management (ATM) security issues, providing support and recommendations to the Team Manager on a range of ATC operational security matters. Assists in reviewing ATM security threats and identifying practical options to help mitigate potential impacts on the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of the National Airspace System (NAS).

Supports Air Traffic Organization (ATO) participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other international forums by providing operational expertise on ATM security and civil military issues. Assists senior staff in preparing analyses, materials, and recommendations for international engagements and participates in discussions addressing the operational impacts of international conflicts or disasters on U.S. operators and interests. Ensures written communications are clear, structure, and properly formatted to accurately convey the organization's position and requested actions prior to senior leadership review.

Contacts are internal and external to the agency. Often represent the organization as a senior point of contact on projects, programs, research and acquisition. 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. Coordinates and collaborates with U.S. inter-agency partners, such as the Department of War (DoW) Policy Board on Federal Aviation (PBFA), to facilitate System Operations Security assistance when requested concerning their operations security (OPSEC) requirements in the NAS.

Facilitates coordination of procedures for the security vetting of foreign aircraft operating in U.S. airspace, including procedures for sensitive flights such as Foreign Aircraft Overflight Security programs, State Department diplomatic flights, and international operations entering, exiting, or overflying the United States. Manages requests for ICAO three letter designator coordination and U.S. Special call sign assignments, and ensures required notices are prepared and distributed to air traffic control facilities and other relevant entities.

Utilizes program and/or project management principles to help coordinate projects and activities across the directorate's security groups. Supports ATO crisis management activities by coordinating with the Inter-agency Meteorological Coordination Office (IMCO) and contributing to procedures within the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP).

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).
  • 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 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.
  • 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-I, FG/GS-13 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 at the next lower level, FV-I:

--Experience evaluating operational plans and system requirements to support crisis response actions and continuity of operations.

--Experience contributing to the preparation of analyses, materials, and recommendations for participants in discussions.



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

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 this vacancy announcement.

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

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.

Applicants may be asked to verify information they have provided on their application for employment with the FAA.

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.

Management may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred candidates.

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/workin  here/benefits

This is a Level 4 (Special Sensitivel TS/SCI) position requires favorable adjudication of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

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

Christine McNeil
Phone
1 (202) 267-3722
Fax
1 (202) 267-7032
Email
christine.mcneil@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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