Junior Air Traffic Controller

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Medical aid scheme

Retirement fund

Structured training program

Overtime opportunities

Durban coastal city environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a motivated Junior Air Traffic Controller to join our Durban operations in KwaZulu-Natal. This ground-based role focuses on safely managing traffic within designated airspace and working in a high-stakes environment to ensure passenger safety.

You will receive on-the-job training, collaborate with experienced controllers, and progress through certification levels. The position is on-site in Durban with shift work and a strong safety focus.

Qualifications

• Matriculation or equivalent qualification.
• Completion of an accredited Air Traffic Control training program.
• SACAA ATC license or eligibility after successful training.
• Excellent verbal communication and radio telephony ability.
• Strong concentration and situational awareness.
• Aptitude for quick and sound decision-making under pressure.
• Good spatial reasoning and understanding of flight dynamics.
• Willingness to work on-site in Durban including night/weekend shifts.
• Medical certificate confirming fitness for ATC duties.

Responsibilities

• Learn and follow standard operating procedures for air traffic control.
• Monitor radar, weather info, and flight progress strips for situational awareness.
• Communicate with pilots via radio, issue clearances to ensure safe separation.
• Coordinate with adjacent sectors, airports, and stakeholders.
• Manage takeoffs and landings with safe sequencing.
• Respond to abnormal situations and emergencies per protocols.
• Maintain accurate logs of air traffic movements and events.
• Undergo ongoing training and certification assessments.
• Adhere to SACAA safety regulations and procedures.
• Assist senior controllers to gain broader experience across positions.

Skills

Matriculation

ATC training

Radio communication

Concentration

Decision making

Situational awareness

Shift work

Education

Matriculation or equivalent

Accredited ATC training program

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading air navigation service provider, is actively seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Air Traffic Controller to join their operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exciting ground-based role where you will be responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic within a designated airspace. You will work closely with experienced controllers, gaining invaluable on-the-job training and contributing to the smooth flow of aircraft. This position requires exceptional focus, quick decision-making abilities, and a strong commitment to aviation safety. The role is inherently on-site , requiring your presence at the control tower or operations centre in Durban . You will be part of a critical team ensuring the safety of thousands of passengers and crew daily. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring controllers to launch their careers in a highly responsible and rewarding field within the vibrant aviation sector .

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and execute standard operating procedures for air traffic control within assigned sectors.
• Monitor radar screens, weather information, and flight progress strips to maintain situational awareness.
• Communicate with pilots via radio telephony, issuing clearances and instructions to ensure safe separation of aircraft.
• Coordinate with adjacent control sectors, airports, and other relevant aviation stakeholders.
• Manage takeoffs and landings, sequencing aircraft efficiently and safely.
• Respond to abnormal situations and emergencies in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintain accurate logs and records of air traffic movements and events.
• Undergo continuous training and assessment to develop and maintain necessary skills and certifications.
• Adhere strictly to all safety regulations and procedures mandated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
• Assist senior controllers with various tasks to gain comprehensive experience across different control positions.

Requirements

• A completed matriculation or equivalent qualification.
• Successful completion of an accredited Air Traffic Control training program is essential.
• Possession of a valid Air Traffic Controller license issued by the SACAA, or eligibility to obtain one upon successful training.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and clear, concise radio telephony technique.
• Strong ability to concentrate for extended periods and maintain high levels of situational awareness.
• Demonstrated aptitude for quick and sound decision-making under pressure.
• Good spatial reasoning and an understanding of flight dynamics.
• Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as required for 24/7 operations .
• A medical certificate confirming fitness for Air Traffic Control duties from an approved aviation medical examiner.
• Commitment to working on-site at our Durban facility.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive starting salary for Junior Air Traffic Controllers, with a clear progression path tied to performance and certification levels.
• A comprehensive medical aid scheme and retirement fund are provided.
• The role includes structured training programs and opportunities to obtain further ratings and endorsements.
• Employees benefit from a stable work environment within a critical national infrastructure.
• Shift allowances and overtime opportunities are available.
• You will be part of a dedicated team in the beautiful coastal city of Durban , contributing directly to the safety and efficiency of the region's airspace.