Air Traffic Control Specialist

This is a developmental Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) position responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace. Developmental controllers receive a wide range of training in controlling and separating live air traffic within designated airspace at and around an airport traffic Control Tower or Radar Approach control facility, or En Route traffic control center.

Duties

As a new ATCS, you will spend your first several weeks of employment in an intensive paid training program at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. ATCS trainees will receive an hourly wage plus full benefits. The FAA also provides food, housing, and travel allowances to help offset daily cost of living while attending the FAA Academy in accordance with applicable agency policies.

While attending academy training you will be on a temporary appointment. Academy students receive basic and initial qualification air traffic control training at the FAA Academy, which includes:

Complete occupational indoctrination including highlights of Federal employment, familiarization with organizational structure & functions, aircraft, air traffic control system, & aviation industry, classroom instruction & workshop exercises relating to the air traffic control system.

Individuals who do not successfully complete training at the FAA Academy and all other necessary requirements will have their employment terminated.

Prior failure of FAA Academy training or prior declination of permanent facility placement offer after completing Academy training may constitute a basis for non-selection and/or Veterans' Preference pass over.

Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required. If a candidate applies for and is selected under this temporary trainee announcement, all of the employment conditions associated with this FG-3 position will apply, regardless of whether the candidate possesses the specialized experience that would have otherwise qualified them under an experienced vacancy announcement.

If selected and hired, upon successful completion of Academy training, newly hired ATCS will be offered a permanent appointment at an FAA facility with a minimum basic salary of $45,782 plus applicable locality pay based on duty location. Applicants with prior ATCS experience will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement, upon conversion.

Newly hired ATCS will receive pay increases as they successfully complete the progressive phases of ATCS training at their assigned facility. It is important to note that annual salary varies greatly by facility and complexity level. ATCSs receive significant pay raises as they progress through ATCS training. On average, the salary will increase to $60,000 per year, and additional pay increases will be granted as you certify and progress at your assigned facility. Generally, most controllers are making a six-figure salary within three years. The time to reach Certified Professional Controller (CPC) or full certification and pay is approximately 2-3 years depending on the facility size, level, and complexity. Last year, the average for Certified Professional Controllers was $158,000 per year.

The FAA has Air Traffic Control Facilities in every state as well as Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. This announcement is open to applicants willing to work at any FAA Air Traffic Control Facility. Facility placements will be finalized the day following successful completion of Academy training. Declining to select a facility from the list of available facilities will result in termination of employment, as placement will be based upon the needs of the FAA.

• After successful completion of Academy training, the ATCS will enter the appropriate phase of field training as determined by the assigned facility to prepare for advancement to the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) level and must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility. Successful certification at assigned FAA facility is required. Failure to certify to CPC level will result in separation, demotion or reassignment.