Air Traffic Controller

City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Elkhart is seeking a certified Air Traffic Controller to manage safe, orderly flow of air traffic in a tower facility. The role includes coordination with South Bend Approach Control, weather observations, NOTAM dissemination, and rapid decision making.

The incumbent will ensure compliance with FAA 7110.65, supervise safety on the Airport Operating Area, and collaborate across divisions to improve service and accountability. Full-time, exempt position in a municipal airport environment.

Qualifications

• Certification as a control tower operator is required.
• Knowledge of weather observation procedures is required.
• Proficient with FAA regulations and air traffic control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Separate IFR and VFR traffic and issue clearances within 5 NM and up to 3000 feet AGL.
• Coordinate sequencing with Approach Control.
• Record hourly weather observations and NOTAMs/PIREPs.

Skills

Control tower operations

Air traffic coordination

FAA 7110.65 knowledge

Decision making under pressure

Situational awareness

Communication with pilots

MS Word / Excel

Education

Two years college or technical training in ATC

Six months ATC experience at Level 1 VFR facility

Tools

Windows OS

NOTAM dissemination

Weather observation tools

Job description

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: Aviation

POSITION: Air Traffic Controller

DIVISION: Aviation

STATUS: Full-time

CATEGORY: Salaried, Up to $77,800

FLSA: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Air Traffic Control Manager

JOB SUMMARY

As a certified professional controller in a tower facility, incumbent is responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic, consistent weather observations, dissemination of NOTAM’s, and coordination of all activities occurring on the Airport Operating Area. Responsible for identifying opportunities for collaboration in the activities of this division with other divisions and departments throughout the City of Elkhart that promote and enhance effective, efficient and accountable operations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Separates both IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) and VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic; sequences, spaces, and issues clearances and instructions to aircraft landing, departing or operating within a 5 nautical mile radius of the airport, and up to 3000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).


• Sequences air traffic with South Bend Approach Control.


• Observes and records weather observations hourly; takes special observations as required by FAA 7340.1.


• Must possess an intimate knowledge of FAA 7110.65.


• Records and disseminates NOTAM’s (Notices to Airmen) & PIREPS (Pilot Reports).


• Coordinates the response of Crash Fire Rescue vehicle and other emergency vehicles responding to airport related emergencies.


• Monitors tower security systems and restricts access to authorized individuals.


• Immediately communicates with FAA and management when equipment has malfunctioned for any reason.


• Continuously reviews work processes to ensure that results meet safety needs, and add value to facility services so that pilots’ needs are efficiently achieved.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sequences and separates vehicular traffic using the Airport Operating Area.


• Monitors AWOSIII and augments weather when necessary.


• Maintains computer voice logger equipment and ensures that a recording is kept for 45 days.


• Records air traffic count and tower log records daily.


• Performs janitorial duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years college, military or technical school training specializing in air traffic control OR


• Six (6) months experience as an air traffic controller at a Level 1 VFR facility or higher.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Control tower operator certificate required.


• Prior facility rating required.


• Weather Observer’s certificate required.


• FAA Class II medical certificate required.


• Must possess proficient knowledge of applicable Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.


• Must pass METAR weather test.


• Must possess good working knowledge of Windows operating system, particularly Word and Excel.


• Must possess knowledge of hazardous conditions and safety precautions.


• Must possess the ability to make quick, accurate and concise decisions.


• Ability to speak clearly and cordially at all times.


• Ability to work independently.


• Ability to verbally communicate effectively with employees, pilots, and the general public in a cordial and professional manner.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Ability to remain calm and perform under great stress.


• May have to sit or stand for long periods of time, and have the ability to stoop, bend, crouch, and manage stairs.


• Ability to work a normal 8 hour-shift without the opportunity to leave the work position.


• Must have a keen sense of vision both day and night.


• Must possess situational awareness.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a 40 plus hours per week, secure, isolated, non-smoking, municipally owned air traffic control tower facility.


• Majority of work is performed at the console area utilizing the radio panel and airfield monitoring equipment.


• Cab area is environmentally controlled with HVAC and the incumbent may be exposed prolonged sunlight.


• Must be willing to work on weekends, evenings and during City Holidays.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIRED

The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment). Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

POLICY STATEMENT

• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.


• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and “other” duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.


• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.