AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

Summary

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Duties

• SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this position is: Develop and administer unit Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Programs in support of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) flying mission. Incumbent plans, organizes and conducts TERPS program activities and acts as a technical specialist for the installation of assignment, interprets and implements policy. Conducts qualification training and certifies JQS task completion. Develops Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP), Instrument Departure Procedures (DP), Minimum Vectoring Altitude Charts (MVAC) and Minimum IFR Altitude Charts (MIFRAC), Diverse Vector Areas (DVA), Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) and associated reports using Air Force Global Procedure Designer (GPD) software and/or manual methods. Plots, verifies, and updates Aeronautical, Terrain, and Vertical Obstruction data from aeronautical charts, civil engineering and topographical maps, surveys, and electronic databases. Provides the air traffic manager with procedural data, charting data, and Video Mapping products in conjunction with facility automation specialists to support Air Traffic operations. Determines effectiveness and adequacy of procedures, determines ramifications, and makes recommendations to management on such issues as TERPS criteria and proposed rule changes presented by higher headquarters, DoD, FAA, and ICAO. Evaluates the effectiveness and adequacy of terminal instrument procedures and has responsibility for perceiving the need for and recommending new or amended instrument procedures. Determines operational requirements, environmental limitations, and whether an equivalent level of safety can be recommended to support Flight Procedures Standards Waivers. Coordinates, as necessary, with airway facilities and ATC personnel, to include other contacts at FAA regional offices, USAF Major Commands, Sister Services, National Flight Data Center (NFDC), military and civil flight operations representatives, state and local and foreign aviation officials, aircraft and airport operators, and local zoning boards DUTIES: Provides direction and makes decisions regarding criteria differences between Host nation and United States directives. Evaluates the effectiveness and adequacy of terminal and enroute directives, recommending new or amended directives as necessary. Interprets policy and directs implementation. Determines, by reviewing available data and applying knowledge of aircraft operations, whether an equivalent level of safety is maintained to support an instrument procedure criteria waiver. Uses manual construction procedures and Global Procedure Designer (GPD) instrument automation system to accomplish a full range of instrument flight procedures functions. Establishes operational, administrative, and quality review procedures.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the SPECIALIZED experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series GS-2152. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience 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. Examples of specialized experience include expertise in all matters concerning military and civil aeronautical facility and aerodrome data; mastery of all phases of flight including planning, enroute, and terminal. Expertise interpreting and evaluating information from widely varying sources; editing and interpolating data to meet facility and airframe design specifications; compiling and publishing all products required for operational flight navigation; Expertise using computer systems and specialized software to maintain an aeronautical database and extract complex information to support a wide variety of products; Expertise working cooperatively with counterparts in other armed services, FAA, National Ocean Service (NOS), the United States intelligence community, and many foreign aeronautical offices to provide timely, accurate information and products; Extensive operational and management experience in instrument flight operations as a pilot or an air traffic controller. Experience with Air traffic control and/or flight inspection. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time--in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of concepts and principles contained in Air Force instructions, FAA handbooks, regulations and orders, and other publications pertaining to flight information publication requirements; and of approach procedure flyability, ATC policies and procedures, flight inspection requirements, geography, electronic data processing and navigational aids characteristics in order to certify instrument flight procedures. Knowledge of civil engineering rules and regulations relating to airport actual and imaginary surfaces, airfield waivers and airfield construction; and with the use and function of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Aeronautical Information Publication Library. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of air traffic control operations and the separation of aircraft in terminal radar approach control and control tower operations; and of the functional and operational limitations of all ATC equipment including radar systems, navigational aids (NAVAIDS), weather indicators, remote status indicators, radios, landlines, recording equipment, ATC simulation systems, and any other equipment pertaining to ATC services; and of significant weather conditions that affect the safety of air traffic operations. Skill in application and comparison of US TERPS and ICAO instrument procedure design criteria. Ability to use computer systems and printing devices to include GPD, desktop computers, large scale printers and similar data processing devices; and to extract required data from all associated source reference materials. Ability to communicate effectively and disseminate information clearly and concisely through written reports, memos, and procedures as well as presentations/briefings; and to make rapid and precise judgments in a real-time work situation. The incumbent interacts with Headquarters PACAF management, co-workers, aircrew members, air traffic personnel, and numerous Host nation authorities, etc. in the development of instrument approach procedures. REQUIREMENTS: Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located. Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate. These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements. Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/02/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13049358 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

What to expect next

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Required documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

Other information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties, click here.