Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens.

THIS IS A T5 EXCEPTED SERVICE, PERMANENT POSITION.

The primary purpose of the AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL), GS-2152-12, is to work as an air traffic controller for an Army National Guard (ARNG) Air Traffic Control Tower, under immediate supervision at the outset of each assignment to a new position; but when rated, works under the general supervision of the Facility Chief. Independently performs the described duties within guidelines of applicable civilian and military procedures and standards. Supervision includes assignments in general terms and instruction in new or revised policies and procedures. Evaluation of work is accomplished by supervisory observation of incumbent's ability to perform expeditious and safe operations.

• Controls air traffic under both visual and instrument flight rules coupled with precision approach radar (PAR)/ground control approach (GCA) in the extremely congested control environment. Uses comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience to apply separation standards and control traffic. Sequences, spaces, and issues clearances and control instructions to all VFR/SVFR and IFR traffic operating in the area of responsibility under conditions where difficulties are imposed by combinations of such factors as a strict and sensitive local noise abatement procedures program due to close proximity of civilian homes, no-fly areas in the airport traffic area, overlapping of Class D controlled airspace, civilian airports within 25 miles, mixtures of experienced and student pilots, a high level of intensive pilot training, and mixtures of rotary wing, propeller driven and jet aircraft with widely varying airspeeds that are substantially intensified by sustained periods of extremely heavy traffic.
• Maintains continuous radio watch of assigned and emergency frequencies and monitors navigational aids and control panels. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies and transponder beacon codes, and advises on restricted area status. Notifies pilots of changes in weather reports and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS). Receives aircraft flight plans and movement data and relays data to the local controller and ground control/clearance delivery. Relays VFR/IFR departure times to Base Operations and the Flight Service Station as necessary.
• Operates control tower equipment, visual signaling devices and activation of primary crash alarm circuits. Uses tower radar displays and associated equipment, Flight Data Input and Output equipment (FDIO), Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System Local Integrated Terminal Equipment (STARSLITE), and the Army Airfield Automation System (AAAS).
• Directs automated flight data information into the Flight Information Strip computer and Programmable Indicator Data Processor (PIDP). Establishes radar contact with and controls aircraft to provide Air Surveillance Radar (ASR) and Precision Approach Radar (PAR) approaches to designated runways. Utilizes surveillance and precision approach radar scopes displaying azimuth /elevation data to control aircraft to touchdown and maintain separation between aircraft. Controls multiple aircraft simultaneously in the traffic pattern and on two busy parallel runways operating in a day, night and night vision goggle environment under varied weather conditions with a substantial volume of helicopter traffic and provision of radar services to a number of satellite airports. Maintains continuous radio watch of assigned and emergency frequencies and monitors navigational aids and control panels.

The position resides within the infrastructure and support functions of the state National Guard; the incumbent is not subject to mobilization, nor is the work described part of the military mission; and the incumbent does not perform a key advisory or essential administrative role that is inherently military. In addition, the position must meet one of the following: It does not have a comparable military function; the position is required in full-time (civilian) role when the organization, or similar military position, is mobilized to perform continuing post-mobilization functions; or the position requires a skill or competency that necessitates technical expertise or professional qualifications that cannot be readily found in the military structure of the state military force.

May make additional selections within 90 days of eligible(s) issuance.

Conditions of employment

Recruitment/Relocation
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive IS NOT authorized.

PCS
Relocation Costs IS NOT authorized based on determination that Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is not in the Government best interest.

• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• Must maintain proper security clearance.
• Position is subject to rotating shifts.
• Position is considered mission essential.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Must possess a Class IV Flight Physical.

Qualifications

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL), GS-2152-12: Must have at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-11 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government. This experience may also have been obtained in the private sector, but must demonstrate that it is comparable to the GS grade indicated. Specialized experience may have been demonstrated by performing duties such as: Issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement; Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; Skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and Judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choice.

Your resume must have complete information: Please ensure your resume accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified and you will no longer be considered for this position.

Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date: You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 04/03/2026

How you will be evaluated

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

Category Rating: Your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are:

1. Highly Qualified: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for this position.
2. Well Qualified: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for this position.
3. Qualified: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements for this position.
Your rating will be based on both your entire application package as well as the responses to the assessment questionnaire. Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your category rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

All applicants' qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities):
Attention to Detail, Manages and Organizes Information, Oral Communication, and Technical Competence

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

2. Schedule A Eligibility Letter and the SF 256 (SF 256 is optional) if you are applying as an individual with a disability under the Schedule A special hiring authority.

3. Your SF-15 or supporting documentation (if applicable).

4. Other supporting documents: applicable documents required for qualification, education, or certification as stated above.

Veterans Information: Veterans' preference must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. Acceptable documentation may be:

• A copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions
• A "certification" or memorandum that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification or memorandum is signed.
• A letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility (You can request this by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online.)

Next steps