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Posted: April 15, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager - MSS-3)

Federal Aviation Administration

Department of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Elgin, Illinois

Salary

$199,281 - $228,000

per year

Closes

April 27, 2026More DOT jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team of air traffic control specialists in a busy facility near Chicago, overseeing daily operations or support areas like training and quality checks to ensure safe and efficient airplane movements.

It's ideal for experienced air traffic controllers or managers who enjoy directing technical teams, solving operational challenges, and mentoring staff.

The role requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of aviation safety to handle high-stakes responsibilities.

Key Requirements

  • At least 1 year (52 weeks) in an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or higher regional/headquarters position
  • Or 1 year facility rated or area certified in an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility
  • Or 1 year in an MSS position within an ATS facility
  • Additionally, 1 year in an MSS-2 or higher position in an ATS facility, or FG-14 or above
  • Experience directing technical workforces in air traffic control or support services
  • Ability to manage training, performance evaluations, staffing, and employee relations
  • Qualifications must be met by the vacancy closing date

Full Job Description

Serves as an Operations Manager in an ATC-12 level TRACON facility, responsible for planning and directing the operations in the facility; or planning and directing multiple support activities for the facility such as training, quality assurance, traffic management, airspace and procedures, plans and programs, and other facility program areas.

Applicants must demonstrate they possess required specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1.

Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters positions for at least 1 year (52 weeks); OR 2.

Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility.

NOTE: An employee who has been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility that is upgraded is considered to meet the qualification requirements of the upgraded position; OR 3.

Must have held an MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.

In addition to the qualification requirements above, applicants must have held an MSS-2 position or above in an ATS facility OR a 2152 FG-14 position or above for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in order to qualify for this position.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Major Duties:

Directs a highly technical workforce that provides either air traffic control services and/or tactical and strategic support.

The work impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of the day-to day operations of the facility.

Work typically impacts the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of aircraft as well as the efficient operation of segments of the aviation industry.

Provides training, coaching and guidance to subordinates and facilitates team building throughout area(s) of responsibility.

Integrates support resources with operational needs to maintain effective air traffic control service, and may work other than administrative shifts to meet this requirement.

Using measures of organizational performance, continuously reviews work processes to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customer's needs, adds value to facility services, and are efficiently achieved.

Assigns and reviews work. Plans work and sets priorities and schedules.

Approves leave; prepares schedules for completion of work; assigns work to subordinates based on priorities; evaluates work performance of subordinates ensuring equity of performance standards and ratings; gives advice on work and on administrative matters; Identifies and arranges for developmental and other training needs of subordinates.

Makes decisions on work problems presented by subordinates; hears and resolves group grievances and serious employee complaints; effects disciplinary actions; recommends/approves selections and transfers; recommends/approves awards.

Deals with labor representatives concerning workforce issues. Adjusts staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels.

Provides input to and contributes to the accomplishment of facility goals and objectives. Serves as a member of the management team to improve organizational performance and to meet strategic goals.

Meets and has frequent contacts with both internal and external customers including subordinates, other peer management representatives, union representatives, administrative support staff within the facility, higher ranking managers and supervisors, members of the general public, and representatives of the aviation industry.

The Operations Manager reports to the Air Traffic Manager. Performance is evaluated upon the effectiveness with which assigned program objectives are achieved.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 4/15/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/15/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: AGL-AT-26-0050-98185