Air Traffic Control Specialist

DutiesAs a senior Air Traffic Control Specialist located at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), he/she works with National Airspace System (NAS) software systems, applying technical automation and air traffic familiarization to resolve software problems, create and manage the adaptation database and provide direct automation support to air traffic operations.The specialist is responsible for leading complex, specialized air traffic control assignments providing leadership and analysis of all facets of the automation systems related to Air Traffic Control (ATC) activity within the facility. Typical duties include (1) performs required research to identify, analyze, and resolve operational automation discrepancies, (2) ensures the adequacy of automation support based on a comprehension knowledge of air traffic control procedures and knowledge of facility traffic flows, flight data requirements, radar data, and intra-facility and inter-facility coordination procedures, (3) develops, maintains, tests, and modifies the adaptation database to assure that maximum effectiveness is achieved and that data is processed in a precise and timely manner, (4) coordinates with staff at local and other facilities regarding automation decisions and activities that affect operations.Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions. Must also apply comprehensive knowledge of staff programs (e.g., procedures, traffic management, quality assurance, training, automation) to carry out regional or national programs. The specialist provides air traffic expertise for the assessment/analysis of proposed policies and programs related to the development and deployment of Air Traffic automation, surveillance, and other facility projects. Leads or participates on special project teams to evaluate the effectiveness of automation services. Leads technical analysis, documentation, and related tasks in direct support of the air traffic operations. Provides technical assistance to operational personnel for the resolution of system malfunctions. Defines, organizes, and allocates resources to accomplish important work activities within established schedules.Applies experience and comprehensive air traffic knowledge, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Plans course of action required to resolve adaptation problems with a system, subsystem or support system. Work contributes directly to the accomplishment of air traffic and other FAA objectives and the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic operations.As a senior point of contact for the PMO he/she communicates with Technical Operations and Air Traffic representatives to manage software and adaptation requirements and to support second level engineering activities. Coordinates air traffic software adaptation changes and requirements with multiple air traffic control facilities both internal and external to the FAA to include military base operations, airlines and international air traffic control organizations.Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but allow considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Provides guidance to lower-level staff on how to solve difficult technical issues.The specialist works independently at a field site with minimal direction and guidance provided by the Program Operations Field Manager. The specialist has the authority to make decisions related to the maintenance of adaptation and software systems critical to the safe operation of the National Airspace System. Work is reviewed rarely, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or work activity.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentReview the Additional Information Section of this vacancy announcement for important information regarding pre-employment COVID Vaccine requirement.US Citizenship is required.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents) QualificationsTo view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference – U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152: qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I / FG/GS-13 have experience as an air traffic controller 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. Creditable experience must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of the position for which application is being made.Specialized experience may include but not limited to: Experience analyzing system performance and fault information to identify causes of adaptation problems or system failures and recommends corrective action and experience performing technical analyses, documentation, and related tasks in direct support of the air traffic operations.Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire. Additional informationWe 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. The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.If selected, you will be required to acknowledge/affirm that you are or will be fully vaccinated prior to entering on duty, and will be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination upon entering on duty. If you are not fully vaccinated, your start date may be delayed until you are fully vaccinated or request and receive a legally required exception.As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, 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 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), 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.Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by NATCA: Automation Specialists.Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA Help Help 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. Review our benefitsEligibility 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.