Air Traffic Control Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration•Washington, DC

About The Position

This position is in the Safety Service Unit (AJI), Safety Directorate, Safety Services Group, HQ QA Team (AJI-1540). The Group monitors safety reports and analyzes data and risk indicators to identify hazard root causes and safety issues. It makes risk-based decisions and coordinates safety activities to influence air traffic, technical operations service areas, and field-based safety mitigations. The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) uses experience from a terminal or en route air traffic control facility to evaluate facility operations and individual events for risk. The position combines information to create safety trend data and performs specialized air traffic control assignments to assess compliance and potential risk in the National Airspace System (NAS). It applies knowledge of air traffic staff programs, procedures, traffic management, and quality assurance to identify and analyze data for system-wide safety events. The ATCS identifies high-risk areas, effective and ineffective safety barriers, and mitigation strategies. The work supports safe, efficient air traffic operations and the flying public. The specialist applies knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations, FAA programs, regulations, and missions to assess compliance and safety risks. The position uses NAS Services Performance Tools—including CEDAR, the FALCON replay tool, and ARIA—to collect and analyze safety data, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions through mitigation. It interprets safety management, quality control, and operational policies and regulations to assess current procedures, recommend data-driven changes, and analyze aviation safety data. The ATCS also audits air traffic operations and reviews FAA Search and Rescue support actions. The position involves internal and external contacts and may represent AJI as a senior point of contact for quality assurance initiatives and technical evaluations of Federal and non-Federal facilities and equipment. Contacts include facility managers, system users, quality control groups, and other safety stakeholders. The ATCS works independently as an authority in quality assurance programs, with work reviewed for quality, alignment with regional and national goals, policy compliance, and program objectives. The role organizes and allocates resources to complete work on schedule, and has discretion to develop approaches and resolve unusual problems. The Team Manager typically reviews work through status reports and at completion.

Requirements

One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-I or FG/GS-13), related to the position and sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform its duties.
Specialized experience interpreting safety management, quality control, and operational regulations and policies to evaluate current policies and procedures and recommend changes.
Specialized experience using performance tools to assist with risk mitigation efforts.
Specialized experience analyzing safety data, identifying safety hazards, and recommending mitigation actions.
Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the work specialization, including comprehensive knowledge of applicable air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
An SF-50 must be submitted, as specified in the required documents.
The position is subject to designated or random drug testing and pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening.
Education cannot be substituted for experience.
A favorable adjudication of an Access National Agency Check and Inquiries (ANACI) background investigation is required before appointment unless a waiver is obtained.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The selected candidate may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty.

Responsibilities

Evaluate facility operations and individual events for risk using experience gained in a terminal or en route air traffic control facility.
Compile information to create safety trend data and assess compliance and potential risk in the National Airspace System.
Apply expertise in air traffic programs, procedures, traffic management, and quality assurance to identify and analyze system-wide safety events.
Identify areas of highest potential risk, effective and ineffective safety barriers, and associated mitigation strategies.
Use NAS Services Performance Tools, including CEDAR, the FALCON replay tool, and ARIA, to collect and analyze safety data.
Identify safety hazards and recommend corrective actions through mitigation.
Interpret safety management, quality control, and operational regulations and policies to evaluate procedures and recommend data-driven changes.
Audit air traffic operations and analyze safety data to identify high-risk areas.
Review FAA Search and Rescue support actions.
Represent AJI as a senior point of contact for quality assurance initiatives and technical evaluations of Federal and non-Federal facilities and equipment.
Organize and allocate resources to complete work activities within established schedules.
Develop approaches and solve unusual problems while working independently.