Leadership in the Skies: The Operations Manager Role at San Francisco ATCT
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) represents the pinnacle of aerospace safety and efficiency. For aviation professionals who have mastered the control tower environment, the path to leadership is both rewarding and challenging. We are currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) at the San Francisco Air Traffic Control Tower. This position is not merely a job; it is a vital role in maintaining the safety of one of the busiest coastal aviation corridors in the world.
Job Responsibilities
As an Operations Manager, you will be the backbone of facility performance. Your core responsibilities include:
- Operational Oversight: Planning and directing complex air traffic control services.
- Team Leadership: Coaching, mentoring, and managing a highly skilled technical workforce.
- Resource Integration: Aligning facility goals with national strategic objectives.
- Process Improvement: Continuously reviewing work processes to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Acting as a liaison between union representatives, aviation industry leaders, and agency executives.
Requirements
This is a senior-level position. Candidates must meet the following criteria by the closing date:
- Current U.S. citizenship.
- Proven tenure in an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or higher position (minimum 1 year).
- Demonstrated facility rating or area certification in an ATS facility.
- Experience in Management Success System (MSS) positions.
- Completion of all mandatory FAA forms, specifically FAA-3330-43.
Candidate Comparison Table
| Criteria | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Experience | 1 Year (52 Weeks) in Grade/Position |
| Residency | United States |
| Primary Documentation | FAA Form 3330-43 |
| SF-50 Requirement | Mandatory for current FAA Employees |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the high level of responsibility required in the San Francisco district. The salary range is established between $201,661 and $228,000 annually, depending on specific qualifications and internal pay policies.
Benefits
Employees of the FAA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Comprehensive health insurance with government-contributed premiums.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- Extensive leave programs, including sick, vacation, and federal holidays.
Application Tips
To stand out, your application must be precise. Ensure your two-page resume clearly maps your experience to the duties of an Operations Manager. When filling out the FAA Form 3330-43, provide exact dates and grade levels. Failure to include these details can lead to an automatic disqualification from the selection pool.
Serving as an Operations Manager at San Francisco ATCT is a significant career milestone. If you have the leadership skills to navigate complex operational challenges and the drive to contribute to the global aviation standard, apply today.
Why This Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) Job Matters
Step into a pivotal leadership role at one of the nation's busiest airspace hubs and shape the future of aviation safety.
Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced, dynamic leader to serve as a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) at the San Francisco Air Traffic Control Tower. This leadership position is critical to the mission of the Oakland District, where you will oversee complex operations, manage high-performing teams, and ensure the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of air traffic. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment while contributing to the FAA's strategic goals in a major metropolitan hub.
Requirements for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or higher position for at least 1 year (52 weeks).
- Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.
- Must have held a Management Success System (MSS) position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.
- Must have held an MSS-2 or a 2152 FG-14 position or above for a minimum of 1 year.
- Must submit FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience).
- Must provide proof of SF-50 (for current FAA employees) with required blocks filled.
- Must address FAA Managerial Workforce Planning Selection Factors (Dimensions 1-4) in the application.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager)
- Proven experience in tactical and strategic support within an ATC environment.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate team building and organizational development.
- Experience in labor-management partnerships and resolving complex personnel issues.
- Expertise in integrating support resources with operational requirements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- ✓Relocation incentives may be available for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on the official portal.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
- Complete and sign FAA Form 3330-43.
- Gather your most recent SF-50 (if currently employed by the FAA).
- Draft written responses to the FAA Managerial Workforce Planning Selection Factors (Dimensions 1-4).
- Upload all required documentation to your USAJOBS account.
- Submit your application through the FAA online application portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific start/end dates, hours per week, and grade/series information for all relevant experience.
- Do not leave required blocks empty on your SF-50; incomplete forms will result in disqualification.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the correct version of the FAA form (Form 3330-43, not 3330-43-1).
- Proofread your responses to the Managerial Workforce Planning factors to ensure they clearly demonstrate your leadership competency.
- Resubmit your application if you make any changes after the initial submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the work experience requirement?
No. For this specific position, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized air traffic control experience.
What happens if I miss the application deadline?
The system will automatically close at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date. Applications submitted after this time will not be considered.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
Yes, the position is subject to background investigation and security requirements.
Are there restrictions on where I apply?
You must be a citizen and meet the specific tenure requirements for the MSS positions listed in the announcement.
How will I know if my application was successful?
Once HR completes an initial evaluation, qualified candidates will be contacted directly for interviews. You can track your application status via your USAJOBS account.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is the backbone of American aviation. With a workforce exceeding 44,000 professionals, the agency operates in diverse fields ranging from air traffic control to research and development of emerging aerospace technologies. As a member of the Western-Pacific Region, you will join an organization that values diversity, professional integrity, and the relentless pursuit of safety.