Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist)

Federal Aviation Administration•Ronkonkoma, NY

About The Position

The Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Specialist (FDCS) works at an Air Traffic Terminal or Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), providing flight data processing and communications services for the National Airspace System (NAS). The incumbent performs routine and varied assignments under general direction, either as an individual contributor or as part of a team, applying detailed knowledge to plan and complete work. Established procedures guide most assignments, with some discretion in choosing an approach; issues without applicable guidance are referred to a manager or experienced employee. Work is reviewed at major stages and upon completion. The position supports the objectives of its organizational unit and major subdivision. All appointees must successfully complete a training program to acquire specific job knowledge; failure to complete it may result in separation, demotion, or reassignment. The role may require a background investigation, a one-year probationary period, and filing a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. It is subject to the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, including pre-employment or pre-appointment screening and random testing for positions designated for testing.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must submit an SF-50.
Must meet the qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
At least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FV-E or FG/GS-5/6), such as qualifying experience in aircraft operations, flight dispatch, flight information expediting, air traffic control, or flight data processing.
Alternatively, successful completion of an FAA or military air traffic control training program, or possession of an FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate.
Successful completion of the required training program after appointment.
Subject to designated or random drug testing; applicants tentatively selected are subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening.

Responsibilities

Provide flight data processing and communications services for the air traffic control system and operate and maintain air traffic operational computer systems.
Process and monitor proposed and active flight plan inputs from military base operations, ARTCC sectors, terminal facilities, adjacent ARTCCs, flight service stations, and air carrier operations offices.
Identify incorrect flight plan entries in the NAS and make corrections as required.
Develop and maintain bulk storage flight plans.
Receive and analyze SIGMETs, AIRMETs, weather advisories, and related information, and immediately notify the Watch Stander-In-Charge and other operations personnel.
Check and update altimeter readings and winds aloft.
Operate, monitor, and safeguard the DHS Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN) system.
Enter computer utilization, delays, and traffic counts for designated facilities into OPSNET.
Collect and distribute flight plans, traffic management restrictions, NOTAMs, and other flight-safety-related data.
Prepare and transmit NOTAMs, INREQs, ALNOTs, AIRMETs, PIREPs, CWAs, defense communication messages, and traffic management and administrative messages.
Train developmental specialists in flight data and data communications system functional responsibilities.
Assist employees with day-to-day operations and perform other related duties as assigned.