Federal

Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist)

Federal Aviation Administration ยท Department of Transportation
๐Ÿ“ Miami, Florida FV-F $58,383 - $87,578/yr
Posted: Apr 1, 2026 Deadline: Apr 21, 2026 (Closes in 17 days days left)

About This Position

Serves as an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Specialist (FDCS) at an Air Traffic Terminal or Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and is responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FV-E or FG/GS-5/6). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is described as knowledge of and skill in the use of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control procedures.

Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work such as: Civilian or military aircraft operations work, such as Airport Apron Controller, FAA Licensed pilot, Remote Pilot Operator, flight instructor, flight engineer or air transport pilot; FAA Certified Dispatcher for an air carrier; Flight Information Expediter involved in determining flight times of airplanes and transmitting information to flight operations and command centers; Civilian or Military Air Traffic Controller; and; Flight Data Processor; OR Successful completion of an FAA or Military Air Traffic Control Training Program; OR Possession of an FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Major Duties

Performs a combination of routine and multiple and varying tasks/assignments under the general direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced employee. Acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team to assist other employees in day-to-day operations. Applies experience and detailed knowledge to plan and accomplish routine tasks/assignments.

Assignments include the following: Provides flight data processing and communications service for the air traffic control system, and operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans from military base operations, ARTCC sectors, terminal facilities, adjacent ARTCC's, flight service stations, and air carrier operations offices. Recognizes incorrect flight plan entries into the National Airspace System (NAS) and enters corrections as required.

Develops and maintains bulk storage flight plans. Receives and analyzes significant meteorological information (SIGMETS), airmen's meteorological information (AIRMETS), weather advisories, etc. and makes immediate notification to the Watch Stander-In-Charge and other operation personnel. Checks and updates altimeter readings and updates winds aloft.

Operates, monitors, and safeguards the DHS Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN) system. Makes entries into the operations network (OPSNET) concerning computer utilization, delays and traffic counts for designated facilities. Collects and distributes flight plans, traffic management restrictions, notices to airmen (NOTAMS) and a variety of other data related to flight safety.

Prepares and transmits NOTAMS, information requests (INREQS), alert notices (ALNOTS), AIRMETS, Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPS), Center Weather Advisories (CWAs), defense communication messages, traffic management and administrative messages. Trains developmental specialists in the performance of flight data and data communications system functional responsibilities. Contacts are primarily internal but may also be external depending on the specialized area supported.

Internal contacts often involve more than one organizational unit in a major subdivision and are with managers and other employees to share information and to discuss the statuses of tasks/assignments. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for almost all tasks/assignments, but allow some discretion for employee to select the most appropriate approach(es). Frequently refers problems and work issues to a manager or more experienced employee when guidelines are not available or applicable.

Work is reviewed frequently during major stages of tasks/assignments and at completion to ensure timeliness and alignment with the requirements of projects and/or work activities. Work activities typically support one or more projects/programs and affect the objectives of the organizational unit and the major subdivision. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.

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.

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 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 the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) 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. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA in your work history.

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.

Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the KSA's listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Interview: If the Agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.

Required Documents

If you are requesting consideration for any of the special hiring authorities, you must submit the following documentation: 30% or More Disabled Veteran Program: You must submit a DD 214, Certificate of Discharge (Member 4 copy is preferred), and supporting documentation as required by form SF-15 such as an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from branch of the Armed Forces certifying to the present existence of the veteran's service-connected disability. Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Targeted Disabilities Appointment: You must provide proof of disability documentation (i.e. Schedule A Letter) that: May be a letter or other documentation on official stationery/letterhead with an official signature.

It must clearly states that you are eligible for appointment under the PWD/PWTD hiring authority or a Schedule A appointment authority as outlined in 5 CFR Section 213.3102(u). It does not need to detail the specific disability, medical history, or need for accommodation. 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.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist) position at Federal Aviation Administration?
The salary range for this position is $58,383 - $87,578/yr. This is a FV-F position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist) job located?
This position is located in Miami, Florida. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FV-E or FG/GS-5/6). Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the dut...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 21, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does FV-F mean?
FV-F refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.