AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

Clarification from the agency

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa (USAFEAFAFRICA) staff officer and Airspace Management Liaison, with an emphasis on developing and maintaining access to airspace in Europe, Africa, The Mediterranean, and Middle East. Responsible to the Chief, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operations and Plans Branch, for matters pertaining to the Operations, Support and Execution of ISR missions. Responsible for providing expertise and assistance to DoD and Host Nation authorities on activities involving US military requirement for use of the Host Nation's airspace.

Duties:

• Analyzes issues and develops USAFE-AFAFRICA position on ISR assets access to airspace in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Middle East.
• Any work relating to the USAFE-AFAFRICA planning, programming, and integration processes of RPAS in EUCOM/AFRICOM AORs.
• Applies air traffic control, airspace management and systems management experience to identify, analyze, and develop new processes and procedures necessary to attain and sustain training airspace for long-range DoD activities in EUCOM/AFRICOM's AORs.
• In relation to RPAS activities, researches, develops, authors, and presents briefings, memos, staff correspondence, etc on future programs, acquisition status, shortfalls, capabilities, and historical trends.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a OCONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Employees and family members requiring medical/dental care in the overseas location are responsible for obtaining/paying for care. Access for these members to military medical/dental treatment facilities is on space-available/reimbursable basis only.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use.
• This position requires the incumbent to gain and maintain historic and current knowledge of the international aviation community, especially Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Middle East. Experience in European ATM affairs is highly desirable.
• Current knowledge of RPAS and navigational systems being considered for acquisition by US and foreign nations for military or civil use, and the impact on USAFE/EUCOM/AFRICOM’s operations is highly desired.
• In-depth knowledge of Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (PPBS) is highly desirable.
• Remain calm and controlled during and after long periods of tension and fatigue.
• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a top-secret security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) as a condition of employment.
• Physical - if hired from CONUS to foreign OCONUS, selectee must accomplish pre-employment physical
• Gaining unit may pay for PCS expenses

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (CONT):

• This fundamental working knowledge requires extensive exposure and first-hand experience in interacting and successfully negotiating with host nations' representatives, who are the linchpins to the success of USAFE/EUCOM/AFRICOM's ability to maintain or expand airspace usage.
• In addition to extensive experience and knowledge of specific political, regulatory, and technical workings of the various Host Nations, NATO and other aviation bodies, the position requires broad knowledge of international relations, U.S. foreign policy, protocol skills and ability to access the host nations' long-range airspace plans.
• To be successful the incumbent must have detailed current knowledge of culture, mores, customs, and processes necessary to establish fundamental working relationships and the maintenance of long-term relationships, which benefits US interests. Position requires incumbent to hold a FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate.
• The employee performs other duties as required by the Air Command and Control Division Chief, must be a US citizen, is required to have a government passport, requires access to classified materials up to and including Secret, and travels internationally by military or civilian mode in the performance of temporary duty assignments. Temporary duty will normally be required approximately 90-100 days annually and vary between 5-30 days for a single period of duty, but could exceed 30 days.

QUALIFICATIONS:
In order to qualify, you must meet the SPECIALIZED experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series, 2152.

SPECIALIZED EXPEREINCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of operational ATC and aviation issues to include; terminal area procedures, en route operations, route structures, aerodynamics, communications, meteorology, flight planning, separation criteria, and resolution of alleged systems deviations; mastery of ATM, ASM, and ATCALS is mandatory. The paramount knowledge of the position is mastery of ATC and ASM procedures, the principles underlying their establishment (US and international) and the necessary navigational equipment or systems; comprehensive knowledge of ICAO standard and recommended practices (SARPs), ICAO publications, FARs, FAA Orders and Directives, Department of Defense Policy Directives, NATO Standardization Agreements, US/NATO and the varying Host Nations' policies, directives and regulations pertaining to air traffic control, airspace management, air operations, and air defense. In-depth familiarity with the EUROCONTROL and NATO activities concerning all remotely piloted aircraft; and extensive, current knowledge of technical procedures and requirements related to future RPAS basing, management processes, and future systems required for DOD aviation activities and continued assess to European and African airspace.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and standard practices, DoD, Federal Air Regulations (FARs), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders and directives, USAF and NATO policy directives and regulations, international and intra-theater Host Nation air traffic and airspace laws, rules, regulations, policies and trends. Knowledge of Air Traffic Control and Landing System (ATCALS) and C2.
2. Knowledge of and experience with RPAS platforms, sensors, and related technologies, and ability to draw conclusions relevant to their application to the USAFE mission. A fundamental requirement is of this position is a detailed, current knowledge of the operational, and government processes (both military and civilian), as they relate to aviation infrastructures for Host Nations in the EUCOM/AFRICOM AORs.
3. Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; coordinate plans and actions, and use judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices. Skills to arrive quickly at well-reasoned solutions to complex problems and adjust quickly to different assignments, changing conditions, and workload fluctuations.
4. As political and business attitudes evolve in the aviation industry, to be successful the employee must have a detailed current knowledge of culture, mores, customs, and processes necessary to establish fundamental working relationships and the maintenance of long-term relationships. Responsibility includes the skill and ability to analyze and evaluate methods and procedures (both Host Nation and US), plan work and establish priorities to meet emerging and changeable scenarios.
5. Knowledge of ATM, ASM, ATCALS, program and systems management, and the skill in applying this knowledge to difficult and unusual situations.
6. Ability to examine and interpret current and emerging Host Nation airspace, air traffic functions, and regulations and provide definitive DoD guidance.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When job announcements indicate PCS costs are authorized, overseas allowances may be authorized in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and any applicable Federal Overseas Regulations.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval).

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15.
5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

Next steps