Air Traffic Control Specialist - Trainee

Summary 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. Learn more about this agency Duties 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. Requirements Conditions of employment US Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Designated or Random Drug Testing required. This vacancy may close early once a total of 8,000 applications have been received. To move forward in the hiring process, applicants must achieve a "Best" or "Well-Qualified" ATSA result. Medical Clearance: You must obtain medical clearance, including a psychological assessment, drug test, and comprehensive medical evaluation. Successful completion of all components is required for hiring and continued employment. Background Check: You are required to pass a background check. If you have previously completed one at an acceptable level, it will be verified. Otherwise, you must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Secret clearance. Irregular duty hours, a non-standard work week, or tour of duty may be required. Upon successful graduation from the FAA Academy, some graduates may be eligible for a one-time incentive up to $20,000. Qualifications You must be able to speak English clearly so others can understand you over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.To apply, you must meet ONE of the five qualification options listed below.Some eligibility requirements depend on which Applicant Pool you choose. Read carefully and contact Aviation Careers ([email protected]) with questions before the announcement closes.Applicant PoolsPOOL 1 You qualify for Pool 1 if you meet one of the following and submit documentation as outlined in the Required Documents section. 1. CTI Graduate - You graduated from an FAA Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and have an official CTI endorsement letter.2. VRA-Eligible Veteran - You qualify for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) under Title 38. More info: https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/veteran-job-seekers/vets/3. Veteran with Aviation Experience - You are a qualifying veteran with aviation experience gained during military service and/or eligible for Veterans' Preference (as stated Title 5, in section 2108 of United States Code).POOL 2 Pool 2 includes: all U.S. Citizens who do not meet Pool 1 requirements, or Pool 1 applicants who choose to be considered for Pool 2.Applicants may choose Pool 1 OR Pool 2, but not both. If you select Pool 1 but are found not eligible, you will automatically be considered under Pool 2, provided you meet one of the five qualification options.Age RequirementFederal law (P.L. 92-297) sets a maximum hiring age of 30 for entry level air traffic controllers. If you are 31 or older on the announcement closing date, you are not eligible. If your experience comes from civilian ATC work with the FAA or Department of Defense, you must have been hired before age 31 and provide SF-50 (personnel action) documentation.5 Ways to Qualify - You only need ONE of these.1. Work Experience - At least one year of general work experience (about 2,080 hours).This can include:Full-time jobsPart-time jobsVolunteer work2. Education - A full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree (120 semester or 180 quarter hours).An associate degree alone does not qualify unless combined with work experience (see option 3).CTI applicants (Pool 1): Submit transcripts (official or unofficial) showing your degree conferralProvide your official CTI endorsement letterSpring 2026 graduates must submit current transcripts now and final transcripts before any firm job offer.3. Education + Work Combination -A mix of college coursework and work experience equal to one year of qualifying experience.Undergraduate credit is based on:120 semester hours earned, or180 quarter hours earnedExample: An associate degree plus work experience may qualify.4. Air Traffic Control Experience - You have specialized Air Traffic Control Specialist experience.You must provide documentation such as:FAA certificatesMilitary ATC certificationTraining records5. Other Aviation Experience - You qualify if you (hold or have held one) of the following:Facility rating and actively controlled civilian or military air trafficFAA air carrier dispatcher certificateInstrument flight ratingFAA navigator certificate or military Navigator/Bombardier qualification350+ flight hours as a copilot or higher with a private pilot certificate (or military equivalent)Served as a rated Aerospace Defense Command Intercept Director 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 selectedThe official CTI endorsement letterSpring 2026 graduates must submit current transcript The endorsement letter must:Be on official CTI school letterheadBe signed by the CTI program contactConfirm that all CTI program requirements were completedSpring 2026 graduates may provide endorsement letter upon graduationSpring 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. Preview job questionnaire Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire. Additional information 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-requirementsThis 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 Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.