Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee

Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens

• This is a developmental Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) position responsible for providing preflight briefings and inflight assistance to pilots, requiring knowledge of the information needed to conduct safe flights. Developmental controllers receive a wide range of training in FSS processes as well as weather, communication, navigational and other equipment. As an ATCS, you will receive pay increases as you successfully complete the progressive phases (benchmarks) of controller training at your assigned facility.

• This announcement is open to those applicants willing to work at any FAA FSS Air Traffic Control Facility in Alaska. Applicant geographic area preferences are for informational purposes only and may not be used in the selection process.

• 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 AT-AQ position will apply.

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

• As a new ATCS, you will spend your first several weeks of employment in an intensive training program. While attending academy training, you will be on a temporary appointment. Academy students receive basic air traffic control training through the FAA Academy, which includes complete occupational indoctrination including highlights of Federal employment and basic air traffic training in both a classroom and laboratory environment.

• Upon successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Basics Course, continued training will be held at the FAA FSS Academy in Kenai, AK. While attending academy training, you will remain on a temporary appointment. Academy students will receive basic air traffic control training that includes familiarization with the FSS organizational structure and functions, and basic air traffic training in both a classroom and laboratory environment that simulates actual FSS job functions.

• Prior failure of FAA or FSS 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.

• ATCS's will be paid long-term expense rate (per diem) while attending the FAA FSS Academy in Kenai, AK, to help offset daily cost of living expenses.

• Upon successful completion of the FAA FSS Academy initial training program & other employment requirements, newly hired ATCS's will be offered a permanent appointment at an FAA FSS facility with a basic salary of $62,224, which includes 32.36% locality pay. A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be based on facility assignment and is subject to change. Applicants with prior ATC experience will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• All applicants must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) Exam.
• Medical Clearance: You must obtain medical clearance, including a psychological assessment, drug test, and
• comprehensive medical evaluation. Successful completion of all components is required for hiring and continued employment.
• Background Check: You are required to pass a background check. If you have previously completed one at an acceptable level,
• it will be verified. Otherwise, you must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for a Public Trust clearance.
• Irregular duty hours, a non-standard work week, or tour of duty may be required.

Qualifications

You must be able to speak English clearly so others can understand you over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.

To apply, you must meet ONE of the five qualification options listed below.

Some eligibility requirements depend on which Applicant Pool you choose. Read carefully and contact Alaska Human Resources (wendy.livingston@faa.gov) with questions before the announcement closes.

Applicant Pools

POOL 1

You qualify for Pool 1 if you meet one of the following and submit documentation as outlined in the Required Documents section.

1. CTI Graduate - You graduated from an FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and have an official CTI endorsement letter.

2. VRA-Eligible Veteran - You qualify for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) under Title 38. More info: https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/veteran-job-seekers/vets/

3. Veteran with Aviation Experience - You are a qualifying veteran with aviation experience gained during military service and/or eligible for Veterans' Preference (as stated Title 5, in section 2108 of United States Code).

POOL 2

Pool 2 includes: all U.S. Citizens who do not meet Pool 1 requirements, or Pool 1 applicants who choose to be considered for Pool 2.

Applicants may choose Pool 1 OR Pool 2, but not both.

If you select Pool 1 but are found not eligible, you will automatically be considered under Pool 2, provided you meet one of the five qualification options.

Age Requirement: The Alaska Flight Service Option does not have a maximum age requirement.

5 Ways to Qualify - You only need ONE of these.

1. Work Experience - At least one year of general work experience (about 2,080 hours).

This can include:

• Full-time jobs
• Part-time jobs
• Volunteer work

2. Education - A full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree (120 semester or 180 quarter hours).

An associate degree alone does not qualify unless combined with work experience (see option 3).

CTI applicants (Pool 1):

• Submit transcripts (official or unofficial) showing your degree conferral
• Provide your official CTI endorsement letter

3. Education + Work Combination - A mix of college coursework and work experience equal to one year of qualifying experience.

Undergraduate credit is based on:

• 120 semester hours earned, or
• 180 quarter hours earned

Example: An associate degree plus work experience may qualify.

4. Air Traffic Control Experience - You have specialized Air Traffic Control Specialist experience.

You must provide documentation such as:

• FAA certificates
• Military ATC certification
• Training records

5. Other Aviation Experience - You qualify if you (hold or have held one) of the following:

• Facility rating and actively controlled civilian or military air traffic
• FAA air carrier dispatcher certificate
• Instrument flight rating
• FAA navigator certificate or military Navigator/Bombardier qualification
• 350+ flight hours as a copilot or higher with a private pilot certificate (or military equivalent)
• Served as a rated Aerospace Defense Command Intercept Director

How you will be evaluated

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

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Resume
• Official or Unofficial Transcripts with confer date (if applicable).
• Veterans preference documents - DD-214, VA letter, SF-15, statement of service letter (if applicable)
• SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable). If you do not have a copy of your initial Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/new-hire action into the 2152 series), you can request it through the National Personnel Records Center at the following link: https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/opf.

In addition, Collegiate Training Initiative applicants must provide:

• Official or Unofficial Transcripts with confer date AND
• Endorsement letter

All Veterans: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit either a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 Copy or equivalent), or a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must also submit a completed SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference, and supporting documents outlined on the SF-15. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

If you are claiming 10 point preference but fail to submit the supporting documents outlined on the SF-15, you will be tentatively assessed as a 5 point preference eligible provided your DD Form 214 reflects that you have the service required to qualify for preference. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

Veterans currently on active duty claiming veterans' preference: You will be granted tentative preference if you submit a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions and your application shows that you have the required service. Prior to being appointed, you must provide to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office a DD Form 214 documenting discharge/release and showing that the service was honorable or general. If you are on terminal leave, you must provide documentation certifying authorized terminal leave.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Forms:

• SF-15  : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

Next steps