Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Specialist)

Summary

Serves as a Flight Data Communication Specialist (FDCS) in a Level 10 Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and is responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).

Duties

Performs a combination of routine and multiple and varying tasks/assignments under the general direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced employee. Acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team to assist other employees in day-to-day operations. Applies experience and detailed knowledge to plan and accomplish routine tasks/assignments. Assignments include the following: Provides flight data processing and communications service for the air traffic control system, and operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans from military base operations, ARTCC sectors, terminal facilities, adjacent ARTCC's, flight service stations, and air carrier operations offices. Recognizes incorrect flight plan entries into the National Airspace System (NAS) and enters corrections as required. Develops and maintains bulk storage flight plans. Receives and analyzes significant meteorological information (SIGMETS), airmen's meteorological information (AIRMETS), weather advisories, etc. and makes immediate notification to the Watch Stander-In-Charge and other operation personnel. Checks and updates altimeter readings and updates winds aloft. Operates, monitors, and safeguards the DHS Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN) system. Makes entries into the operations network (OPSNET) concerning computer utilization, delays and traffic counts for designated facilities. Collects and distributes flight plans, traffic management restrictions, notices to airmen (NOTAMS) and a variety of other data related to flight safety. Prepares and transmits NOTAMS, information requests (INREQS), alert notices (ALNOTS), AIRMETS, Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPS), Center Weather Advisories (CWAs), defense communication messages, traffic management and administrative messages. Trains developmental specialists in the performance of flight data and data communications system functional responsibilities. Contacts are primarily internal but may also be external depending on the specialized area supported. Internal contacts often involve more than one organizational unit in a major subdivision and are with managers and other employees to share information and to discuss the statuses of tasks/assignments. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for almost all tasks/assignments, but allow some discretion for employee to select the most appropriate approach(es). Frequently refers problems and work issues to a manager or more experienced employee when guidelines are not available or applicable. Work is reviewed frequently during major stages of tasks/assignments and at completion to ensure timeliness and alignment with the requirements of projects and/or work activities. Work activities typically support one or more projects/programs and affect the objectives of the organizational unit and the major subdivision. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band (FV-E or FG/GS-5/6) in the Federal Government that demonstrates knowledge of and skill in the use of FAA Air Traffic Control procedures. Examples of qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work involving: (1) Civilian or military aircraft operations work, such as: flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, flight engineer or air transport pilot; (2) FAA Certified Dispatcher for an air carrier; (3)Flight Information Expediter involved in determining flight times of airplanes and transmitting information to flight operations and command centers; (4) Civilian or Military Air Traffic Controller; and (5) Flight Data Processor; or Successful completion of an FAA or Military Air Traffic Control Training Program; or Possession of an FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.