Air Traffic Control Specialist

📍 Multiple Locations · 🏛 Federal Aviation Administration · 💰 $150,392–$228,000 per year · 🎓 FV K · 🧭 Air Traffic Control (2152) · ⏳ Closes Nov 12, 2026 · 1 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 3, 2026
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About this job

Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) in the Domestic Events Network (DEN) located at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) or the National Capital Region Coordination Center (NCRCC). The ATSC is responsible for collaboration and coordination with air traffic facilities on the planning and operational execution of Air Traffic Management security measures and related efforts to protect the nation while mitigating safety and efficiency impacts on the National Airspace System.

Duties

The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) in this position performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. The Specialist serves as the Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) and is responsible for planning and coordinating with counterparts in the Federal, state, local, military, public and private organizations exchanging information on real-time aviation security-related issues/risks. Coordinates intelligence reporting and its nexus to the operational aspects of the National Airspace System (NAS). Maintains close liaison with homeland security/national defense partners. Applies experience and expert technical knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations; as well, technical knowledge of the aviation security and military operations related to national security and operational events and issues. The ATCS is a recognized expert on air traffic control procedures and requirements. Uses the knowledge to identify and resolve highly complex problems that often cross organizational boundaries and affect the accomplishment of agency objectives. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues but almost always require the development of new and innovative approaches. Often recommends new policies and develops procedures and approaches. Implements and integrates national security measures on a tactical dynamic basis in cooperation with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other interagency security partners. Monitors the NAS to detect and direct tactical security measures for potential threats, including suspicious flights to include timely coordination to minimize impacts to the NAS. When required, directs tactical security-related actions in the NAS. The ATCS maintains active awareness of airspace security initiatives for the President, Vice President, or other public figures designated by the White House. Provides real-time coordination of the President of the United States (POTUS), Vice President of the United States (VPOTUS), First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), or USSS supported VIP movements; and real time monitoring and airspace access of related Temporary Flight Restrictions. Contacts are internal and external. Coordinates and implements agency Continuity of Operations (COOP)/Continuity of Government (COG) initiatives upon activation. Serves as the final authority regarding NAS operations involving COOP/COG activities; as such, provides tactical coordination of classified operations in the NAS. Often represents the FAA at the national level as the agency focal point for major projects or programs. Recommends organizational positions on major programs and issues to agency management. Prepares and reviews reports or policies for internal and external distribution. Provides advice and technical guidance on interdiction issues and law enforcement air operations in order to ensure compliance with air traffic control plans, policies and procedures. Provides guidance on operational capabilities and limitations of the FAA. Addresses air traffic control procedures to effectively accomplish the global mission, both in peacetime training and actual tactical operations incident to war or threats of war. Provides expert guidance on aviation security and air traffic control techniques, procedures and processes as well as developing complex reports and presentations on operational issues. Agency managers accept work products as technically authoritative, though work is reviewed for success in achieving desired results, effectiveness, and consonance with agency goals and objectives. Accepts assignments to multiple locations as needed to address national security, contingency operations, and staffing shortages.

Qualifications

Candidates must have one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-J or FG/GS-14) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience includes: - Experience with air traffic management providing real time monitoring and airspace access. - Experience detecting and directing security measures for potential threats, suspicious flights, and timely coordination to minimize impact to services. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Yourresponses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; or (3) alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration. Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrates 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.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Requirements

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.

Evaluations

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.

How to apply

Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position. 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. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week. Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA. 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.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

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Required documents

ALL applicants MUST submit the following: (1) resume with complete work history; and (2) a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). For guidance on how to create a Federal resume, visit http://www.archives.gov/careers/jobs/forms/resume-guide.pdf Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents. Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sentvia email will NOT receive consideration. If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy. If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.

What to expect next

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.

Other 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 person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements 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. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate. This Level 4 (Special Sensitive; TS/SCI) position requires favorable adjudication of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. This position is not covered by PL 92-267 for early retirement purposes, and is therefore, not eligible for "good time" credit. Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed. Selected recruits will either be placed in AJR-2410 (DEN team) or AJR-2420 (NCRCC team). This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Air Traffic Control Specialist job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $150,392–$228,000 per year (FV K).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 12, 2026 — 1 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Multiple Locations with the Federal Aviation Administration.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement 800-AJO-27-6407CM-101215 · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Nov 12, 2026 deadlineApply