Air Traffic Control Specialist (terminal)

Department of the Air Force Headquarters; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of the Air Force Headquarters is seeking a qualified Air Traffic Controller (GS-2152) in North Carolina to maintain safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic in the terminal environment. The role requires vigilance, rapid decision-making, and clear communication with pilots and ground crews.

Applicants must meet specialized experience requirements and be able to work in a high-stakes setting, including emergency procedures and coordination with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations governing ATC operations.
• Knowledge of Terminal ATC procedures and tower operations.
• Knowledge of ATC equipment functions, lighting, NAVAIDs and related systems.
• Understanding weather phenomena and impacts on flight operations.
• Ability to act decisively under stress and coordinate actions with pilots and other controllers.

Skills

Air Traffic Control laws

ATC procedures

ATC equipment knowledge

Weather phenomena

Decision making under pressure

Communication skills

Job description

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position may be entitled to 5% premium pay as authorized by 5 USC 5546a (a)(1) 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) and 8412(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(e) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity). This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. The duties of this position meets all requirements as a category 4 designation and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency or office to function effectively. This position must be removed from the Ready Reserve and CAN NOT become a member of the Ready Reserve. (IAW: DoDD 1200.7, "Screening the Ready Reserve,") This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The physical requirements of this position as determined by the manager are: The incumbent of this position must have the ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time while controlling aircraft in a Tower facility. The incumbent of this position may be required to climb several flights of stairs to reach the Control Tower Cab.

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to qualify, you must meet the SPECIALIZED experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series 2152.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include- experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations. Examples of specialized experience include issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. This specialization also requires: ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS

Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-10 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the movement of air traffic.
• Knowledge of Terminal Air Traffic Control (ATC) Procedures, including tower procedures.
• Knowledge of the functional/operational limitations of all ATC equipment, as well as approach lighting, airfield lighting, weather instructions, navigational aids (NAVAIDS), remote status indicators, arresting systems, landlines, and any other equipment pertaining to ATC services.
• Knowledge of weather phenomena and localized effects.
• Ability to make rapid and precise judgments in a real-time work situation, remain calm under conditions that are stressful, coordinate many different processes at once, and adjust rapidly to changes in the traffic pattern and tempo of work activity.
• Ability to communicate effectively (rapidly, clearly, and distinctly) orally and in writing; to act decisively in emergency situations; and to provide appropriate reporting procedures as required.

MAXIMUM E