Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal)

Quick Facts

• Role: Air Traffic Control Specialist (Terminal)

• Where it operates: Tower and radar terminal facilities within delegated airspace

• Work scope: IFR, SVFR, and VFR ATC; watch supervision and automated system operation

Description

Provide terminal air traffic control services to military and civilian aircraft operating under IFR, SVFR, or VFR within delegated airspace. Issue clearances and advisories, direct aircraft and ground traffic, and support safe operations during routine, training, and emergency scenarios. Operate, train, and perform preventative maintenance on critical automated communications, surveillance, and information systems used by the ATC facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform tower and radar ATC duties, directing aircraft movement in the air and on the ground using pilot/controller reports, visual observation, and radar displays.
• Formulate and issue ATC clearances and instructions to maintain required separation and sequencing of IFR, SVFR, and VFR traffic.
• Assign arrival/departure routes and runways and adjust speed and altitude to ensure safe, efficient traffic flow per FAA procedures.
• Assist student pilots and ensure expeditious traffic flow; provide additional services for emergencies (including hijacking/unlawful seizure) and other distress events.
• Implement TSA/FAA homeland security procedures and coordinate NOTAM actions and airfield advisories.
• Operate, train, and provide preventative maintenance on automated systems integral to facility operations (e.g., ETVS, DBRITE, DVRS, DTN, Digital Mapper, DAAS, DASR, STARS, IDS, ATIS, CTSS, ATCTD, AWOS, ASOS).
• Serve as a watch supervisor/senior controller: direct controllers, manage shift coverage and position assignments, and approve/withdraw facility ATC services based on traffic, workload, and equipment capability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• National Guard membership
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain/maintain required security clearance
• Federal employment suitability with background investigation prior to appointment
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males born after 31 December 1959
• Not eligible if convicted of qualifying domestic violence under the Lautenberg Amendment
• Enlisted members only; rank/grade range SRA/E-4 through SSgt/E-5
• Compatible AFSC requirement: 1C131 or higher (or submit required AFSC documentation if applying outside ORANG)
• 36 months experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility demonstrating required ATC knowledge and abilities
• Ability to act decisively under stressful conditions and maintain alertness over sustained periods
• Possess or obtain an Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate (as appropriate)
• Maintain required facility ratings and ongoing proficiency
• Meet USAF/ANG physical and mental qualification standards for ATC duty
• May be required to pass written testing (GS-7 and below), pre-employment interview, and additional ATC aptitude screening
• Shift work and/or overtime may be required; trial period may be required

Benefits

A comprehensive U.S. government benefits package is provided; eligibility depends on the position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).