Federal
Air Traffic Control Specialist (Direct Hire Enhanced CTI Program/E-CTI)
Federal Aviation Administration ยท Department of Transportation
About This Position
This is an Air Traffic Control Specialist public notice for direct hiring authority for Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI) program graduates only, or E-CTI students who are within 12 months of graduation. This announcement will serve as a resume repository that may be used to fill positions.
Qualifications
E-CTI graduates/students must meet the following requirements, qualifications, and eligibilities for employment consideration: Requirements 1. Apply to open E-CTI Public Announcement at www.usajobs.gov, and submit supporting required documents as outlined (i.e. resume, transcripts, etc.) 2.Must provide official endorsement letter of recommendation prior to employment. E-CTI Program Pre-Endorsement (if currently enrolled) and E-CTI Program Endorsement (once graduated). All applicants 3. ATSA Result โ only best and well qualified results will be considered. Please contact your institution E-CTI point of contact to request to take the ATSA. Travel to & from testing locations, as well as test administration costs will be at the expense of the applicant. Qualifications 1. One year of full-time work experience (full time defined as a 40-hour work week) or 2. A full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree or 3. Combination of experience and education or 4. Specialized air traffic experience or 5. Alternative requirements - such as an appropriate facility rating or FAA certificate as outlined below: a. Hold or have held an appropriate facility rating and have actively controlled air traffic in civilian or military air traffic control terminals or centers b. Hold or have held an FAA certificate as a dispatcher for an air carrier c. Hold or have held an instrument flight rating d. Hold or have held an FAA certificate as a navigator or have been fully qualified as a Navigator/Bombardier in the Armed Forces e. Have 350 hours of flight time as a copilot or higher and hold or have held a private certificate or equivalent Armed Forces rating f. Have served as a rated Aerospace Defense Command Intercept Director Age Requirement You must be under the age of 31 on the date of application submission. If experience was gained as a civilian ATCS with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Department of Defense (DOD), you must have been hired prior to age 31 and provide supporting documentation (copies of SF-50 personnel actions).A maximum age of 30 years is established for initial entry into air traffic control positions (2152 series) covered by Public Law 92-297.
Major Duties
The Federal Aviation Administration has partnered with colleges and universities to establish the Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative AT-CTI (E-CTI). This program establishes requirements for colleges and universities to provide equivalent curriculum and training to the FAA Academy. Successful graduates that meet all qualifications to include a well-qualified result on the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), employment eligibilities, and pre-employment requirements such as medical screening, and security will be placed directly to Air Traffic facilities to begin on-the-job training. These positions are responsible for controlling live air traffic in support of public safety and our national air space. Air Traffic Control Specialists in the Terminal option control air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice based on their own observations and information from the National Weather Service, Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), flight service stations, pilots, and other sources. They transfer control of aircraft to the ARTCC controller when the aircraft leaves assigned airspace, and they receive control of aircraft coming into assigned airspace. Air Traffic Control Specialists in the En Route (Center) option give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice regarding flight conditions while enroute between airports. They provide separation between aircraft flying within the Federal airways or operating into or out of airports. This is an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) position responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace. Additional information regarding these positions is located at: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers
Conditions of Employment
We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.
Education
Applicants must submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts to substantiate all credit hours earned and/or confer date, and a copy of their "best qualified" or "well qualified" ATSA results and pre endorsement or endorsement letter from the applicable E-CTI institution prior to enter on duty date (EOD).
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. Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. On-the-Spot will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. Applicant geographic area preferences may be used in determining facility placement offers for candidates selected. Ultimately, the type and location of positions offered to each selectee will be based upon the needs of the FAA. If you are selected for a position, you will be informed of the facility location you are being offered. Selectees will be offered a permanent appointment in the ATCS occupation at an FAA facility based on their qualifications and the needs of the agency. Appointees will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement. Newly hired ATCS will receive pay increases as they successfully complete the progressive phases of ATCS training at their assigned facility. It is important to note that annual salary varies greatly by facility and complexity level. ATCSs receive significant pay raises as they progress through ATCS training. On average, the salary will increase to $60,000 per year, and additional pay increases will be granted as you certify and progress at your assigned facility. Generally, most controllers are making a six-figure salary within three years. The time to reach Certified Professional Controller (CPC) or full certification and pay is approximately 2-3 years depending on the facility size, level, and complexity. Last year, the average for Certified Professional Controllers was $158,000 per year. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
How to Apply
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. We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. 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. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications. Amendment Date: 01/20/2026 Amendment Note: Amended 2026 pay information and added clarification to maximum entry age requirements and alternative qualifications.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts to substantiate all credit hours earned and/or confer date, and a copy of their "best qualified" or "well qualified" ATSA results and pre endorsement or endorsement letter from the applicable E-CTI institution prior to enter on duty date (EOD).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Air Traffic Control Specialist (Direct Hire Enhanced CTI Program/E-CTI) position at Federal Aviation Administration?
The salary range for this position is $47,026 - $177,543/yr. This is a AT-AG position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Air Traffic Control Specialist (Direct Hire Enhanced CTI Program/E-CTI) job located?
This position is located in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
E-CTI graduates/students must meet the following requirements, qualifications, and eligibilities for employment consideration: Requirements 1. Apply to open E-CTI Public Announcement at www.usajobs.gov, and submit supporting required documents as outlined (i.e. resume, transcripts, etc.) 2.Must provide official endorsement letter of recommendati...
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 Oct 2, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does AT-AG mean?
AT-AG 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.