This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization, Air Traffic Services (AJT), Strategic Operations AJT-1, Emerging/New Technologies Team, AJT-1230. This Group is responsible for the operational integration of automated air traffic systems, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Commercial Space, new entrants and emerging technologies.
To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference- U.S. Office of Personnel Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Air Traffic Control Series, 2152: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/air-traffic-control-series-2152/ To qualify for this position at the J-band you must demonstrate in your application that you have experience as an airtraffic controller in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules and regulations. Creditable experience must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the full range of duties of the position for which application is being made. To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I / FG/GS-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is: Experience separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal or en route air traffic facility to evaluate proposed technical changes to separation standards, procedures and/or the techniques available to controllers to separate aircraft. Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Interview Policy: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. Pay Retention: In accordance with HRPM. EMP 1.29/1.29A, this position may be Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression. The selectee( s) may be eligible for pay retention. Career Diversity is not enhanced when an employee is assigned to a staff or supervisory position in which they previously held on a permanent basis. CEP/CP selectees will be required to certify eligibility.
The Air Traffic Control Specialist will apply experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures, operations and staff programs to support the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and commercial space launch/reentry operations into the National Airspace System (NAS). Performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments and applies national-level expertise in a major air traffic control staff function, such as , automation, airspace procedures or operations, to improve NAS efficiency by reducing delays, route deviations, fuel burn, and missions as UAS and Commercial Space vehicles are integrated into the (NAS). This work contributes directly to the accomplishment of air traffic and other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) objectives and the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic operations. Applies experience separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal or en route air traffic facility to evaluate proposed technical changes to separation standards, procedures and/or the techniques available to controllers to separate aircraft. Applies comprehensive knowledge of staff programs, such as procedures or traffic management, to evaluate methods of integrating launch/reentry vehicles into the ATC operational environment mixed with UAS traffic. Possesses experience as a facility on-the-job training specialist to participate in the process of developing training recommendations for facility air traffic controllers on UAS policies and rules. Participates in the development of guidance for processing UAS authorizations and waivers. Evaluates methods of integrating launch/reentry vehicles that can meet the flight characteristics and performance requirements of operating aircraft in the airspace into normal operations and within Communication Navigation & Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) procedures and infrastructure. Assesses activities that effect facility airspace, and if necessary, analyzes proposed policies and programs related to the integration of Commercial Space and UAS operations. Identifies and proposes alternative strategies when necessary. Uses experience initiating traffic management instructions and restrictions, evaluates proposed automated tools to provide air traffic controllers with live automated displays or real time knowledge of a vehicles position or status to implement Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and Altitude Reservation (ALTRV) requests. The ATCS is a senior point of contact for work groups evaluating decision support tools for improved planning and real-time information sharing that support launch and reentry vehicle operations. Identifies needs and capabilities for the integration of UAS in the operational environment. Contacts are internal and external to the Directorate and include representatives from other FAA lines of business, facility managers, contractors (or their representatives), private industry, the public sector, and the Department of Defense. Often represents the Directorate as a senior point of contact on projects, programs, research and acquisition. Collaborates with labor representatives through participation on joint facility labor/management work groups. Maintains an active relationship with national labor representatives to ensure collaborative responses to operational issues. Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives, considerable discretion is allowed to develop new or innovative approaches and draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems. Is considered an authority in UAS and Commercial Space vehicles, most work is performed independently. The Team Manager reviews work for quality of results and compatibility with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives. Work is typically reviewed through status reports and at completion.