Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal)

Department of the Air Force Headquarters • Pope AFB, NC

4h

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to provide visual flight rules (VFR) air traffic control services to aircraft operating near an airport or on the controlled movement area of an airfield, ensuring safe, orderly, and expeditious air traffic flow. The specialist controls military and civilian aircraft under VFR in a control tower environment, observes and reports airport advisories, critical weather information, and equipment outages, provides instruction and assistance to air traffic control personnel, and maintains certification requirements.

The position is mission-essential and performs a mission-critical function that must continue uninterrupted during emergencies and mobilization. The employee must obtain and maintain required air traffic control certifications, facility ratings, and a SECRET security clearance. The role may involve uncommon or rotating shifts, overtime, short-notice recall, travel, and work under adverse environmental conditions. The employee must meet continuing physical, mental, and medical standards for air traffic control duties and complete local limited weather observer certification requirements.

Requirements

• At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent, including experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility and comprehensive knowledge of applicable air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations.
• Valid air traffic controller certification, and the ability to obtain or maintain the required facility ratings and, where appropriate, a Control Tower Operator Certificate.
• Ability to issue control instructions and advice to pilots to maintain aircraft separation and support safe, efficient movement.
• Ability to act decisively under stress, maintain alertness over sustained periods, coordinate plans and actions, and choose safe and effective courses of action.
• Knowledge of air traffic movement laws, rules, regulations, and procedures, including terminal and tower procedures.
• Knowledge of ATC equipment and operational limitations, including lighting, weather instructions, navigation aids, remote status indicators, arresting systems, and landlines.
• Knowledge of weather phenomena and localized weather effects.
• Ability to make rapid, precise judgments; remain calm under stress; coordinate multiple processes; and adjust to changes in traffic and workload.
• Ability to communicate rapidly, clearly, and distinctly, orally and in writing, act decisively in emergencies, and follow reporting procedures.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
• Must meet the physical, mental, and medical standards for air traffic control duties, including pre-employment physical or medical evaluation.
• Must complete required training within locally prescribed time limits.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must meet applicable federal time-in-grade requirements; one year at GS-09 is required for GS-10 consideration when TIG applies.
• Must meet applicable maximum-entry-age and re-entry requirements for air traffic controller positions; original entry generally must occur before reaching age 36, and individuals who have reached mandatory separation age 56 are ineligible.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of air traffic control tower experience is highly desired.
• At least ten years of air traffic control experience and experience in the ATC career field within the last three years are highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Control military and civilian aircraft under visual flight rules in a control tower environment.
• Observe and report airport advisories, critical weather information, and equipment outages.
• Provide instruction and assistance to air traffic control personnel.
• Maintain required air traffic control certification and currency.
• Complete required training and obtain and maintain a full facility rating at the assigned facility.
• Complete local limited weather observer certification requirements administered by the base weather flight.
• Coordinate with pilots and other controllers and make safe, effective decisions in routine and emergency traffic situations.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible veterans hired on or after November 5, 2016, with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request.
• An authorized permanent change of station may be paid in accordance with applicable regulations.

What This Job Offers

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