AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL)

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command; March Field (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command is seeking an Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal) to provide ATC services in a terminal radar environment for military and civilian aircraft, including IFR, VFR, and SVFR operations. The role includes GCA radar, tower control, and CIC duties, with on-the-job training for developing controllers, at MARB or CMA airspace.

The position requires ATC certificates, medical readiness, and adherence to age/retirement provisions.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate rapidly, clearly, and in writing.
• Capable of decisive action in emergencies.
• Familiar with reporting procedures as required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) Radar Controller.
• Serve as Tower Controller.
• Act as Controller-in-Charge (CIC) when needed.
• Provide on-the-job training (OJT) for developmental controllers.

Skills

Effective communication

Emergency decision making

Reporting procedures

Education

ATCS Certificate / CTR Certificate

Job description

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL)

• Hiring Agency: Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

Key Responsibilities

SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this position is: To provide air traffic control (ATC) services to military and civilian aircraft operating in a terminal radar environment using instrument flight rules (IFR), visual flight rules (VFR), and special VFR (SVFR); to provide terminal non-radar approach control services in allocated airspace in the event of radar outages; and, to provide VFR and SVFR ATC services to aircraft operating in the vicinity of March Air Reserve Base (MARB) or within the Controlled Movement Area (CMA) of the airfield providing for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic.

DUTIES: Performs duties as Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) Radar Controller. Performs duty as Tower Controller. Performs and serves as Controller-in-Charge (CIC) when no official supervisory personnel are available. Performs on-the-job training (OJT) for developmental controllers. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Education

QUALIFICATIONS (CONT.): KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) CONT.: Capability to communicate effectively (rapidly, clearly, and distinctly) verbally and in writing; to act decisively in emergency situations; and, to provide appropriate reporting procedures as required. Incumbent must utilize effective communication skills (oral and written) in dealing with a variety of individuals and groups to ensure timely coordination and accomplishment of assigned projects.

Contact involves formal/informal meetings and public forums and telephone conversations with military and civilian government officials and military and civilian aviation officials in numerous public organizations. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: The maximum age for original entry into an identified ATC position is 36 years.

An individual shall NOT be appointed or assigned to an ATC position if that appointment cannot be completed prior to the last day of the month in which the individual reaches his/her 36th birthday. Applicants over the age limit must meet re-entry or age waiver requirements in accordance with DoDI 1400.25-V331 dated 26 Jan 15, Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Manual, Subchapter 331, Civilian Air Traffic Controllers.

Any individual who has reached the mandatory separation age (56) is NOT eligible for employment/reemployment as an ATC (5 U.S.C. 3323(a) (reference (b)). NOTE: ATCs have a mandatory separation age of 56. This position is covered as an Air Traffic Controller under 5 USC 2109.

This position is subject to the special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS (5 USC 3382, Involuntary Separation for Retirement; 5 USC 8335(a) and 8425(a), Mandatory Separation; 5 USC 8336(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(3) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity, and 8412(e).

RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: ATC Specialist in receipt of a refund, of retirement contributions for the years of service covered under special retirement, will not receive service credit towards the 20 years required to retire under special retirement coverage, unless the redeposit is paid in full prior to date of retirement.

REQUIREMENTS: Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located. Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate.

These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic. Medical Requirements: In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others.

The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment, applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $89313 – $116113/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-09.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.