Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead )

Candidates must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band (FV-F or GS/FG-7-8) that demonstrates knowledge of and skill in the use of FAA air traffic control procedures. Specialized experience include experience using NAS computer systems such as the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system; Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) system, and Digital Altimeter Setting Indicator (DASI) system or experience operating air traffic control operational computer and flight data equipment or experience amending proposed flight plans for flow control restrictions, Severe Weather Avoidance Plan (SWAP), and Exact Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) restrictions/changes or experience in positions such as a military or civilian air traffic controller, flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, command center operators (base ops), dispatcher for an air carrier, or as Flight Services Specialist. 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 the vacancy announcement.

Performs multiple and varying specialized flight data assignments and provides support to complex air traffic control facilities under limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, and/or more experienced employee. Acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team in assigned area of expertise on broad work activities and/or may be individually responsible for projects. Serves as the point of contact in the absence of the Supervisor of the Flight Data Communications Specialists unit. Applies experience and advanced knowledge of air traffic control, flight data procedures and operations. Contributes directly to the success of regional or national programs of the integrated National Airspace System (NAS) as well as research and development efforts. Relays Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) departure clearances including clearance and control information for satellite, uncontrolled airports and temporary military/civilian airports and special events operations. Relays cancellation of flight plans for satellite and uncontrolled airports to approach controls and ARTCC's. Supports large scale military exercises and military alert responsibilities by entering flight plans, notification procedures, and airspace configuration commands into the NAS. Operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans for ARTCC, terminal facilities, flight service stations, general aviation, and air carrier operations. At the request of Air Traffic Operations Manager in Charge, OMIC, assists with search and rescue efforts including pilot contact information, Information Requests (INREQ's), and Alerts Notices (ALNOT's). Provides manual flight plan processing and coordination during Canadian Automated Air Traffic System (CAATS)/ERAM equipment failures. Recognizes incorrect flight plan entries into the NAS and enters corrections as required. Amends proposed flight plans when requested by the flight crew, dispatch operations, Leidos Flight Service, or other air traffic facilities. Monitors ERAM for duplicate flight plans and takes appropriate action. Responsible for ensuring the information in Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) is current. This includes updating the Blocked List by either adding or deleting aircraft from both the history or query lists. Monitors flights crossing international control boundaries and corrects information to allow processing of flight plan information to and from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) partners. Utilizes Traffic Situation Display (TSD)/Departure List Program to aid in processing departure information. Receives, acknowledges, and/or transmits ICAO alert messages which includes the following, Uncertainty phase (INCERFA), Alert phase (ALERFA) and Distress message (DISTRESFA). Assigns a Departure Transition Area (DTA) to a flight plan when advised by Air Traffic that the flight plan is missing a DTA, the aircraft does not have over water equipment, or the aircraft filed a flight plan from departure airport to destination airport. Configures airspace for all appropriate air traffic facilities when they open and close, or when a situation requires the airspace to be reconfigured. Services as the focal point for weather dissemination which includes receiving and analyzing Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET's), Air Mission Meteorological Information (AIRMET's), Center Weather Advisories (CWA's), and Routine/Urgent Pilot Reports (PIREP's) and distributes the data to operations and NAS users. Monitors and updates Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and Surface Weather Observation Stations (AWOS) information in ERAM and AIS-R.