Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee

JobSummary

Ready to take on the challenge and join the best in the world? This announcement will remain open until 8,000 applications have been received. Once this limit is reached, the announcement will close and no additional applications will be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as waiting until the closing date may result in the announcement closing before you have the opportunity to submit your application.

LowGrade

3

HighGrade

3

PromotionPotential

NA

SubAgencyName

Air Traffic Organization - ATO

OrganizationCodes

TD/TD03

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

Many

AgencyMarketingStatement

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

TravelCode

0

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://jobs.faa.gov/Login/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://jobs.faa.gov/Login/Apply?status=1

MajorDuties

• Developmental controllers receive rigorous training in controlling and separating live air traffic within designated airspace at and around airport Traffic Control Towers, Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities (TRACON) or Air Route Traffic Control Facility (ARTCC). No prior air traffic experience is required. If selected, you'll be hired at the FG-3 entry level and trained by the FAA - even if you have experience that might qualify you for a higher grade under other announcements. Your journey starts at the FAA Academy. While attending academy training, you'll be on a temporary appointment and must successfully complete the program. At the Academy, you'll learn the fundamentals of air traffic control, including aircraft operations, the U.S. airspace system and the aviation industry, through classroom instruction and hands-on workshop exercises. After graduating from the Academy, you'll choose your first facility from a list of locations with the greatest staffing needs. The FAA operates air traffic control facilities in every state and several U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam). Applicants must be willing to work at any FAA facility. Declining to select from the available list will result in termination, as placements are based on FAA staffing needs. Successful Academy graduates receive a permanent appointment. Starting salaries range from $47,026 to $177,543 depending on the facility location. Applicants with prior ATCS experience will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement. Your pay grows as you train. As you successfully complete each phase of facility training, you'll receive pay increases. Most controllers reach six-figure salaries within about three years. Achieving Certified Professional Controller (CPC) typically takes 2-3 years, depending on the facility size, level, and complexity. Last year, the average CPC salary was $158,000. Training matters. Individuals who do not successfully complete FAA Academy training or other required steps will be separated from employment. Failure to certify to CPC level will result in separation, demotion or reassignment. Previous FAA Academy failure or declining a facility placement offer after Academy graduation may make you ineligible for selections and/or subject to a Veterans' Preference pass over.

Education

Education Requirements If using education to qualify, you must document it in the application questionnaire. Your education must come from a school accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CTI applicants (Pool 1) You must submit: Current transcripts (official or unofficial) Final transcripts showing degree and conferral date before employment if selected The official CTI endorsement letter Spring 2026 graduates must submit current transcript The endorsement letter must: Be on official CTI school letterhead Be signed by the CTI program contact Confirm that all CTI program requirements were completed Spring 2026 graduates may provide endorsement letter upon graduation Spring 2026 graduates must provide official copies of transcript and official endorsement letter prior to any firm offer letter of employment. Note: The endorsement letter is not a personal recommendation.

Requirements

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.

Evaluations

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

HowToApply

Applications will be accepted online until 11:59PM Eastern Time on the closing date of the job opportunity announcement (JOA). For helpful tips on how to apply, click on the links below: Air Traffic Control Hiring: What Goes in my Resume? https://youtu.be/5bmnsIRPDPk Applying to be an ATCS - Helpful Tips https://youtu.be/Rzgv33Ah-qc Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position. You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week. Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA. Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible. You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Amendment Date: Amendment Note: Maximum number of applications reached at 04/17/026 03:13:02 pm ET, Close Date updated to 04/17/2026

WhatToExpectNext

For helpful tips on the next steps in the application process for this vacancy announcement, please click this link: Air Traffic Control Hiring: I Applied, What's Next? https://youtu.be/pB8Y0k27fOo Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide. Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.

RequiredDocuments

Resume Official or Unofficial Transcripts with confer date (if applicable). Veterans preference documents - DD-214, VA letter, SF-15, statement of service letter (if applicable) SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable) If you do not have a copy of your initial Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/new-hire action into the 2152 series), you can request it through the National Personnel Records Center at the following link: https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/opf. In addition, Collegiate Training Initiative applicants must provide: Official or Unofficial Transcripts with confer date AND Endorsement letter Forms: SF-15 : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

http://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits/

OtherInformation

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Paid training: New Air Traffic Controllers start with several weeks of paid training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Trainees earn an hourly wage and receive full benefits. The FAA also provides housing, food and travel allowances to help cover living expenses during training, in accordance with agency policies. Entrance on Duty (EOD): You must complete all pre-employment requirements within 60 days of receiving your Clearance Instruction Letter (CIL). If not completed within 60 days, you will be removed from the hiring process. ATSA results: Only applicants who receive "Best" or "Well-Qualified" results will be considered. If you previously took the ATSA and did not receive a best or well-qualified result, you are encouraged to retake the test. Testing Travel: Travel to and from testing locations is paid by the applicant. ATSA Scores: Your most recent ATSA score will be used for referral, even if it is lower than a previous score. Track Assignment: Candidates who are referred and tentatively selected will be placed in either the En Route or Terminal (including TRACON) training track based upon completed clearances and the next available Academy class date. This position is eligible but not in a bargaining unit. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

03

AnnouncementClosingTypeOption

8000

AgencyContactEmail

aviation.careers@faa.gov

AgencyContactPhone

1 (405) 954-4657

PreviewQuestionnaireurl

https://jobs.faa.gov/Preview/97350

SecurityClearance

Secret

DrugTestRequired

True

AdjudicationType