Hiring Bid Experienced bid: FAA-ATO-17-ATCEXP-52850

MJ

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Air Traffic Control Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary
About the Agency



Business Component:

Air Traffic Organization, various Terminal and En Route (Center) air traffic facilities FAA-Wide



Duties


THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE MAINTAINED AT LEAST 52 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FULL-TIME ACTIVE SEPARATION OF AIR TRAFFIC AFTER RECEIPT OF AN ATC CERTIFICATION OR FACILITY RATING WITHIN 5 YEARS OF APPLICATION WHILE SERVING AT:

  • a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facility; OR
  • a civilian or military air traffic control facility of the Department of Defense; OR
  • a tower operating under contract with the FAA under section 47124
APPLICANTS MUST ALSO BE WILLING TO WORK AT ANY FAA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY.

The FAA has Air Traffic Control Facilities in every state as well as Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam. Air Traffic Control Specialists in the Terminal option control air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice based on their own observations and information from the National Weather Service, Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), flight service stations, pilots, and other sources. They transfer control of aircraft to the ARTCC controller when the aircraft leaves assigned airspace, and they receive control of aircraft coming into assigned airspace.

Air Traffic Control Specialists in the En Route (Center) option give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice regarding flight conditions while en route between airports. They provide separation between aircraft flying within the Federal airways or operating into or out of airports.

This is an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) position responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace. Additional information regarding these positions is located at: Aviation Careers

  • Applicant geographic area preferences may be used in determining facility placement offers for candidates selected. Ultimately, the type and location of positions offered to each selectee will be based upon the needs of the FAA. If you are selected for a position, you will be informed of the facility location you are being offered. Selectees will be offered a permanent appointment in the ATCS occupation at an FAA facility based on their qualifications and the needs of the agency
  • Positions offered may be:
    • AT-2152 AG - this is the position level for selectees who are NOT former FAA 2152 Certified Professional Controllers (CPC); salary $38,575, plus applicable locality pay based on facility assignment
    • AT-2152 - xD/xF/xG - these are position levels for former FAA developmental controllers rehired within 1 year of separation; salary $46,311 to $107,879 plus applicable locality pay based on facility assignment
    • AT-2152 - DH/EH/FH/GH/HH/IH/JH/KH/LH - these are position levels for former FAA CPCs; salary $50,163 to $145,637 plus applicable locality pay based on facility assignment
  • Appointees will enter the appropriate phase of field training as determined by the assigned facility to prepare for full certification to the CPC level. They must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility.
  • Failure to meet training requirements for or accept promotion to higher grade ATCS positions may constitute grounds for reassignment, demotion or separation from employment
  • You will receive on-the-job training and pay increases, as appropriate, upon successful completion of the progressive phases of controller training at your assigned facility. Part of the on-the-job training may require that you complete certain specific training courses at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK


Relocation Authorized
  • No
Job Requirements
Key Requirements
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Pre-employment Physical is required.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • 52 WEEKS OF CONSECUTIVE, ATC POST CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
  • CONSECUTIVE, POST CERTIFIED EXPERIENCE MUST BE WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS
  • COPIES OF CERTIFICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO CLOSE DATE.
  • Age requirements; see "Qualifications Required" & "Required Doc." sections.
  • Requirement for nonstandard duty hours or work week.
Qualifications


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A MINIMUM OF AT LEAST 52 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FULL-TIME ACTIVE SEPARATION OF AIR TRAFFIC AFTER RECEIPT OF AN ATC CERTIFICATION OR FACILITY RATING WITHIN 5 YEARS OF APPLICATION WHILE SERVING AT:

  • a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facility; OR
  • a civilian or military air traffic control facility of the Department of Defense; OR
  • a tower operating under contract with the FAA under section 47124
This experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the level of work. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the movement of air traffic; knowledge of aircraft separation standards and control techniques; and the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress.

  • Applicants MUST submit copies of certifications prior to the closing date of the announcement. (The 52 weeks of consecutive, certified experience cannot include any FAA Academy or military training time prior to certification, as this is not considered "live" air traffic) and must have been within 5 years of application
  • Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their Work History. Work history and supporting certificate(s) MUST support the applicant performing as an ATCS for a minimum of 52 consecutive weeks following the issue date of the certification
  • Applicants MUST document hours per week within their work history/resume (full time experience is credited as 40 hours per week, part time hours will be pro-rated based on 40 hrs per week)
  • There is no educational substitute for the required 52 weeks of specialized experience
  • Age Requirements: Notwithstanding section 3307 of title 5, the maximum limit of age for an original appointment to a position as an air traffic controller shall be 35 years of age for those maintaining 52 weeks of air traffic control experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receipt of an air traffic certification or air traffic control facility rating in a civilian or military air traffic control facility. Maximum Retention Age: 5 U.S.C. 8335 (a) and 5 U.S.C. 8425 (a) require mandatory separation at age 56 in a career controller position
  • Service Computation Dates (SCDs) cannot be used for maximum entry age verification purposes, as this could include prior military service and/or current or previous federal civilian service in another occupational series
  • Applicants who are prior Academy and/or field training failure may not be considered
  • Basis of Rating: Applications/resumes from qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official via priority grouping based upon their veterans' preference category
EDUCATION:
There is no educational substitute for the required 52 weeks of specialized experience (52 consecutive, post certified ATC experience within 5 years of application).

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.


Security Clearance
Public Trust - Background Investigation

Additional Information
What To Expect Next
Candidates for FAA positions are evaluated using our Automated Vacancy Information Access Tool for Online Referral (AVIATOR) system. AVIATOR compares your skills and experience as described in your application with the requirements of the position. If you are found to be an eligible, highly-qualified candidate, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. (In some cases, individuals with priority for special consideration must be considered and selected before other candidates.) Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the selecting official.

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

FAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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 us. 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.



BENEFITS


Review our benefits




Other Information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Travel may be required.
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.


Entrance on Duty Requirements (EOD): If you are unable to complete all pre-employment requirements within 15 months of receiving a tentative offer, the FAA may rescind your offer for this vacancy. If you are a current military member in active duty service, you must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, 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 date the certification is signed.

Certified air traffic control experience required; copies of certifications MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please include copies of both the front and back of certifications, if applicable. (Ex: Pink card with designated facility or position ratings on the back of card, CTO card with designated facility on the back of card etc). Military training records may also be utilized if it documents the type of facility or position rating earned and the date it was received.

APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT THE SAME TIME AS SUBMISSION OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. YOU MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER FOR YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED.


This is a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA


How to Apply
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must have a status of "Received" 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 have a status of "Received" each time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with 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, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008 )
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Salary

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.

Forms:
  • SF-15 : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference
How You Will Be Evaluated


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.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: View Application Questionnaire

Required Documents
Certified air traffic control experience required; copies of certifications MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please include copies of both the front and back of certifications, if applicable. Ex: Pink card with designated facility or position ratings on the back of card, CTO card with designated facility on the back of card etc). Military training records may also be utilized if it documents the type of facility or position rating earned and the date it was received. These certifications/training records must match up with experience documented in your resume/work history in order to verify the required 52 consecutive weeks of air traffic control experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receipt of an ATC certification or facility rating within 5 years of application.

Applicants, who are maintaining 52 consecutive weeks of ATC experience, after receipt of an air traffic certification or ATC facility rating, must be age 35 or below, on or before the closing date of the vacancy. Applicants previously appointed by the FAA or DOD as a civilian 2152, must also include a copy of a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) that verifies original appointment to the civilian 2152 occupational series prior to reaching the maximum entry age of 35. This would be the first Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/new-hire action into the 2152 series) received. You must provide a copy of this SF-50 prior to the close date of this vacancy. If you were previously a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) or full performance rated (FPL) Controller, please also include an SF-50 that indicates this level of certification.

APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT THE SAME TIME AS SUBMISSION OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. YOU MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER FOR YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED.
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.
 
When they get to the TOL phase you'll be disqualified if you're still in the agency.

Edit: I'm assuming you mean currently a controller
 
Question - I am active duty Air Force. I received certifications in 2 different positions, clearance delivery and ground, held them and worked/trained more than 52 weeks in local control but never received a CTO and later retrained to a different career field. For reasons beyond my own control, non medical. would that qualify me under the "MINIMUM OF AT LEAST 52 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FULL-TIME ACTIVE SEPARATION OF AIR TRAFFIC AFTER RECEIPT OF AN ATC CERTIFICATION " rule?
 
Question - I am active duty Air Force. I received certifications in 2 different positions, clearance delivery and ground, held them and worked/trained more than 52 weeks in local control but never received a CTO and later retrained to a different career field. For reasons beyond my own control, non medical. would that qualify me under the "MINIMUM OF AT LEAST 52 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FULL-TIME ACTIVE SEPARATION OF AIR TRAFFIC AFTER RECEIPT OF AN ATC CERTIFICATION " rule?
I believe you would require to have proof (CTO) and held it for at a minimum of 52 weeks prior to applying to the bid.
 
Question - I am active duty Air Force. I received certifications in 2 different positions, clearance delivery and ground, held them and worked/trained more than 52 weeks in local control but never received a CTO and later retrained to a different career field. For reasons beyond my own control, non medical. would that qualify me under the "MINIMUM OF AT LEAST 52 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FULL-TIME ACTIVE SEPARATION OF AIR TRAFFIC AFTER RECEIPT OF AN ATC CERTIFICATION " rule?
Ground is considered "live traffic" so if you were ground certified for longer than 52 consecutive weeks, I think you would meet the requirement of 52 weeks after an ATC certification.
Just my guess, however a CTO has been a requirement for some job announcements in the past.
At any rate, if you're within 120 days of leaving the military, apply anyway and see what happens.

Certified air traffic control experience required; copies of certifications MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please include copies of both the front and back of certifications, if applicable. (Ex: Pink card with designated facility or position ratings on the back of card, CTO card with designated facility on the back of card etc). Military training records may also be utilized if it documents the type of facility or position rating earned and the date it was received.

They've got CTO listed separately from the Pink Card and military training records.....leads me to believe you would qualify.
 
Ground is considered "live traffic" so if you were ground certified for longer than 52 consecutive weeks, I think you would meet the requirement of 52 weeks after an ATC certification.
Just my guess, however a CTO has been a requirement for some job announcements in the past.
At any rate, if you're within 120 days of leaving the military, apply anyway and see what happens.

Certified air traffic control experience required; copies of certifications MUST be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please include copies of both the front and back of certifications, if applicable. (Ex: Pink card with designated facility or position ratings on the back of card, CTO card with designated facility on the back of card etc). Military training records may also be utilized if it documents the type of facility or position rating earned and the date it was received.

They've got CTO listed separately from the Pink Card and military training records.....leads me to believe you would qualify.

He can't be afraid to bully HR either, they have been known to fuck up. The original HR person my 2015 application landed on had zero clue how to do his job and DQ'd me. Naturally having worked at the MMAC I went over and beat on his cubicle telling him he fucked up and to fix it "NOW!" You obviously won't have the luxury of printing out the announcement and holding HR's hand physically, but just keep track of it and do not be afraid if the initially DQ you until you can prove it with your military training records.
 
Appreciate your replies. Thats how I read it too, just wanted to see if others would assume the same. Im not within 120 days of sep, however I probably could get early sep approved if FAA would consider my application. Perhaps submit something saying that in writing signed by my commander with my application. We will see what happens!
 
I wonder if AFPC gets flooded with early sep requests every time a bid comes out. :rofl:
Question: If you apply and get approved for early sep, are you required to separate or can you change your mind prior and stay in?
 
My two cents: Ground Control certification is not enough. I believe you need a full facility certification (CTO and/or approach control) in all non-supervisory positions. And for those wondering, a GCA certification does not count unless it meets the NOTE below:

Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) - A radar control facility whose primary function is to provide non-precision approach services to aircraft conducting surveillance radar (ASR) or precision approach radar (PAR) approaches. NOTE: If your duties included departure radar identification, approach sequencing, radar pattern and finals, and you routinely controlled five or more aircraft simultaneously then you should classify your experience as Radar Approach.

As part of the hiring process after receiving a TOL, you will have to certify you possess the appropriate ATC experience. Below is 1) what you are certifying and 2) how the FAA defines ATC experience:

Tower − A terminal facility that uses air/ground communications, visual signaling, and other devices to provide ATC services to aircraft operating in the vicinity of an airport or on the movement area. Authorizes aircraft to land or takeoff at the airport controlled by the tower or to transit the Class B, C, or D airspace area regardless of flight plan or weather conditions (IFR or VFR).

Radar - A terminal control facility that uses radar and nonradar capabilities to provide approach and/or arrival control services to aircraft arriving, departing, or transiting controlled airspace and provides radar vectoring, sequencing, and separation on a full-time basis for all IFR and participating VFR aircraft. I.e. Army Radar Approach Control (ARAC), Radar Air Traffic Control Facility (RATCF) (Navy & Marines), Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) (Air Force).

Control Position -
A duty position within an air traffic control facility where the operator's primary duty is the separation of live air traffic using visual, radar, or nonradar techniques. To be considered a control position the operator must be in direct communication with the aircraft being separated.

The following are not considered control positions: assist, hand off, coordinator, clearance delivery, ground control, flight data, flight following, flight service, and ramp control.

Certified Controller –
A fully qualified air traffic control specialist who is certified in all non-supervisory control positions in a tower or in an ARAC, RATCF, or RAPCON whose primary duty is the separation and control of live air traffic.

Supervisory Controller –
A controller whose primary duties include maintaining situational awareness of traffic activity and operational conditions in order to provide timely assistance to specialists and to ensure available resources are deployed for optimal efficiency. Examples of supervisory tasks include: monitoring/managing traffic volume/flow, position assignments, and position relief.

Staff/Manager –
A certified controller who serves as a staff specialist and maintains currency in all or some control positions or a certified controller whose primary duties include facility management and maintains currency in all or some control positions.
 
I wonder if AFPC gets flooded with early sep requests every time a bid comes out. :rofl:

Considering the VCSAF recently testified to Congress that the USAF was short of pilots, aircraft maintainers, and air traffic controllers, AFPC will probably not look too kindly on requests for early separation. Granted, the USAF also eliminated the reenlistment bonus for air traffic controllers as the VCSAF was testifying to Congress, so who the hell knows? With the USAF, the left and right hands never appear to know what the other is doing.
 
I hate this announcement and wish the FAA would seriously consider making a change.

There are probably hundreds of certified controllers on active duty in all military branches that would leave the military over the next 15 months for a job with the FAA. So why limit hiring to those leaving the service over the next 120 days when the announcement provides up to 15 months to get through the hiring process?

I would fully understand if the FAA could CIL/TOL/FOL an applicant in those 120 days, but it cannot and it has not. There are experienced controllers from the December 2015 announcement not requiring Tier 2 clearance that are still waiting on medicals to clear the Flight Surgeon office. And there are experienced controllers from the September 2016 announcement still waiting on calls from the FAA to schedule medical examinations. This isn't a guess; this is fact!

Since the FAA cannot hire an experienced controller into a facility in less than 120 days, why not allow those with less than 12 months (or 18 months) of active duty service remaining to apply? Build the list of experienced controllers still on active duty that know they want to leave the military to work for the FAA and issue CILs when the reenlistment window opens - 12 months prior to the end of service commitment. That person then has to commit to reenlisting or getting out for a job with the FAA.
 
I hate this announcement and wish the FAA would seriously consider making a change.

There are probably hundreds of certified controllers on active duty in all military branches that would leave the military over the next 15 months for a job with the FAA. So why limit hiring to those leaving the service over the next 120 days when the announcement provides up to 15 months to get through the hiring process?

I would fully understand if the FAA could CIL/TOL/FOL an applicant in those 120 days, but it cannot and it has not. There are experienced controllers from the December 2015 announcement not requiring Tier 2 clearance that are still waiting on medicals to clear the Flight Surgeon office. And there are experienced controllers from the September 2016 announcement still waiting on calls from the FAA to schedule medical examinations. This isn't a guess; this is fact!

Since the FAA cannot hire an experienced controller into a facility in less than 120 days, why not allow those with less than 12 months (or 18 months) of active duty service remaining to apply? Build the list of experienced controllers still on active duty that know they want to leave the military to work for the FAA and issue CILs when the reenlistment window opens - 12 months prior to the end of service commitment. That person then has to commit to reenlisting or getting out for a job with the FAA.
Don't want to get too off topic, but I agree. They went from no cutoff at all to one that's way too short for people to try and plan their lives accordingly. Maybe its intentional to keep people away until they've already passed the point of no return. In any case, if it effects you, I would try contacting someone and finding out. You may be able to get ahold of someone at NATCA who could breach the subject for future bids.
 
Don't want to get too off topic, but I agree. They went from no cutoff at all to one that's way too short for people to try and plan their lives accordingly. Maybe its intentional to keep people away until they've already passed the point of no return. In any case, if it effects you, I would try contacting someone and finding out. You may be able to get ahold of someone at NATCA who could breach the subject for future bids.

It does not impact me. I'm already a 2152. It just irks me that controllers are needed and the FAA allows themselves 15 months to hire someone, but then arbitrarily reduces the qualified applicant pool to those getting out of the military within the next 4 months.
 
So as a current FAA controller no-go on cutting the corner of this ERR process? Would be nice just to see what they offer up
 
So as a current FAA controller no-go on cutting the corner of this ERR process? Would be nice just to see what they offer up
You have to be out of the agency by the time selections are made. But the bids are really not worth it with the new cpc rehire authority.
 
You have to be out of the agency by the time selections are made. But the bids are really not worth it with the new cpc rehire authority.

I think the cpc rehire like MJ said would be your best way to work around the err system but it is a very large risk unless you are well connected with the facility you want or fairly confident they will take you
 
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