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STEM

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies.

A Day In The Life

STEM Field of Interest

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Salary Breakdown

Air Traffic Controllers

Average

$118,890

ANNUAL

$57.16

HOURLY

Entry Level

$72,590

ANNUAL

$34.90

HOURLY

Mid Level

$112,130

ANNUAL

$53.91

HOURLY

Expert Level

$168,650

ANNUAL

$81.08

HOURLY


Supporting Programs

Air Traffic Controllers

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Chandler-Gilbert Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Glendale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

GateWay Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Phoenix College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Paradise Valley Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Rio Salado College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Scottsdale Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

South Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Mesa Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Estrella Mountain Community College (MCCCD)
 Associate's Degree  

Current Available & Projected Jobs

Air Traffic Controllers

4

Current Available Jobs

400

Projected job openings through 2030


Top Expected Tasks

Air Traffic Controllers


Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Air Traffic Controllers

Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.

KNOWLEDGE

Transportation

KNOWLEDGE

English Language

KNOWLEDGE

Public Safety and Security

KNOWLEDGE

Education and Training

KNOWLEDGE

Customer and Personal Service

SKILL

Active Listening

SKILL

Speaking

SKILL

Critical Thinking

SKILL

Judgment and Decision Making

SKILL

Complex Problem Solving

ABILITY

Problem Sensitivity

ABILITY

Oral Comprehension

ABILITY

Oral Expression

ABILITY

Selective Attention

ABILITY

Deductive Reasoning


Job Opportunities

Air Traffic Controllers

  • Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor, Level 8)
    Federal Aviation Administration    Mesa, AZ 85213
     Posted about 20 hours    

    Summary Serves as an Operations Supervisor in a terminal facility responsible for planning and directing operations within delegated areas of responsibility. Provides first line supervision to a team of Developmental and Certified Professional Controllers. Responsibilities Supervises a staff of Air Traffic Control Specialists that is responsible for carrying out air traffic control assignments within a geographic area. Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by subordinate employees. Sets work priorities and schedules. Approves leave; gives advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Evaluates performance of employees and recommends performance ratings. Hears and resolves complaints from employees and refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level manager. Identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of employees. Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed. Adjusts staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Recommends goals and objectives for the area and tracks accomplishments. Communicates and reinforces diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibility, including selections, training, and transfers. Supports and participates in the labor management partnership process, and fosters a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Candidate must also meet the following: 1) Must have held a FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks); OR 2) Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility; (Note: an employee who has been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility that is upgraded is considered to meet the qualification requirements of the upgraded position, since he or she has been performing the higher-graded work; OR 3) Must have held a MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility. QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. In addition to the qualifications listed above for MSS positions, the chart on MSS position will be used to determine which career level applicants are qualified to make application. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension. In lieu of providing a KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension, 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/Leadership Managerial Dimension. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension 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. Education Not applicable. 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. Career Enhancement/Career Progression: In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a (effective March 25, 2022), this position MAY be a 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. Interviews: Some, all or none of the candidates may be interviewed. Supervisory/Managerial Training Requirements: For newly appointed Front Line Managers, mandatory corporate training may be required. This training must be completed within prescribed time frames. Supervisory/Managerial Probationary Period Requirement: A one-year supervisor/managerial probationary period may be required. Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion and favorable adjudication prior to appointment unless a waiver is obtained. Subject to a 5-year period reinvestigation. Medical Requirement: The selectee must pass and medical exam and/or maintain a medical clearance. Early Retirement Coverage: This position is covered under P.L. 92-297 for early retirement purposes. This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA


    Employment Type

    Full Time

  • Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor, Level 6)
    Federal Aviation Administration    Tucson, AZ 85702
     Posted about 20 hours    

    Summary Serves as an Operations Supervisor in a terminal or en route facility, responsible for planning and directing operations within delegated areas of responsibility. Provides first line supervision to a team of Developmental and Certified Professional Controllers. Responsibilities Supervises a staff of Air Traffic Control Specialists that is responsible for carrying out air traffic control assignments within a geographic area. Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by subordinate employees. Sets work priorities and schedules. Approves leave; gives advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Evaluates performance of employees and recommends performance ratings. Hears and resolves complaints from employees and refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher-level manager. Identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of employees. Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed. Adjusts staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Recommends goals and objectives for the area and tracks accomplishments. Communicates and reinforces diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibility, including selections, training, and transfers. Supports and participates in the labor management partnership process, and fosters a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications In addition to meeting the general experience requirements, applicants must possess specialized Air Traffic experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility which demonstrates progressively responsible experience of a scope, quality and degree such as to have equipped them with the ability to perform duties at the grade level for which application is made. Candidate must also meet the following: 1) Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year; OR 2) Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year in an ATS facility; OR 3) Must have held a MSS position for at least 1 year in an ATS facility. QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. In addition to the qualifications listed above for MSS positions, the chart on MSS position will be used to determine which career level applicants are qualified to make application. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension. In lieu of providing a KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension, 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/Leadership Managerial Dimension. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension 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. Education Not applicable. 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. Career Enhancement/Career Progression: In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a (effective March 25, 2022), this position MAY be a 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. Interviews: Some, all or none of the candidates may be interviewed. Supervisory/Managerial Training Requirements: For newly appointed Front Line Managers, mandatory corporate training may be required. This training must be completed within prescribed time frames. Supervisory/Managerial Probationary Period Requirement: A one-year supervisor/managerial probationary period may be required. Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion and favorable adjudication prior to appointment unless a waiver is obtained. Subject to a 5-year period reinvestigation. Medical Requirement: The selectee must pass and medical exam and/or maintain a medical clearance. Early Retirement Coverage: This position is covered under P.L. 92-297 for early retirement purposes. This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA


    Employment Type

    Full Time

  • Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Manager, MSS-3, Level 11)
    Federal Aviation Administration    Phoenix, AZ 85067
     Posted 9 days    

    Summary Serves as a Support Manager in an ATC-11 terminal, responsible for planning and directing the operations in the facility; or planning and directing multiple support activities for the facility such as training, quality assurance, traffic management, airspace and procedures, plans and programs, and other facility program areas. Responsibilities Directs a highly technical workforce that provides either air traffic control services and/or tactical and strategic support. The work impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of the day-to day operations of the facility. Work typically impacts the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of aircraft as well as the efficient operation of segments of the aviation industry. Provides training, coaching and guidance to subordinates and facilitates team building throughout area(s) of responsibility. Integrates support resources with operational needs to maintain effective air traffic control service and may work other than administrative shifts to meet this requirement. Continuously reviews work processes to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customer's needs, adds value to facility services, and are efficiently achieved. Assigns and reviews work. Plans work and sets priorities and schedules. Approves leave; prepares schedules for completion of work; assigns work to subordinates based on priorities; evaluates work performance of subordinates ensuring equity of performance standards and ratings; gives advice on work and on administrative matters; Identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of subordinates. Makes decisions on work problems presented by subordinates; hears and resolves group grievances and serious employee complaints; effects disciplinary actions; recommends/approves selections and transfers; recommends/approves awards. Deals with labor representatives concerning workforce issues. Adjusts staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Provides input to and contributes to the accomplishment of facility goals and objectives. Serves as a member of the management team to improve organizational performance and to meet strategic goals. Communicates and reinforces diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibility, including selections, training, and transfers. Participates in the labor-management partnership process and fosters a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Meets and has frequent contacts with both internal and external customers including subordinates, other peer management representatives, union representatives, administrative support staff within the facility, higher ranking managers and supervisors, members of the general public, and representatives of the aviation industry. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Candidates must show specialized experience. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Must have held a FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters positions for at least 1 year (52 weeks); OR 2) Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility; (Note: an employee who has been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility that is upgraded is considered to meet the qualification requirements of the upgraded position, since he or she has been performing the higher-graded work; OR 3) Must have held a MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility. In addition, to be eligible, applicant must have held a MSS-2 or above position for a minimum of 1 year (52 weeks). In addition to the qualifications listed above for MSS positions, the chart on MSS positions will be used to determine which career level applicants are qualified to make application. QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. Evaluation Criteria (EMP-1.14; FAA Managerial Workforce Planning MSC-10.4): Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on FAA Managerial Workforce Planning Selection Factors, Dimensions 1 through 4. Within your application package, please provide a brief explanation of your possession of each of the Managerial workforce Planning MWP) Selection Factors, Dimensions 1-4, identified in this announcement. Applicants that fail to address these factors will be disqualified from further consideration. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension. In lieu of providing a KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension, 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/Leadership Managerial Dimension. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA/Leadership Managerial Dimension 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. Education Education may not be substituted for experience. 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 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 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. Career Enhancement/Career Progression: In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a (effective March 25, 2022), this position MAY be a 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. Interviews: Some, all or none of the candidates may be interviewed. Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion and favorable adjudication prior to appointment unless a waiver is obtained. Subject to a 5-year period reinvestigation. Early Retirement Coverage: This position is not covered under P.L. 92-297 or P.L. 108-176 for early retirement purposes. This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA


    Employment Type

    Full Time

  • Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Air Traffic Manager (AT-2152-DL)
    Federal Aviation Administration    Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
     Posted 10 days    

    Summary Serves as an Air Traffic Manager of a terminal or en route facility, and is responsible for planning and directing all activities at the facility. Responsibilities Serves as an Air Traffic Manager (ATM) in an ATC- 4 level terminal facility and is responsible for planning and directing all activities at the facility. Directs a highly technical workforce, including functionally integrated teams of operational and support personnel, that provides air traffic control services throughout a geographic area. The work impacts the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of aircraft as well as segments of the aviation industry. Continuously reviews work processes to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customer's needs, add value to facility services, and are efficiently achieved. Provides training, coaching, and guidance to subordinates, and is responsible for team building throughout the facility. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates. Sets and adjusts long and short-term priorities. Approves leave; prepares schedules for completion of work; assigns work to subordinates based on priorities; evaluates work performance of subordinates ensuring equity of performance standards and ratings; gives advice on work and on administrative matters; makes decisions on work problems presented by subordinates; hears and resolves group grievances and serious employee complaints; effects disciplinary actions; recommends/approves selections and transfers; recommends awards or bonuses; approves expenses for overtime, equipment, and personnel within the facility; and identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of subordinates. Communicates and reinforces EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibilities, including selection, training, and transfers. Supports and participates in the labor management partnership process and fosters a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Meets or has contact with high ranking military and civilian managers, representatives of the aviation industry, key staff of public interest groups, union representatives, local government managers, professional organizations, and contractors. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Specialized experience is required. 1. Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks); OR 2. Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility; (NOTE: An employee who has been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility that is upgraded is considered to meet the qualification requirements of the upgraded position, since he/she has been performing the higher graded work); OR 3. Must have held a MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility. In addition to the qualifications listed above for MSS positions, the chart on MSS positions will be used to determine which career level applicants are qualified to make application. QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. Note: In accordance with HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a, this position may be a 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. Education Education cannot be substituted for experience at the AT-DL level. 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. Evaluation Criteria (EMP-1.14; FAA Managerial Workforce Planning MSC-10.4): Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on FAA Managerial Workforce Planning Selection Factors 1 through 4. Within your application package, please provide a brief explanation of your possession of the applicable Managerial Workforce Planning MWP) Selection Factors. Applicants that fail to address these Factors will be disqualified from further consideration. Requirement for Security Clearance: Selection and placement are contingent upon waiver or completion of satisfactory security requirement. Early Retirement: This position is covered under P.L. 108-176 for good time/early retirement purposes. Interview Statement: Some, all or none of the candidates may be interviewed. In addition to uploading a resume and all other required application forms, applicants must complete and submit the first page of FAA Form 3330-43, Rating of Air Traffic Experience with their bid. The form must include from and to dates of experience, position title, series and grade/level of all positions held. The form ust be submitted either by uploading a copy as an attachment with the bid package through USAJOBS or fax the form to 310-725-7847 by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants will be considered ineligible if the form is not received in HR by the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Applicants are reminded that FAA Form 3330-43 is required and NOT FAA Form 3330-43-1. This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA


    Employment Type

    Full Time


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