Duties

This position is assigned to the Air Traffic Systems Directorate, En Route & Oceanic Second Level Engineering Group, Field Automation Support Team.

As an 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 maintain the adaptation database and provide direct automation support to air traffic operations.

The specialist is responsible for completing complex, specialized air traffic control assignments maintaining and performing analyses 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 an advanced 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) 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.

Analyzes symptoms of, and define solutions to problems associated with modern network-based distributed real-time automation systems. He/she gathers information, analyzes, evaluates, and recommends a course of action to resolve adaptation problems with a system, subsystem or support system. Analyzes system performance and fault information to identify causes of adaptation problems or system failures and recommends corrective action.

Performs as a contributing specialist in the assessment/analysis of proposed policies and programs related to the development and deployment of Air Traffic automation, surveillance data processing, and other facility projects. Participates on special project teams to evaluate the effectiveness of automation services. He/she performs 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. Applies experience and advanced air traffic knowledge, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Work contributes directly to the success of regional or national programs, the integrated NAS, as well as research, development and testing efforts, FAA Academy instruction, or other program areas.

Contacts are internal and external. He/she communicates with Technical Operations and Air Traffic representatives to monitor software and adaptation requirements and to support second level engineering activities. Integrates and implements 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.

Established policies and procedures cover most assignments, but allow considerable discretion to select an optimum approach or recommend a new approach. Must make extensive technical judgments when interpreting and implementing policy and procedures governing the assigned area. Provides recommendations to improve work processes. Acts as a contributing specialist in his or her area of expertise on broad work activities or may be individually responsible for projects or activities.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Review the Additional Information Section of this vacancy announcement for important information regarding your COVID vaccine status.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents)

Qualifications

To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference - U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152/

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H / FG/GS-10/11/12, 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 working with various aviation related automation systems, flight data processing, surveillance data processing, and traffic flow management techniques.

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.

Preview Job Questionnaire
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. www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/financial_disclosure_requirements

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 provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

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.

This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by NATCA: Automation Specialists.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA