Public Notice for Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee (Direct Hire) Job in Alaska Flight Service Stations

Vacancy No. AAL-ATO-25-PUB NOT-92633 Department Federal Aviation Administration
Salary $44,705.00 to $126,306.00 Grade AQ to AQ
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/3/2024 Close Date 6/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Alaska Flight Service Stations


Summary

Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee for Flight Service Stations in Alaska. Alaska has the only Federal Flight Service Stations. There are numerous positions to be filled. The Alaska Flight Service Training Academy (AFSTA) is located in Kenai, Alaska.

Requirement for nonstandard duty hours or work week: Incumbent may be required to work irregular duty hours or a nonstandard work week or tour of duty.

This is a public notice announcement.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens

Duties

  • 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 $60,414, which includes 31.96% 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.

Requirements

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.
  • Position sensitivity is Moderate Risk; may be required to complete a background investigation
  • All applicants must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA) Exam
  • Minimum qualifications required for all positions, additional eligibilities required based on Pool election
  • If eligible for Pool 1, may elect consideration for Pool 2; but not both

Qualifications

All candidates must meet ONE of the following FIVE minimum qualifications for the position outlined below. Additional Pool eligibilities are required based on specific Pool election. Please read carefully and contact the Alaskan Region Human Resources Office PRIOR to the announcement close date if you have any questions.

1. TO QUALIFY BASED ON PROGRESSIVELY RESPONSIBLE WORK EXPERIENCE: applicants must document 1 year of full time (40 hours per week) progressively responsible experience. Most types of paid or unpaid employment will provide progressively responsible experience as the individual doing the work learns about the organization, gains knowledge about the work, and demonstrates responsibility.

2. TO QUALIFY BASED UPON EDUCATION: applicants must document a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. Schools must be accredited as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and copies of the transcript official/unofficial which includes the name of the institution, semester or quarter hours earned and/or confer date at time of application.

CTI: To be eligible for Pool 1 your transcript must reflect the confer date and you must also provide the Official CTI Endorsement Letter at time of application.

3. TO QUALIFY BASED UPON THE COMBINATION OF BOTH WORK EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: The applicant's total qualifying experience time is converted to a percentage, then the education time is converted to a percentage. The combined percentages must equal 100%. At the undergraduate level, successfully completed education that has not led to possession of a degree is credited based on its relationship to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours, and transcripts are required at application submission for verification purposes. Example: associate degrees equate to 18 months or 50% of the 12 month requirement. Additionally, study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.

4. TO QUALIFY BASED ON SPECIALIZED WORK EXPERIENCE AS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST: applicants qualifying based on specialized experience must provide supporting documentation that verifies this requirement has been met (e.g., FAA certificate, military certificate or training record).

5. TO QUALIFY BASED ON ALTERNATIVE REQUIREMENTS: applicants must provide supporting documentation that verifies at least one of the following alternative requirements are met:

  • a. Do you hold or have held an appropriate facility rating and have actively controlled air traffic in civilian or military air traffic control terminals or centers?
  • b. Do you hold or have held an FAA certificate as a dispatcher for an air carrier?
  • c. Do you hold or have held an instrument flight rating?
  • d. Do you hold or have held an FAA certificate as a navigator or have been fully qualified as a Navigator/Bombardier in the Armed Forces?
  • e. Do you have 350 hours of flight time as a copilot or higher and hold or have held a private certificate or equivalent Armed Forces rating?
  • f. Have you served as a rated Aerospace Defense Command Intercept Director?

Successful candidates must be able to speak English clearly enough to be understood over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.

Minimum qualifications required for all positions; additional eligibilities required based on Pool election. APPLICANT POOLS:

POOL 1 - ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants MUST meet one of the following criteria (1, 2, OR 3) listed below, and MUST provide supporting documentation in order to be eligible for consideration in Pool 1.

1. A graduate from an institution participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, and who has received from the institution an appropriate recommendation (i.e., official endorsement letter). MUST SUBMIT: (1) official/unofficial transcripts showing degree confer date AND (2) the official endorsement letter from the school. All supporting documentation must be received prior to the closing date of this vacancy.

2. A Veteran eligible for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) pursuant to Section 4214 of Title 38 and can provide a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty within 120 days from the announcement closing.

3. An eligible Veteran maintaining aviation experience obtained in the course of their military experience and/or entitled to Veterans' Preference (must meet eligibility requirements in section 2108 of Title 5, United States Code) and can provide a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty within 120 days from the announcement closing.

NOTE for 2 & 3: Applicable Veterans MUST SUBMIT a DD-214 with character of service in block 24, OR written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the closing date this announcement. Applicants who are not within 120 days of separation will be assessed as non-preference eligibles.

Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) eligible applicants:

  • Disabled Veterans; or
  • Veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; or
  • Veterans who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded; or
  • Recently separated Veterans (defined as; within the last 3 years).
  • Veterans claiming eligibility on the basis of service in a campaign or expedition for which a medal was awarded must be in receipt of the campaign badge or medal. In addition to meeting the criteria above, eligible Veterans must have been separated under honorable conditions, or general discharge. Please also see section 'All Veterans' at the bottom of this vacancy announcement, for further documentation requirements for Veterans.

POOL 2 - ELIGIBILITY:

  • Pool 2 applicants are all other U.S. Citizens not meeting the requirements for Pool 1, OR Pool 1 eligibles who elect to be considered for Pool 2.

Pool 2 applicants may not apply for Pool 1 unless they meet the eligibility requirements outlined for Pool 1.

Education

Applicants who are using education as a qualifier must submit a copy of the official/unofficial transcripts to substantiate all credit hours and/or confer date.

Applicants qualifying based on Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) education must submit a copy of the official/unofficial transcripts to substantiate all credit hours and/or confer date AND an appropriate recommendation letter or endorsement certifying the individual would have met the CTI requirements in effect as of December 31, 2013 for an appropriate recommendation. ***CTI applicants: To be eligible for Pool 1, your transcripts with confer date and appropriate recommendation letter must be submitted prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement, and the confer date must be prior to announcement close date. An appropriate recommendation letter is not a personal recommendation. This letter must be on official CTI school letter head, signed by the designated CTI point of contact and certify/endorse that all CTI program requirements have been met (or would have been met effective as of 12/31/13).

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 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.

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

All applicants found qualified for the position will be required to complete the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA). Travel to & from testing locations will be at the expense of the applicant. Most recent ATSA results will be utilized for referral, regardless if they are higher or lower than previous score.

Applicants who set up their USAJOBS account to provide email updates will receive an email notification with any change in status of their applications.

Requirement for pre-employment medical clearance: Applicants selected for ATCS positions must pass a medical examination that includes psychological screening prior to appointment. Applicants with prior military service are encouraged to obtain a sealed copy of their military medical records prior to discharge and to retain these records to be provided upon request if selected.

Requirement for security clearance: This position has been designated as Moderate Risk and will require a Public Trust background investigation or higher prior to appointment unless a waiver is obtained.

Training Requirements: After successful completion of Academy training, the ATCS will enter the appropriate phase of field training as determined by the assigned facility to prepare for advancement to the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) level. They must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility.

Successful certification at assigned FAA facility is required. Failure to certify will result in separation, demotion or reassignment.

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. On-the-Spot will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

This Public Notice will serve as a resume repository – positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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

Applicants qualifying based on education, including Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) must submit a copy of the official/unofficial transcripts to substantiate all credit hours and/or confer date. CTI applicants must also submit an appropriate recommendation letter or endorsement certifying the individual would have met the CTI requirements in effect as of December 31, 2013 for an appropriate recommendation. *Please see the Education section for more information. Facility rating records issued by the FAA or military issued ratings and/or training records must be provided, if qualifying based on specialized experience or one of the alternative requirements. Applicants qualifying under VRA must provide 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.



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

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.

We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)

  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)

  • Employer's name and address

  • Supervisor name and phone number

  • Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

  • Salary (optional)


Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Agency contact information

Wendy Livingston
Phone
1 (000) 000-0000
Fax
1 (907) 271-5367
Email
wendy.livingston@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
AAL Regional HR Services Division
222 West 7th Ave #14
AHF-N100
Anchorage, AK 99513
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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