Summary
This is a public notice for direct hiring authority for Experienced Air Traffic Control Specialists, 2152 series positions. These positions are responsible for controlling live air traffic in support of public safety and our national air space. This announcement will serve as a resume repository that may be used to fill positions.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens, Individuals w/Disabilities, 30% or More, VRA
Duties
This public notice is for candidates who have maintained at least 52 consecutive weeks of air traffic control experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receipt of an air traffic certification or facility rating within 5 years of application while serving at:
- a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facility; OR
- a civilian or military air traffic control facility of the Department of Defense and any National Guard Facility; OR
- a tower operating under contract with the FAA under section 47124
APPLICANTS MUST ALSO BE WILLING TO WORK AT ANY FAA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY.
The FAA has Air Traffic Control Facilities in every state as well as Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam. Air Traffic Control Specialists in the Terminal option control air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice based on their own observations and information from the National Weather Service, Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), flight service stations, pilots, and other sources. They transfer control of aircraft to the ARTCC controller when the aircraft leaves assigned airspace, and they receive control of aircraft coming into assigned airspace.
Air Traffic Control Specialists in the En Route (Center) option give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice regarding flight conditions while en route between airports. They provide separation between aircraft flying within the Federal airways or operating into or out of airports.
This is an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) position responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace. Additional information regarding these positions is located at: http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunities/airtraffic_controllers/
- Applicant geographic area preferences may be used in determining facility placement offers for candidates selected. Ultimately, the type and location of positions offered to each selectee will be based upon the needs of the FAA. If you are selected for a position, you will be informed of the facility location you are being offered. Selectees will be offered a permanent appointment in the ATCS occupation at an FAA facility based on their qualifications and the needs of the agency. Appointees will have their salary set in accordance with the ATCS Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Positions offered may be:
- AT-2152 AG - this is the position level for selectees who are NOT former FAA 2152 Certified Professional Controllers (CPC); salary $40,649, plus applicable locality pay based on facility assignment
- AT-2152 - xD/xF/xG - these are position levels for former FAA developmental controllers rehired within 1 year of separation; salary $48,854 to $113,804 plus applicable locality pay based on facility assignment
- AT-2152 - DH/EH/FH/GH/HH/IH/JH/KH/LH - these are position levels for former FAA CPCs; salary $52,918 to $153,636 plus applicable locality pay based on facility assignment
- Appointees will enter the appropriate phase of field training as determined by the assigned facility to prepare for full certification to the CPC level. They must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility.
- Failure to meet training requirements for or accept promotion to higher grade ATCS positions may constitute grounds for reassignment, demotion or separation from employment
- You will receive on-the-job training and pay increases, as appropriate, upon successful completion of the progressive phases of controller training at your assigned facility. Part of the on-the-job training may require that you complete certain specific training courses at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK
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.
- Pre-employment Physical is required.
- 52 WEEKS OF FULL-TIME CONSECUTIVE, CERTIFIED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- CONSECUTIVE, POST CERTIFIED EXPERIENCE MUST BE WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS
- COPIES OF CERTIFICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF APPLICATION
- Age requirements; see "Qualifications Required" & "Required Doc." sections.
- Requirement for nonstandard duty hours or work week.
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A MINIMUM OF AT LEAST 52 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FULL-TIME ACTIVE SEPARATION OF AIR TRAFFIC, AFTER RECEIPT OF AN ATC CERTIFICATION OR FACILITY RATING WITHIN 5 YEARS OF APPLICATION WHILE SERVING AT:
- a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control facility; OR
- a civilian or military air traffic control facility of the Department of Defense and any National Guard Facility; OR
- a tower operating under contract with the FAA under section 47124
This experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the level of work. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the movement of air traffic; knowledge of aircraft separation standards and control techniques; and the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress.
- Applicants MUST submit copies of certifications prior to the closing date of the announcement. (The 52 weeks of consecutive, certified experience cannot include any FAA Academy or military training time prior to certification, as this is not considered "live" air traffic) and must have been within 5 years of application.
- Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their Work History. Work history and supporting certificate(s) MUST support the applicant performing as an ATCS for a minimum of 52 consecutive weeks following the issue date of the certification.
- Applicants MUST document hours per week within their work history/resume (full time experience is credited as 40 hours per week, part time hours will be pro-rated based on 40 hrs per week).
- There is no educational substitute for the required 52 weeks of specialized experience.
- Age Requirements: Notwithstanding section 3307 of title 5, the maximum limit of age for an original appointment to a position as an air traffic controller shall be 35 years of age for those maintaining 52 weeks of air traffic control experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receipt of an air traffic certification or air traffic control facility rating in a civilian or military air traffic control facility. Maximum Retention Age: 5 U.S.C. 8335 (a) and 5 U.S.C. 8425 (a) require mandatory separation at age 56 in a career controller position.
- Applicants, who are maintaining 52 consecutive weeks of ATC experience, after receipt of an air traffic certification or ATC facility rating, must be age 35 or below, on or before the closing date of the vacancy. Applicants previously appointed by the FAA or DOD as a civilian 2152, must also include a copy of a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) that verifies original appointment to the civilian 2152 occupational series prior to reaching the maximum entry age of 35. This would be the first Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/new-hire action into the 2152 series) received. You must provide a copy of this SF-50 prior to the close date of this vacancy. If you were previously a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) or full performance rated (FPL) Controller, please also include an SF-50 that indicates this level of certification.
- Service Computation Dates (SCDs) cannot be used for maximum entry age verification purposes, as this could include prior military service and/or current or previous federal civilian service in another occupational series.
- Applicants who are prior Academy and/or field training failures may not be considered.
We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.
Education
There is no educational substitute for the required 52 weeks of specialized experience (52 consecutive, post certified ATC experience within 5 years of application).
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-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.
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. On-the-Spot will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
Entrance on Duty Requirements (EOD): If you do not complete all of the pre-employment requirements within 30 days from the date of the Clearance Instruction Letter (CIL), the FAA may remove you from the hiring process for this vacancy. If you are a current military member in active duty service, you must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, or written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
Certified air traffic control experience required; copies of certifications MUST be submitted at time of application. Please include copies of both the front and back of certifications, if applicable. (Ex: Pink card with designated facility or position ratings on the back of card, CTO card with designated facility on the back of card etc). Military training records may also be utilized if it documents the type of facility or position rating earned and the date it was received.
APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT THE SAME TIME AS SUBMISSION OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. YOU MUST UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER FOR YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED.
This Public Notice will serve as a resume repository – positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
Required Documents
Certified air traffic control experience required; copies of certifications MUST be submitted at time of application. Please include copies of both the front and back of certifications, if applicable. Ex: Pink card with designated facility or position ratings on the back of card, CTO card with designated facility on the back of card etc). Military training records may also be utilized if it documents the type of facility or position rating earned and the date it was received. These certifications/training records must match up with experience documented in your resume/work history in order to verify the required 52 consecutive weeks of air traffic control experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic after receipt of an ATC certification or facility rating within 5 years of application. Applicants, who are maintaining 52 consecutive weeks of ATC experience, after receipt of an air traffic certification or ATC facility rating, must be age 35 or below, on or before the closing date of the vacancy. SF-50, Personnel Action documentation required prior to announcement closing for validation, see 'Qualifications Required' section for details.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
For additional information on this position, please visit our website via this link: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers/experienced_controllers
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.
We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes.
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. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.
Amendment Date: 01/21/2026
Amendment Note: Updated 2026 salary range.
Agency contact information
Aviation Careers
Phone
1 (405) 954-4657
Fax
1 (405) 954-0593
Email
aviation.careers@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation Careers Branch
6500 S. Macarthur Blvd, HQ Room 139
AHF-S300
Oklahoma City, OK 73169
US
Next steps
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.
Overview
Accepting applications
Posted 10/03/25 · Apply by 10/02/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 2, 2026
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
FAA - Air Traffic Locations
Many vacancies
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$47,026 - $177,543 per year
Pay scale & grade
AT AG
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - The job may require travel from time-to-time, but not on a regular basis. The travel may be for training or other work-related duties.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes - This position is represented by NATCA: Air Traffic - Center & Terminal.
Security clearance
Secret
Announcement number
FAA-FAA-26-PUB NOT-96466
