Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist)
Federal Aviation Administration
FreshPosted Apr 6
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: April 7, 2026 (0 days ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Air Traffic Control Specialist (Station)
U.S. Army Forces Command
Department of the Army
Location
Fort Irwin, California
Salary
$79,240 - $103,006
per year
Type
Closes
April 20, 2026
GS-9 Pay Grade
Base salary range: $51,332 - $66,732
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-8. Master's degree or 2 years graduate study.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves managing air traffic at a military base in California, ensuring safe separation of aircraft using radar and radio communications, and helping pilots with flight plans.
It's a temporary role that could last up to eight years and might lead to a permanent position.
A good fit would be someone with experience in air traffic control who thrives in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment like a training center.
Key Requirements
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 level in federal service, including air traffic control and separation
- Proficiency in using radar and two-way radio communications for aircraft guidance
- Ability to issue FAA-assigned transponder codes, altitudes, and directions to maintain aircraft safety
- Experience assisting pilots with flight planning, filing flight plans, and managing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
- Capability to act as Shift Leader or Controller in Charge on a rotating basis
- U.S. citizenship required
- Relevant paid or unpaid experience, including volunteer work, clearly described in resume
Full Job Description
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce, to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This is a TERM position. It is time-limited and may be extended beyond six (6) years, up to eight (8) years.
Position may be converted to career conditional or career appointments via competition. See more in Additional Information.
Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.
Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized experience: Have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service which includes the following.
Provide control and separation of air traffic also controls the arriving and departing aircraft by means of radar and two-way radio communications.
Issues Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assigned transponder codes for tracking aircraft, issues altitude and direction to be flown as necessary to keep aircraft in designated areas.
Assist pilots planning flights and filing flight plans.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09) Major Duties:
- Provide control and separation of air traffic for National Training Center and Fort Irwin Restricted Areas (R-2502N/E/A).
- Issue Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assigned transponder codes for tracking aircraft, issues altitude and direction to be flown as necessary to integrate aircraft into areas ground units are firing through.
- Assist pilots planning flights and file flight plans and maintain, verify and post Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
- Act as Shift Leader (SL) or Controller in Charge (CIC) on a rotating basis.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes