Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal)

Air Force Special Operations Command • Hurlburt Field, FL

2d

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to develop and manage the unit Air Traffic Control (ATC) Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Program and provide visual flight rules (VFR) air traffic control services to aircraft operating near an airport or on the airfield’s controlled movement area. The role supports the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic.

The specialist plans, organizes, and directs TERPS program activities; evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of procedures; and advises management on TERPS criteria and proposed rule changes from higher headquarters, the Department of Defense, the FAA, and ICAO. The role also directs aircraft movement in flight and on the ground, operates communications and display equipment, provides emergency assistance to aircraft, and maintains required certifications and facility ratings.

The position requires a valid and current Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification, the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, and the ability to meet ongoing physical, mental, and medical standards for air traffic control duties. The employee must complete required TERPS training and local limited weather observer certification. Work may involve rotating shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays, short-notice recall, travel, and adverse environmental conditions. The incumbent may need to sit or stand for extended periods in a dimly lit IFR room or control tower and may climb up to 20 flights of stairs to reach the tower cab.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must possess a valid Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification and maintain currency.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Must meet and maintain the physical, mental, and medical standards for air traffic control duties specified by the OPM GS-2152 qualification standard.
• Must complete all training requirements to maintain TERPS proficiency and obtain and maintain facility ratings within prescribed time limits.
• Must accomplish local limited weather observer certification requirements administered by the base weather flight.
• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent, is required; experience must demonstrate air traffic control knowledge and skill, including knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet the federal time-in-grade requirement; one year at GS-10 is required for the GS-11 level.
• Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, as appropriate, and required facility ratings.
• Must pass initial and periodic short-notice drug testing.
• Must satisfy applicable maximum entry-age rules for original entry into an identified ATC position; appointments generally must be completed before the end of the month in which the applicant reaches age 36, subject to re-entry or waiver provisions. Individuals who have reached mandatory separation age 56 are ineligible.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, or uncommon tours of duty.
• May be subject to short-notice recall for unscheduled emergency air traffic, contingencies, or exercises.
• May be required to travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Must be able to work under adverse environmental conditions if required.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods while controlling aircraft and may be required to climb up to 20 flights of stairs to reach the control tower cab.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience in TERPS within the last three years in the ATC career field, including operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).
• At least three years as a qualified TERPS specialist and 10 years of overall ATC experience, including at least five years as an ATC watch supervisor or senior controller.
• At least five years of ATC tower controller experience.
• Completion of Air Force course E3AZR1C171 00TA, Automated Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), E3OZR13M4 OOTA (if Officer), or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct activities of the unit TERPS program.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of procedures, determine their ramifications, and recommend actions to management on TERPS criteria and proposed rule changes.
• Direct the movement of aircraft in flight and on the ground based on pilot reports or visual observation from the control tower.
• Operate air traffic control communication and display equipment.
• Provide emergency assistance to aircraft.
• Maintain certification requirements and facility ratings.
• Complete required TERPS training and local limited weather observer certification requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation incentive may be authorized.
• PCS may be paid if authorized.
• Position may be entitled to 5% premium pay, as authorized by law.
• Special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS apply.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible federal employees.

What This Job Offers

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