AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST

This position may be entitled to 5% premium pay as authorized by 5USC 5546a (a)(1) This position is subject to the special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS (5 USC 3382, Involuntary Separation for Retirement; 5 USC 8335(a) and 8425(a), Mandatory Separation; 5 USC 8336(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(e) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity). 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, 2152. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes providing specialized weapons control to fighter and other military aircraft participating in air weapons testing, air-combat training, air intercept, air refueling, large force employment exercises and close air support tactical operations through use of radar, air-to-ground communications and associated computer subsystems. My experience includes issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. My experience also includes; the ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure; skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices. 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-10 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 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: Comprehensive knowledge of, and skill in applying, the laws, rules, regulations, and procedures governing the tactical control and movement of aircraft using computerized radar systems; comprehensive knowledge of, and skill in applying, the procedures for radar control and separation of aircraft utilizing vector, speed control, and altitude separations techniques. Knowledge of the operation and adjustment of the automated radar system, secure/non-secure communications systems, and weather and data display systems to provide the appropriate field of scan or information display and the ability to detect malfunctions or interferences when they occur; knowledge of computer routines for inputting or obtaining pertinent control data; knowledge of pertinent geographic and terrain features and significant center traffic patterns and flows. Comprehensive knowledge of the performance characteristics such as speed, rate of climb, and maximum operating altitudes of a wide variety of tactical and strategic aircraft, their associated air weapons, and how environmental conditions may degrade optimum flight performance; knowledge of intercept geometry, correctly matching aircraft and/or air weapons capabilities with proper vectoring and approach procedures. Knowledge of current US, Allied, and adversary air weapons systems to include radars, communications, aircraft, and ordnance, and their various capabilities; knowledge of significant weather patterns, METAR weather reports, PIREPS and phenomena peculiar to the center’s designated control area; knowledge of the procedures for handling military air operations; knowledge of Technical Trainer roles and responsibilities; skill in administering and providing technical training. Ability to direct and control air refueling operations for all US and allied aircraft in both fair and poor weather and during times of high congestion; ability to work and remain calm in a fast paced, high stress environment and to provide the maximum assistance to lost aircraft or aircraft with in-flight emergencies. Ability to administer policies and procedures to effectively meet squadron/mission requirements; ability to provide technical and administrative support to the operations activity; ability to conduct supervisory responsibilities and effectively interact with squadron, group and wing personnel in support of organizational goals/requirements; ability to develop and effectively conduct training IAW AF Training Protocols. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: The maximum age for original entry into an identified ATC position is 36 years. An individual shall NOT be appointed or assigned to an ATC position if that appointment cannot be completed prior to the last day of the month in which the individual reaches his/her 36th birthday. Applicants over the age limit must meet re-entry or age waiver requirements in accordance with DoDI 1400.25-V331 dated 26 Jan 15, Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Manual, Subchapter 331, Civilian Air Traffic Controllers. Any individual who has reached the mandatory separation age (56) is NOT eligible for employment/reemployment as an ATC (5 U.S.C. 3323(a) (reference (b)).NOTE: ATCs have a mandatory separation age of 56. This position is covered as an Air Traffic Controller under 5 USC 2109. This position is subject to the special retirement provisions for Air Traffic Controllers under CSRS and FERS (5 USC 3382, Involuntary Separation for Retirement; 5 USC 8335(a) and 8425(a), Mandatory Separation; 5 USC 8336(e), Immediate Retirement; 5 USC 8339(3) and 8415(d), Computation of annuity, and 8412(e). RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: ATC Specialist in receipt of a refund, of retirement contributions for the years of service covered under special retirement, will not receive service credit towards the 20 years required to retire under special retirement coverage, unless the redeposit is paid in full prior to date of retirement. 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. Medical Requirements: In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment, applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations. **CONTINUED
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