Launch Your Aviation Career: Air Traffic Assistant at the FAA

Are you looking to make a significant impact on national aviation safety? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Specialist to join the Denver ARTCC team in Longmont, Colorado. This role is pivotal in ensuring that flight data is accurate, reliable, and processed in real-time to support the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS).

Job Responsibilities

As an Air Traffic Assistant, you are the backbone of flight data operations. Your daily tasks include:

Monitoring and processing active flight plans from various aviation sectors.
Analyzing critical meteorological data, including SIGMETS and AIRMETS, and notifying watch standers.
Updating and maintaining altimeter readings and wind data.
Operating and safeguarding digital communication networks like AUTODIN.
Preparing and transmitting vital aviation safety messages (NOTAMS, ALNOTS, PIREPS).

Comparison: Skills and Experience

Feature	Requirement Detail
Experience Level	1 year specialized (FV-E/GS-5/6 equivalent)
Education	High School Diploma/GED preferred (Experience-based)
Clearance	Secret Level
Drug Screening	Mandatory (Testing Designated Position)
Hiring Path	Competitive/Excepted Service/Veterans

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must demonstrate:

Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year at the next lower grade level, involving air traffic control procedures or flight data processing.
Certifications: Preference is given to candidates with an FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate or those who have completed a formal ATC training program.
Citizenship: Applicants must be United States citizens.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $61,123 to $91,688 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Generous leave accrual programs.
Long-term career progression within the Department of Transportation.

Application Tips

When applying for this competitive role, precision is key. The FAA limits resumes to two pages. Avoid generic descriptions; instead, focus on specific, quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your proficiency in air traffic or flight data systems. Ensure your work history explicitly lists the number of hours worked per week, as this is used to calculate the 52-week experience requirement.

If you have the technical knowledge and a passion for aviation safety, this role at the Denver ARTCC provides an unparalleled opportunity for growth. Apply through the official FAA portal before the deadline to ensure your materials are considered for this critical position.

Why This Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Data Communications Specialist Job Matters

Launch your career in the heart of aviation safety! Join the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Assistant in Longmont, CO, and become a vital link in the National Airspace System.

Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Data Communications Specialist Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a detail-oriented Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Specialist to join the team at the Denver ARTCC in Longmont, Colorado. In this essential role, you will provide critical flight data processing and communication services, ensuring the seamless operation of the National Airspace System. You will work closely with air traffic controllers and operational personnel, managing meteorological data, flight plans, and safety-critical communications to maintain the highest standards of airspace safety.

Requirements for Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Data Communications Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-E or GS-5/6 grade level.
Must be able to pass a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
Must be available for random drug and alcohol testing as part of a testing-designated position.
Must submit a complete application package, including a resume limited to two pages, by the closing date.
If applying as a current or former federal employee, an SF-50 is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Data Communications Specialist

Experience as a civilian or military air traffic controller or flight data processor.
Background as a flight instructor, instrument-rated pilot, or flight engineer.
Certification as an FAA Dispatcher for an air carrier.
Completion of an official FAA or Military Air Traffic Control Training Program.
Possession of a valid FAA Control Tower Operator Certificate.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan).
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Stability of a career within the Department of Transportation.

💡 How to Apply Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Data Communications Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Data Communications Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement at the official FAA application portal.
Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting specialized experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s or DD-214s if applicable.
Submit your application through the online Aviator system before the deadline.
Complete any required assessments linked to the position.
Monitor your status via the FAA application portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; additional pages may not be reviewed.
Use specific examples in your work history that mirror the required knowledge and skills.
Ensure all contact information and dates are accurate to allow for proper verification of your experience.
If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded to claim hiring preference.
Submit early to account for potential technical issues on the final day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an Air Traffic Assistant?

You will manage and monitor flight plans, disseminate weather data like PIREPS and SIGMETS, and ensure that all communication channels within the air traffic control center are operating correctly.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Secret level security clearance.

Can I submit my KSA narrative separately?

No, the FAA has moved away from traditional KSA narratives. You must integrate your qualifications and examples directly into your work history descriptions.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is the heartbeat of American aviation. With a mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world, the FAA oversees everything from air traffic control to the certification of new flight technologies. Working here means joining a diverse team of over 44,000 professionals dedicated to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.