Air Traffic Control Specialist

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Performs established duties independently. Executes safe, orderly and expeditious movement of Air Traffic on movement areas and within designated airspace as per 7110.65BB and FAA/Local regulations Determines the order of departures that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and will assure that departing IFR flights operate at the fix, altitude, and the time designated by the center or approach control clearances. Determines the times and direction of takeoff and any turns necessary for departure. Determines whether inbound aircraft are to land immediately or circle and whether distances are lengthened to control the arrival of an aircraft at a given point. Selects the active runway and possible simultaneous use of other runways. Determines the time and methods by which arrivals and departures can be interspersed with the least delay to traffic. Determines when landing and departing aircraft are cleared to use the runways to assure standard separation between aircraft on the runways. Determines the sequence of arriving traffic, before it enters the traffic pattern, to assure a safe, orderly flow of aircraft on final approach to the landing runway. Ensures IFR separation standards are applied, as delegated by approach control of the center, in limited areas around the airport to provide initial separation between IFR arrivals and IFR departures and between successive IFR departures. Determines the sequence of VFR and IFR traffic. Determines when VFR flights through the airport traffic area can be authorized. Determines the usability of communications frequencies available to him/her as other navigational aids used to control air traffic. Monitors navigational aids and monitors control panels. Instructs pilots to change radio frequencies/radar beacon codes. Coordinates with the other controllers on movements of both arrival and departure aircraft when appropriate. Observes weather from the tower and records pilot reports to determine the effect of present and anticipated weather on traffic. Furnishes aircraft with information such as field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids, and observed malfunctioning of aircraft. Forwards to the weather bureau and the appropriate center, pilot weather reports and reports based upon personal observation of weather conditions. Operates light guns, runway lights, field lighting, jet barriers etc. Orients pilots of aircraft lost or in difficulty; determines whether a given situation may need airside operations support, airport administration, and fire and ambulance services. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).Daily data entry into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Performs custodial functions including cleaning and sanitizing the work areas and common areas in the tower. Required to report to work at the appointed hour, as scheduled, and to work the entire assigned schedule. SECONDARY FUNCTIONSProvide oversight, mentorship, and instructional support for CTO students assigned to Ground / Data position. Provide oversight, mentorship, and instructional support for CTO students assigned to the local position. Identify skill gaps, procedural misunderstandings, or behavioral issues and provide real-time or post-shift feedback. Model professionalism and promote a positive learning culture. Completes daily OJTI report for assigned student and submits to the Air Traffic Manager. Role includes the potential for prolonged single-manning or solo controlling operations, as operationally required. Supports other workers in event of absence. Performs other tasks as assigned. CUSTOMER SERVICEThis is a front-line position that provides excellent customer service to members of the public and other Government employees. Service is provided in person, by radio communications, by phone contact, and by email. SUPERVISIONExecutes assigned duties, including assuming Controller-in-Charge (CIC) or Senior Controller-in-Charge (SCIC) responsibilities when designated. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONSEducation and Experience High school diploma or general education degree (GED) Minimum of three years of tower experience Air Traffic Control Specialist*Three years with CTO license preferred. One-year OJTI experience preferred. Experience in Microsoft Excel preferred.*Will consider candidates with CTO license with less than three years experience for a lower pay grade. LicensesCTO license Aviation weather certification Current Class II flight physicalJOB SKILLSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to read and interpret documents such as applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to write correspondence. Mathematical SkillsAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.

Problem Solving Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Specialized Skills: Knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner. Ability to work independently. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments without supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. Includes the ability to build a constructive team spirit where team members are committed to the goals and objectives of the team.

Machinery and Equipment: While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be required to operate the following machines and equipment: computers, calculator, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, radios, and other general office equipment in completion of the tasks of this position. PHYSICAL DEMANDSWill be required to climb and descend five flights of open-air steep stairs to enter and exit the tower. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, smell, and lift up to and including 20 pounds. Will regularly be required to reach with hands and arms. Will be frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to type, write, handle, or feel, talk, or hear. Vision requirements are close, distance, color, peripheral vision; depth perception and ability to adjust focus.