Become an FAA Operations Supervisor: Lead the Skies at New York TRACON (N90)

Managing the airspace surrounding a major metropolitan hub is one of the most high-stakes, sophisticated operations in the modern transportation sector. For seasoned aviation professionals, there is no greater or more rewarding challenge than directing air traffic in the busiest corridor in the world. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly skilled SATCS, Operations Supervisor (MSS-2, Level-12) to lead teams at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), commonly referred to as N90, located in Westbury, New York.

This position offers an extraordinary salary range of $200,948 to $228,000 per year and provides an unparalleled opportunity to influence safety, efficiency, and organizational excellence within the National Airspace System (NAS). If you possess the specialized experience required to guide elite Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) through complex high-volume operations, this role represents the pinnacle of operational leadership. Read on to learn more about the agency, the day-to-day duties of this leadership position, qualification pathways, and tips for submitting a successful application.

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About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

At the Federal Aviation Administration, the mission is simple but profound: to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. With a dedicated workforce of over 44,000 professionals spanning more than 120 unique occupations, the FAA is at the forefront of aerospace innovation. From managing traditional commercial air travel to integrating autonomous systems, eco-friendly electric aircraft, and commercial space transport, the agency constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the skies.

The New York TRACON (N90), located in Westbury, Long Island, is a legendary facility within the Air Traffic Organization (ATO). Responsible for managing the extremely congested airspace over the New York metropolitan area, N90 controllers coordinate flights arriving at and departing from major international gateways including John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA), alongside dozens of busy regional and general aviation airports. Working at N90 means operating at the absolute core of global aviation logistics.

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Job Responsibilities of the Operations Supervisor

As an Operations Supervisor (MSS-2, Level-12) within N90, you are not just a manager; you are a strategic leader, an operational coordinator, and a mentor. You will serve as the first-line supervisor for a highly skilled team of Air Traffic Control Specialists working in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Directing Daily Operations: Plan, organize, and direct operational flow within your assigned area of responsibility. Ensure compliance with federal regulations, facility directives, and safety protocols.
• Watch Supervision: When designated as the Watch Supervisor, assume comprehensive management and decision-making authority over the entire control room, acting as the primary point of contact for operational challenges and emergency situations.
• Personnel Leadership: Provide ongoing training, developmental coaching, and professional guidance to controllers. Foster a collaborative environment focused on active problem-solving and mutual trust.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively review control room processes, analyze flight data, and implement procedural refinements to maximize airspace efficiency while preserving absolute safety.
• Strategic Integration: Serve as a collaborative member of the local management team, working closely with regional leadership, external stakeholders, and commercial partners to meet strategic FAA benchmarks.

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Detailed Qualification & Requirements

Due to the immense responsibility associated with supervising the airspace over New York, the FAA enforces strict eligibility requirements. This role is exclusively open to candidates who possess a deep operational background in air traffic control.

General Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications from noncitizens will not be reviewed.
• Medical Clearance: Selectees must possess and maintain active medical clearance to ensure they are physically and mentally capable of performing duties under operational stress.
• Security Background Check: This position requires a successful National Agency Check and Inquiry with Credit (NACI) background investigation prior to appointment.
• Drug and Alcohol Screening: Because this is a Testing Designated Position (TDP), applicants will undergo pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random testing throughout their tenure.

Specialized Experience Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet at least one of the three specialized experience pathways listed below:

Experience Pathway	Minimum Duration	Description of Required Background
Pathway 1: Regional/HQ Experience	1 Year (52 Weeks)	Must have held an FAA 2152-FV-J/FG-14 or higher regional or headquarters position.
Pathway 2: ATS Facility Experience	1 Year (52 Weeks)	Must have been facility-rated or area-certified as a controller within an active Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility.
Pathway 3: Management Successor/Support (MSS)	1 Year (52 Weeks)	Must have held a permanent Management Successor/Support (MSS) position inside an active ATS facility.

The TETRA Assessment Requirement

Because of the extreme complexity of Level 12 Terminal facilities like N90, candidates who have not previously held a facility radar certification at a Level 10, 11, or 12 Terminal facility will be required to take and pass the Ten Eleven Twelve Radar Assessment (TETRA) to remain eligible for selection.

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Salary Overview & Financial Disclosure

The base salary for the Operations Supervisor position at N90 is structured between $200,948 and $228,000 per year. This highly competitive pay scale is designed to recruit and retain the highest tier of technical leaders in the aviation industry.

Financial Disclosure & Conflict of Interest

To maintain the highest standards of public trust, the individual selected for this position may be required to file a formal financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entering on duty. FAA policy strictly limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies to prevent conflicts of interest.

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Comprehensive Benefits Package

Employees of the FAA enjoy access to the federal government's premier benefits framework, which provides robust financial security and work-life support:

• Retirement Programs: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a defined-benefit pension. For air traffic personnel, special accelerated retirement provisions often apply.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings plan similar to a 401(k), featuring immediate agency matching contributions of up to 5% of your salary.
• Health and Life Insurance: Choose from a wide selection of comprehensive medical plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, alongside dental, vision, and group life insurance (FEGLI) options.
• Paid Time Off: Earn generous paid annual leave for vacations, separate sick leave with no accrual limit, and enjoy 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Relocation Assistance: For qualified candidates, relocation benefits may be authorized to assist with the transition to the Westbury, New York area.

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Critical Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for high-level federal positions requires meticulous attention to detail. Follow these strategic guidelines to ensure your package is not disqualified during the initial HR screening:

1. Observe the Two-Page Resume Limit: Unlike standard federal applications, this vacancy limits resumes to exactly two pages. Any information provided on page three or beyond will not be reviewed, and an overly long resume can lead to immediate disqualification.
2. Be Specific in Your Work History: For each job entry, you must include your exact Job Title (including series and grade if federal), employer name, exact start and end dates (MM/YYYY format), and the exact number of hours worked per week.
3. Use the Required Forms: Ensure you complete and upload the first page of FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience). Double-check that you do not submit Form 3330-43-1, as this will lead to an ineligible rating.
4. Address the Managerial Selection Factors: You must write distinct, well-structured narrative responses to address Managerial Selection Factors 1 through 4. Be sure to submit Managerial Selection Factor 5 along with your main application materials.
5. Provide a Complete SF-50: Current or former FAA employees must upload their most recent SF-50 showing blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 to verify tenure and grade eligibility.

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Q2: What is the deadline to apply for this vacancy?

Applications must be submitted electronically through the portal by July 6, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Q3: Where can I read the official transfer procedures for N90?

Applicants are highly encouraged to read the New York TRACON (N90) Academy and Employee Transfer Procedures document before applying. This document provides critical details regarding facility-specific onboarding and performance standards.

Q4: Is this a bargaining unit position?

No. This Operations Supervisor role is a management position (MSS-2) and is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.

Q5: How do I submit my completed FAA Form 3330-43?

You can upload the form as an attachment directly to your application package on USAJobs, or you can submit it via fax to (718) 995-5688, Attention: Shawn Farmer, before the closing date.

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Supervising operations at the New York TRACON is more than a career achievement—it is a calling for the elite of the air traffic control world. By stepping into the role of Operations Supervisor (MSS-2, Level-12) in Westbury, NY, you will directly influence the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the world's most active airspace. If you possess the experience, leadership skills, and commitment required to guide the FAA’s frontline specialists, prepare your application package today and take your place at the forefront of global aviation.