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Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA, ATO, Sys Ops, AK Flight Service District, Alaska Flight Service Stations (FSS)

Summary

Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee for Flight Service Stations in Alaska. Alaska has the only Federal Flight Service Stations. There may be multiple positions to be filled. The Alaska Flight Service Training Academy (AFSTA) is located in Kenai, Alaska.


Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$46,059 - $130,130 per year

This salary includes 32.36% locality pay. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) authorized at 1.49% or 3.00%, based on facility assignment.

Pay scale & grade
AT AQ
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
Temporary - 13 months
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes - This position is represented by NATCA: Air Traffic - Flight Service.
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Announcement number
AAL-ATO-26-ALLSRCE-99753
Control number
878632100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens

Duties

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  • This is a developmental Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) position responsible for providing preflight briefings and inflight assistance to pilots, requiring knowledge of the information needed to conduct safe flights. Developmental controllers receive a wide range of training in FSS processes as well as weather, communication, navigational and other equipment. As an ATCS, you will receive pay increases as you successfully complete the progressive phases (benchmarks) of controller training at your assigned facility.

  • This announcement is open to those applicants willing to work at any FAA FSS Air Traffic Control Facility in Alaska. Applicant geographic area preferences are for informational purposes only and may not be used in the selection process.

  • Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required. If a candidate applies for and is selected under this temporary trainee announcement, all of the employment conditions associated with this AT-AQ position will apply.

  • Individuals who do not successfully complete training at the FAA Academy/FAA FSS Academy and all other necessary requirements will have their employment terminated.

  • As a new ATCS, you will spend your first several weeks of employment in an intensive training program. While attending academy training, you will be on a temporary appointment. Academy students receive basic air traffic control training through the FAA Academy, which includes complete occupational indoctrination including highlights of Federal employment and basic air traffic training in both a classroom and laboratory environment.

  • Upon successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Basics Course, continued training will be held at the FAA FSS Academy in Kenai, AK. While attending academy training, you will remain on a temporary appointment. Academy students will receive basic air traffic control training that includes familiarization with the FSS organizational structure and functions, and basic air traffic training in both a classroom and laboratory environment that simulates actual FSS job functions.

  • Prior failure of FAA or FSS Academy training or prior declination of permanent facility placement offer after completing Academy training may constitute a basis for non-selection and/or veterans' preference pass over.

  • ATCS's will be paid long-term expense rate (per diem) while attending the FAA FSS Academy in Kenai, AK, to help offset daily cost of living expenses.

  • Upon successful completion of the FAA FSS Academy initial training program & other employment requirements, newly hired ATCS's will be offered a permanent appointment at an FAA FSS facility with a basic salary of $62,224, which includes 32.36% locality pay. A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be based on facility assignment and is subject to change. Applicants with prior ATC experience will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • All applicants must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) Exam.
  • Medical Clearance: You must obtain medical clearance, including a psychological assessment, drug test, and
  • comprehensive medical evaluation. Successful completion of all components is required for hiring and continued employment.
  • Background Check: You are required to pass a background check. If you have previously completed one at an acceptable level,
  • it will be verified. Otherwise, you must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for a Public Trust clearance.
  • Irregular duty hours, a non-standard work week, or tour of duty may be required.

Qualifications

You must be able to speak English clearly so others can understand you over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.

To apply, you must meet ONE of the five qualification options listed below.

Some eligibility requirements depend on which Applicant Pool you choose. Read carefully and contact Alaska Human Resources (wendy.livingston@faa.gov) with questions before the announcement closes.

Applicant Pools

POOL 1

You qualify for Pool 1 if you meet one of the following and submit documentation as outlined in the Required Documents section.

1. CTI Graduate - You graduated from an FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and have an official CTI endorsement letter.

2. VRA-Eligible Veteran - You qualify for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) under Title 38. More info: https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/veteran-job-seekers/vets/

3. Veteran with Aviation Experience - You are a qualifying veteran with aviation experience gained during military service and/or eligible for Veterans' Preference (as stated Title 5, in section 2108 of United States Code).

POOL 2

Pool 2 includes: all U.S. Citizens who do not meet Pool 1 requirements, or Pool 1 applicants who choose to be considered for Pool 2.

Applicants may choose Pool 1 OR Pool 2, but not both.

If you select Pool 1 but are found not eligible, you will automatically be considered under Pool 2, provided you meet one of the five qualification options.

Age Requirement: The Alaska Flight Service Option does not have a maximum age requirement.

5 Ways to Qualify - You only need ONE of these.

1. Work Experience - At least one year of general work experience (about 2,080 hours).

This can include:

  • Full-time jobs
  • Part-time jobs
  • Volunteer work

2. Education - A full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree (120 semester or 180 quarter hours).

An associate degree alone does not qualify unless combined with work experience (see option 3).

CTI applicants (Pool 1):

  • Submit transcripts (official or unofficial) showing your degree conferral
  • Provide your official CTI endorsement letter

3. Education + Work Combination - A mix of college coursework and work experience equal to one year of qualifying experience.

Undergraduate credit is based on:

  • 120 semester hours earned, or
  • 180 quarter hours earned

Example: An associate degree plus work experience may qualify.

4. Air Traffic Control Experience - You have specialized Air Traffic Control Specialist experience.

You must provide documentation such as:

  • FAA certificates
  • Military ATC certification
  • Training records

5. Other Aviation Experience - You qualify if you (hold or have held one) of the following:

  • Facility rating and actively controlled civilian or military air traffic
  • FAA air carrier dispatcher certificate
  • Instrument flight rating
  • FAA navigator certificate or military Navigator/Bombardier qualification
  • 350+ flight hours as a copilot or higher with a private pilot certificate (or military equivalent)
  • Served as a rated Aerospace Defense Command Intercept Director

Education

Education Requirements

If using education to qualify, you must document it in the application questionnaire. Your education must come from a school accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

CTI applicants (Pool 1)

You must submit:

  • Current transcripts (official or unofficial)
  • Final transcripts showing degree and conferral date before employment if selected
  • The official CTI endorsement letter

The endorsement letter must:

  • Be on official CTI school letterhead
  • Be signed by the CTI program contact
  • Confirm that all CTI program requirements were completed

Note: The endorsement letter is not a personal recommendation.

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.

Entrance on Duty (EOD): You must complete all pre-employment requirements within 60 days of receiving your Clearance Instruction Letter (CIL). If not completed within 60 days, you will be removed from the hiring process.

ATSA Testing Travel: Travel to and from testing locations is paid by the applicant.

ATSA Scores: Your most recent ATSA score will be used for referral, even if it is lower than a previous score.

Training Requirements: After successful completion of Academy training, the ATCS will enter the appropriate phase of field training as determined by the assigned facility to prepare for advancement to the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) level. They must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility.

Successful certification at assigned FAA facility is required. Failure to certify will result in separation, demotion or reassignment.

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

Wendy Livingston
Phone
1 (000) 000-0000
Fax
1 (907) 271-5367
Email
wendy.livingston@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AAL Regional HR Services Division
222 West 7th Ave #14
AHF-N100
Anchorage, AK 99513
US

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