Air Traffic Control Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration • Herndon, VA

3d

About The Position

The Air Traffic Control Specialist serves as an Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) in the Domestic Events Network (DEN) at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) or at the National Capital Region Coordination Center (NCRCC). The role involves collaboration and coordination with air traffic facilities to plan and execute air traffic management security measures and related efforts, protecting the nation while mitigating effects on the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

The specialist plans and coordinates with Federal, state, local, military, public, and private organizations on real-time aviation security issues and risks, and coordinates intelligence reporting with NAS operations. The role maintains close liaison with homeland security and national defense partners and applies expert knowledge of air traffic control procedures, aviation security, and military operations related to national security. It identifies and resolves complex problems across organizational boundaries, often developing new approaches, policies, procedures, and operational methods.

The specialist integrates national security measures in cooperation with NORAD, TSA, CBP, and other interagency partners; monitors the NAS for potential threats and suspicious flights; and coordinates or directs tactical security actions. The role supports airspace security initiatives and real-time coordination of protected VIP movements and related Temporary Flight Restrictions. It also coordinates and implements COOP/COG initiatives when activated, serves as the final authority for NAS operations involving these activities, and tactically coordinates classified NAS operations.

The specialist may represent the FAA nationally on major projects and programs, recommend organizational positions, prepare and review reports and policies, and advise on interdiction issues and law enforcement air operations. The role provides technical guidance on FAA operational capabilities and limitations, air traffic control procedures, and aviation security, including for peacetime training and tactical operations. Assignments may involve multiple locations to address national security, contingency operations, or staffing needs.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Submit an SF-50 as specified in the required documents.
• One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-J or FG/GS-14), typically related to the position and in the normal line of progression.
• Specialized experience must include air traffic management experience providing real-time monitoring and airspace access.
• Specialized experience must include detecting and directing security measures for potential threats and suspicious flights, with timely coordination to minimize service impacts.
• Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the specialization, including comprehensive knowledge of applicable air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations.
• Education cannot be substituted for the required experience.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the vacancy announcement closing date.
• Subject to designated or random drug testing and pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening; testing-designated positions are subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Requires favorable adjudication of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) for a Level 4 Special Sensitive (TS/SCI) position before appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.
• May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• May be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty.
• Must comply with FAA restrictions on certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate aviation security measures with air traffic facilities and Federal, state, local, military, public, and private organizations.
• Exchange information about real-time aviation security issues and risks, and coordinate intelligence reporting with NAS operations.
• Maintain liaison with homeland security and national defense partners.
• Apply expert knowledge of air traffic control procedures, aviation security, and military operations to identify and resolve complex, cross-organizational problems.
• Develop or recommend new policies, procedures, approaches, and organizational positions on major programs and issues.
• Implement and integrate national security measures with NORAD, TSA, CBP, and other interagency security partners.
• Monitor the NAS for potential threats and suspicious flights, coordinate timely responses to minimize operational impacts, and direct tactical security actions when required.
• Maintain awareness of airspace security initiatives for the President, Vice President, and other White House-designated public figures; coordinate protected movements and monitor related Temporary Flight Restrictions.
• Coordinate and implement agency COOP/COG initiatives upon activation; serve as final authority for NAS operations involving these activities and coordinate classified NAS operations tactically.
• Represent the FAA nationally as a focal point for major projects or programs.
• Prepare and review reports and policies for internal and external distribution.
• Advise on interdiction issues and law enforcement air operations to support compliance with air traffic control plans, policies, and procedures.
• Provide expert guidance on FAA operational capabilities and limitations, air traffic control procedures, and aviation security techniques and processes.
• Develop complex reports and presentations on operational issues.
• Accept assignments to multiple locations as needed for national security, contingency operations, and staffing shortages.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed