AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
About This Position
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST, NH-2152-03 is to serve as Airspace Manager for R-2515 and/or R-2508 Central Coordinating Facility (CCF). Responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and managing airspace in support of research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) of ground, air, and space systems.
Qualifications
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for General Schedule Positions, Air Traffic Control Series 2152. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have, or will have within 120 days of closing of this announcement, at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience in assisting in analyzing complex data, identifying trends and developing strategies to optimize airspace; work with multiple stakeholders to ensure that the airspace is flexible and responsive to the changing needs of users.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking Air Traffic Controller with a strong foundation in RADAR air traffic control who thrives in a dynamic, strategic environment. You possess an innovative mindset and the strategic foresight to look beyond day-to-day tactical operations, constantly seeking opportunities to enhance airspace efficiency, capacity, and safety through new procedures and technologies.
You are a master of collaborative diplomacy, capable of skillfully negotiating with diverse military and civilian stakeholders to deconflict competing requirements and build consensus around complex airspace plans. Furthermore, you excel at dynamic, strategic problem-solving, with the proven ability to rapidly reassess and adapt master airspace plans in response to short-notice mission demands or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring operational continuity and mission success. 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: 1.
Knowledge of Complex Airspace, functions, utilization, and resources of restricted areas, Military Operations Areas (MOA), Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace (ATCAA), ranges, special use areas, and avoidance areas.
- Knowledge of Department of Transportation, FAA, and DoW environmental rules, laws, regulations, instructions, directives, and procedures as they pertain to the DoW mission, airspace acquisition, air traffic management, and aircraft characteristics regarding Special Use Airspace and aircraft operations in SUA.
- Knowledge of procedures and terminology associated with air traffic control, to include working knowledge of the National Airspace System (NAS), how aircraft are separated in that system, and how military operations can effect NAS operations. Prior air traffic control experience is desired (radar and tower).
- Skilled applying analytical and evaluative techniques to analyze problems, conduct research, summarize results, make recommendations, interpret and apply FAA/DoW policies, regulations, rules, and procedures. Must be able to use independent judgment, when needed, to resolve conflicts and ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
- Ability to plan and organize written and oral communications, tactfully navigate formal/informal meetings, conferences, public forums, and interpersonal conversations under the complexity of diverse interests, objectives, and unforeseen problems or issues. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: -Completion of the USAF Military Airspace Management Course is desired but not required.
Selected candidates who have not previously completed the course will be enrolled and must successfully complete it w/in 6 months of hire. (Course #: E3OZR13M3 XXXX). 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.
Major Duties
-Responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and managing airspace in support of research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) of ground, air, and space systems and additional duties as assigned. -Focal point for scheduling operations within the R-2508 Complex. -Understand and actively represent the Commander and CCB's mission priorities, vision, and intent during interactions with users and other stakeholder, e.g. NASA, National Park Service, etc. -Exhibit and foster an environment of cooperation and teamwork.
Education
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education.
Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.
You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
How You Will Be Evaluated
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.
Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The 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.
Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. 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.
Additional Information
This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA). AcqDemo Expanded Probationary Period for Supervisors and Managers: An additional supervisory probationary period of one year may be required when an employee is officially assigned to a different supervisory position. This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13.
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.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/16/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12913628 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.
- A complete Application Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
- 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. 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). 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.
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.
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/discharge 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.