Federal

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Air Force Materiel Command Β· Department of the Air Force
πŸ“ Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio GS-12 $103,225 - $134,195/yr
Posted: Feb 11, 2026 Deadline: Jun 11, 2026 (Closes in 116 days days left)

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 GS-2152-12 is to provide navigational and related operational data in support of Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) and mission requirements.

Qualifications

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, Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): 2152 - Air Traffic Control Series. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have, or will have within 120 days of closing of this announcement, one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position that has given them the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically, we would find this experience in work within this field that is closely related. To be creditable, one year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), pay band or equivalent. Specialized experience is described as the ability to provide technical expertise in all assignments involving Air Traffic Control (ATC) Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) and Airfield Management (AM) oversight, evaluation and compliance. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-Β­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. Due to the use of 120 day rosters, applicants within 120 days of completion of TIG requirements are encouraged to apply. 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. Comprehensive comparative analysis abilities, gained through experience in the concepts and principles contained in manuals, handbooks, regulations and orders, and other publications pertaining to flight information publication requirements and skill in applying that knowledge to facilitate implementation of instrument flight procedures. 2. Practical working knowledge of approach procedure flyability and air traffic control policies, procedures, flight inspection requirements, geography, electronic data processing, and navigational aids characteristics in order to develop and certify instrument flight procedures. 3. Comprehensive knowledge of standard administration and correspondence practices required to manage functions such as publications, operating instructions, filing plans, etc. 4. Diverse computer experience is required to operate word processors, spreadsheets, databases, scanners, CD and tape drives, etc. 5. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary. However, TERPS work may require the incumbent to life or carry reference books, working papers, and similar items to and from conferences. A moderate amount of standing and walking is required in getting to and from meeting places away from the work site. ATC taskings may require long periods of sitting and/or standing while evaluating/observing a control tower or dimly lighted RADAR Approach Control room. Incumbent may be exposed to outside elements including heat, cold, and moisture while evaluating equipment operation and may be required to operate in close quarters to tactical equipment. Additionally, incumbent must be able to climb flights of stairs to approximately 130 feet and almost vertical ladder to gain access to some work areas. Work Environment: ATC work is performed in a Tower, Radar Approach Control or normal office setting where basic safety precautions are required. TERPs work is normally performed in a well-lighted, temperature-controlled office setting. In all facilities there is occasional noise from office equipment (e.g., typewriters, telephones, copiers, and computers). May be required to work an uncommon tour of duty, i.e., Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. May be required to work rotating shifts and overtime. May be required to respond to short notice recall to support unscheduled emergency air traffic and/or contingencies/exercises to support the mission. This position has been designated as Key. In the event of a crisis, selectee must perform the Key duties until relieved. This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization. Requires the incumbent be removed from military recall status. 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

-Develop Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) and other assigned programs for AFMC, USSF and Tenant units in accordance with applicable United States, DoD and USAF instrument procedure criteria. -Evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of terminal and enroute procedures. -Interpret policy and direct implementation. -Determine whether an equivalent level of safety is maintained to support instrument procedure criterial waivers. -Use manual construction procedures and Air Force Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) instrument procedure automation system to accomplish a full range of instrument flight procedure functions.

Education

IF USING 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. The resume/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. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. 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. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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). 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 06/11/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12884906 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. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. 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. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (Includes current Air Force employees): You are required to submit legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1"). Additionally, if you are applying for a higher grade (GS) and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $103,225 - $134,195/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY job located?
This position is located in Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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, Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): 2152 - Air Traffic Control Series. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have, or will have within 120 days of closin...
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 Jun 11, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-12 mean?
GS-12 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.