Air Traffic Control Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization, Safety Service Unit, Safety Directorate. AJI-1000. This Directorate is the focal point for the FAA's runway safety initiatives in Airports, Aviation Safety and Air Traffic to reduce the risk of surface safety.

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Duties

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The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) uses experience separating and controlling air traffic to perform complex specialized air traffic control assignments related to surface safety. Serves as a senior point of contact on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) surface safety efforts, representing the Safety Directorate (AJI-1000) for projects, programs, research, and acquisition. This work contributes directly to the accomplishment of air traffic and other FAA objectives and the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic operations.

Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations, as well as staff programs to carry out national programs designed to prevent runway incursions and excursions. Utilizes Safety Management System (SMS) policies and procedures to analyze and evaluate systems, processes, and equipment designed to prevent runway incursions and excursions. May assist in the testing of automated systems to evaluate runway safety enhancement initiatives to leverage existing technology.

Utilizes national-level expertise in local and regional runway safety programs, as well as the Surface Safety Group, to actively engage in work groups, facilitating consensus among Runway Safety stakeholders on policies for assessing and quantifying surface safety risks. Participates in high-profile investigations of runway incursions and safety events, analyzing pilot/controller communications, airport layouts, and procedural adherence. Assists in the development of policy and procedures for the operational workforce to analyze safety management system (SMS) programs and policies.

Analyzes surface safety trends and risk indicators to identify root causes of hazards and operational concerns. Evaluates existing runway safety policies, identifying areas for improvement to reduce uncertainties while promoting a risk-based approach to safety management over compliance-driven measures. Conducts in-depth analysis of runway incursions and surface safety incidents to determine contributing factors, systemic risks, and emerging trends. Collaborates in the development of data-driven mitigation strategies aimed at enhancing runway and taxiway operations and improving overall safety within the National Airspace System (NAS). Participates in Surface Safety Groups and Runway Safety Action Teams to advance safety initiatives and strengthen coordination among aviation stakeholders.

Defines, organizes, and allocates resources to accomplish important work activities within established schedules. Leads airport inspections, ensuring airfield markings, signage, lighting systems, and operational protocols meet FAA safety standards. Conducts comprehensive audits of runway safety compliance, reporting findings and recommending improvements based on observed deficiencies. Applies air traffic operational safety to recommend policies that enhance airport surface safety, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and international aviation safety standards. As an authority on runway safety, performs evaluations and refines runway safety programs, and provides guidance on procedure modifications and safety interventions. Works with stakeholders to enhance communication and procedural adherence for runway operations.

Implements temporary operational procedures to accommodate airfield construction while maintaining safety and efficiency. Coordinates runway and taxiway closures, adjusting air traffic flow to minimize disruptions. Monitors traffic patterns and safety incidents to assess the effectiveness of altered procedures. Provides recommendations for refining airfield operations and minimizing risks during future construction projects.

Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives, but allow considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Conducts risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with altered procedures and construction zones.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position MAY be a Career Enhancement Program/Career Progression assignment
• The selectee(s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis.
• CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility. Pay retention is not guaranteed.

Qualifications

Candidates must have one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-I or FG/GS-13) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of

progression for the occupation in the organization.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:

-Experience analyzing and evaluating systems and equipment designed to prevent runway collisions, incursions and accidents.

- Experience analyzing surface safety trends and risk indicators to identify root causes of hazards and operational concerns.

DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. Answer all questions to the best of your ability.

You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the

application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide

the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.

Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrates 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.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.

Position may be subject to a background investigation.

A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies.

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and

experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.

This Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust)position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.