Air Traffic Control Specialist

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Department: Department of Transportation

Location(s): Herndon, Virginia, Warrenton, Virginia

Salary Range: $150392 - $228000 Per Year

Job Summary: Serves as an Air Traffic Security Coordinator in the Domestic Events Network located at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center or the National Capital Region Coordination Center. The ATSC is responsible for collaboration and coordination with air traffic facilities on the planning and operational execution of Air Traffic Management security measures and related efforts to protect the nation while mitigating safety and efficiency impacts on the National Airspace System (NAS).

Major Duties:

• The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) in this position performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. The Specialist serves as the Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) and is responsible for planning and coordinating with counterparts in the Federal, state, local, military, public, and private organizations, exchanging information on real-time aviation security-related issues/risks. Coordinates intelligence reporting and its nexus to the operational aspects of the National Airspace System (NAS). Maintains close liaison with homeland security/national defense partners. Applies experience and expert technical knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations, as well as technical knowledge of the aviation security and military operations related to national security and operational events and issues. The ATCS is a recognized expert on air traffic control procedures and requirements. Uses the knowledge to identify and resolve highly complex problems that often cross organizational boundaries and affect the accomplishment of agency objectives. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but almost always require the development of new and innovative approaches. Often recommends new policies and develops procedures and approaches. Implements and integrates national security measures on a tactical dynamic basis in cooperation with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other inter-agency security partners. Monitors the NAS to detect and direct tactical security measures for potential threats, including suspicious flights, to include timely coordination to minimize impacts to the NAS. When required, directs tactical security-related actions in the NAS. The ATCS maintains active awareness of airspace security initiatives for the President, Vice President, or other public figures designated by the White House. It provides real-time coordination of the President of the United States (POTUS), Vice President of the United States (VPOTUS), First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), or USSS-supported VIP movements, and real-time monitoring and airspace access for related Temporary Flight Restrictions. Contacts are internal and external. Coordinates and implements agency Continuity of Operations (COOP)/Continuity of Government (COG) initiatives upon activation. Serves as the final authority regarding NAS operations involving COOP/COG activities; as such, provides tactical coordination of classified operations in the NAS. Often represents theFAA at the national level as the agency's focal point for major projects or programs. Recommends organizational positions on major programs and issues to agency management. Prepares and reviews reports or policies for internal and external distribution. Provides advice and technical guidance on interdiction issues and law enforcement air operations in order to ensure compliance with air traffic control plans, policies and procedures. Provides guidance on operational capabilities and limitations of the FAA. Addresses air traffic control procedures to effectively accomplish the global mission, both in peacetime training and actual tactical operations incident to war or threats of war. Provides expert guidance on aviation security and air traffic control techniques, procedures and processes as well as developing complex reports and presentations on operational issues. Agency managers accept work products as technically authoritative, though work is reviewed for success in achieving desired results, effectiveness, and consonance with agency goals and objectives. Accepts assignments to multiple locations as needed to address national security, contingency operations, and staffing shortages.

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-J, FG/GS-14 level. This experience 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. 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 with air traffic management, providing real time monitoring and airspace access. --Experience detecting and directing security measures for potential threats, suspicious flights, and timely coordination to minimize impact to services. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. 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 may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA. *Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who does not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. * **All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**

How to Apply: Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position. You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week. Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA. Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible. You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-13