Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist )
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted: January 12, 2026 (2 days ago)
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Air Force Special Operations Command
Department of the Air Force
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves overseeing air traffic control for special operations missions, ensuring unmanned aircraft systems integrate safely with military and civilian airspace while coordinating with various agencies.
It requires leading a team and managing complex airspace operations in high-stakes environments.
Ideal candidates are experienced air traffic controllers or military aviation specialists with strong knowledge of regulations and inter-agency collaboration.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (cont'd) "This is a Supervisory Position." A 1 year supervisory probationary period is required if applicant selected has not previously met this requirement.
This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program.
Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.
Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
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, Air Traffic Control Series, 2152.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems.
Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive knowledge of FAA, OSD, USAF, USSOCOM, and AFSOC UAS integration management regulations, directives, orders, instructions, and guidance; comprehensive knowledge of FAA, SOCOM, USAF, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied services military organizations, UAS operations, lessons learned, and operational policy and procedures.
Close coordination with these agencies is constantly required and knowledge is not limited to the air traffic control career field alone; and comprehensive knowledge of Theater Air Ground System, Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) and functionality, and Special Operations Forces airspace management roles and responsibilities.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.
One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
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 knowledge of FAA, OSD, USAF, USSOCOM, and AFSOC UAS integration management regulations, directives, orders, instructions, and guidance. 2.
Knowledge of USAF, SOCOM, and AFSOC UAS CONOPS/CONEMPS, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. Combat airspace operational experience or combat airspace instructor experience is highly desired. 3.
Comprehensive knowledge of FAA, SOCOM, USAF, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied services military organizations, UAS operations, lessons learned, and operational policy and procedures.
Close coordination with these agencies is constantly required and knowledge is not limit to the air traffic control career field alone.
Knowledge of the FAA COA process and procedures for obtaining a COA for UAS operations. 4.
Comprehensive knowledge of Theater Air Ground System, Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) and functionality, and Special Operations Forces airspace management roles and responsibilities. 5.
Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 6. Comprehensive knowledge of Contractor Representative (COR) duties, responsibilities, and authority.
Ability to effectively communicate technical guidance/instructions to government contractors. Track and monitor contractor travel and funds.
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:
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a first level supervisor, providing planning, directing, organizing, and exercising control over nonsupervisory employees assigned to HQ Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Branch.
DUTIES: Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of HQ AFSOC/A30U, ensuring that the Unmanned Systems Branch compiles with legal and regulatory requirements and meets customer needs.
Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Represents HQ AFSOC with a variety of installation and functional area organizations.
Serves as the Chief of the Unmanned Systems Branch and principle expert advisor to Headquarters USAF, USSOCOM, and AFSOC on small and large UAS integration, deconfliction, and operational management matters.
Must be articulate, in both written and oral form, to communicate issues and requirements to both domestic and foreign stakeholders as well as formulate and coordinate decisions and policies to and for senior Air Force, SOCOM, and AFSOC and other government agencies.
Employee serves as a Contract Representative (COR) on one or more government contracts supporting UAS operations.
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