Created at: August 06, 2025 00:22
Company: Federal Aviation Administration
Location: Warrenton, VA, 20186
Job Description:
This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), System Operations Services (AJR), Operations-Headquarters Directorate (AJR-2). System Operations Security (AJR-2) leads the Air Traffic Organization's (ATO) operations-centric efforts in the national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, disaster response, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations, and other significant incident management arenas.
To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: Experience participating in response efforts addressing natural disasters and other crises. You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered. Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
This position is an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) within an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations Security team. Maintains and advances specialized programs in the areas of planning, detection, mitigation, and integration. This includes developing strategies, overseeing implementation, and ensuring continuous improvement to effectively support mission objectives. Applies experience and expert technical knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as expert technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft. The work consists of technically complex, and sensitive staff work involving unclassified, controlled unclassified, and classified deliverables related to policy, plans, and procedures. Applies complex legislation, regulations, and procedures pertaining to aviation security matters. Performs operational and technical analysis of air traffic management related to unmanned aircraft systems and operations. Performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments, pertaining to the development and implementation of airspace management mechanisms to ensure that the integration of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) supports national defense and other security-related needs. Develops and implements mechanisms to discourage the illicit illumination of aircraft, especial civil operators, by lasers. Facilitates the deployment and use of Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) in the NAS by developing and implementing ATM related measures to mitigate potential safety and efficiency impacts. Coordinates with spectrum engineering, Air Traffic Control (ATC), aviation operators, and the Department of Defense (DOD) and other inter-agency partners to sustain national defense test and training activities in the NAS involving potential electromagnetic interference (e.g., OPS interference, Identification-Friend or Foe (IFF), and tactical data distribution) activities while effectively mitigating safety and efficiency concerns. Contacts are internal and external. Often represents the organization as a senior point of contact on projects and programs. Coordinates with ATC, the Department of State (DOS), Department of Defense (DoD), and other inter-agency stakeholders to plan and carry out the safe and compliant Conduct-Of Open Skies Treaty missions. As an authority on ATC provides input to Open Skies Treaty discussions with foreign signatory States. This work supports programs for Special Interest Flights (SIF) and other sensitive air traffic activity. Attends and participates in inter-agency meetings involving sensitive missions critical matters as it relates to the Counter UAS mission and the threats they pose to the NAS and critical facilities. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives but allow considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems. Most work is performed independently, though work is subject to review by program officials and representatives of external entities for quality of results and compatibility with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives. Work is typically reviewed through status reports and at completion. Plans own use of time and resources to accomplish objectives. Defines, organizes, and allocates resources to accomplish important work activities within established schedules. Carries duties related to the System Operations Security mission as assigned, including participating in the directorate's response efforts addressing natural disasters and other crises.