Advance Your Career as an FAA Staff Support Specialist in Olathe
Are you a seasoned Air Traffic Control (ATC) professional looking to transition from the radar room to a strategic leadership role? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a qualified Staff Support Specialist (MSS-1) to join the Kansas City (ZKC) ARTCC team in Olathe, Kansas. This is a unique opportunity to influence the National Airspace System (NAS) through high-level administrative and operational support.
Job Responsibilities
As an MSS-1 Specialist, your work is integral to the daily functioning of the Kansas City ARTCC. Your responsibilities include:
- Strategic Oversight: Managing training programs, quality control, and quality assurance.
- Procedural Development: Analyzing airspace and procedures to improve system effectiveness.
- Collaboration: Working across various FAA lines of business and external industry partners.
- Technical Reporting: Developing authoritative studies and reports to guide facility goals.
- Safety Management: Implementing and monitoring Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Quick Comparison: Operational vs. Staff Support Roles
| Feature | Operational ATC | Staff Support Specialist (MSS-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Real-time traffic separation | Programmatic & Strategic oversight |
| Environment | Control room (radar/tower) | Administrative/Project-based |
| Primary Goal | Safe aircraft movement | System & Procedure improvement |
| Schedule | Shift-heavy/Operational | Primarily administrative/Day-focused |
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess specialized experience that demonstrates your deep understanding of ATC operations. Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above position for at least 52 weeks.
- Maintained facility rating or area certification at an ATS facility for at least 52 weeks.
- Held an MSS position at an ATS facility for at least 52 weeks.
Note: All applicants must be U.S. citizens and successfully pass a drug screen and background investigation.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $149,006 to $201,163 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy the comprehensive benefits package typical of federal service, including retirement contributions, health insurance, and paid leave.
How to Apply
- Form 3330-43-1: You must submit this rating form by the closing date.
- Resume: Limit your experience summary to two pages.
- SF-50: Current FAA employees must provide proof of employment status in their application.
- Submission: All documents must be uploaded via the online portal.
The FAA’s Staff Support Specialist role is a prestigious path for those who have mastered the operational floor and are ready to tackle the challenges of modern aviation administration. If you meet the criteria and are ready to help shape the future of the Kansas City District, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application before the September 15, 2026, deadline.
Why This Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist - Mss-1) Job Matters
Take your air traffic control career to the next level by shaping the operational excellence of the National Airspace System in Olathe, Kansas.
Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist - Mss-1) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Staff Support Specialist (MSS-1) for the Kansas City (ZKC) ARTCC. In this pivotal role, you will provide critical tactical and strategic support, bridging the gap between field operations and agency-wide objectives. From optimizing training programs and quality assurance to managing complex airspace procedures and safety management systems, your contributions will directly impact the safety and efficiency of America's aviation infrastructure. This is an internal career opportunity for seasoned professionals ready to apply their deep ATC knowledge in a high-impact administrative and operational leadership capacity.
Requirements for Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist - Mss-1)
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 (or above) regional or headquarters position for at least 52 weeks.
- Alternatively, must have been facility rated or area certified at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility for at least 52 weeks.
- Alternatively, must have held an MSS position for at least 52 weeks in an ATS facility.
- Must submit FAA Form 3330-43-1 by the closing date.
- Current FAA employees must provide an SF-50 reflecting specific personnel data.
Preferred Qualifications for Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist - Mss-1)
- Proven experience in developing training and quality control initiatives.
- Strong technical aptitude for hardware and software systems related to air traffic operations.
- Ability to communicate complex information to diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated skill in analyzing equipment and procedural effectiveness.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure.
- ✓Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Comprehensive federal life insurance options.
💡 How to Apply Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist - Mss-1) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Air Traffic Control Specialist (Staff Support Specialist - Mss-1) Job
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it does not exceed two pages.
- Complete the online application via the official FAA portal.
- Download and complete FAA Form 3330-43-1.
- Gather your SF-50 (if currently employed by the FAA) covering blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24.
- Upload all required documentation to your USAJOBS profile.
- Submit your application and documentation before the deadline of September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Your resume must explicitly align with the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
- Verify your data: Ensure your SF-50 contains all required block information; missing data is the most common reason for ineligibility.
- Resubmit if needed: If you update your application, you must resubmit it to ensure the latest version is reviewed.
- Double-check the deadline: Aim to submit well before the 11:59 PM Eastern Time cutoff on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for air traffic early retirement?
No, this specific Staff Support Specialist position is not covered by the Public Law for Air Traffic Early Retirement (Good Time) purposes.
Do I need to undergo a medical exam?
A current medical certification is required only if the selectee maintains operational currency.
Is a drug test required for this role?
Yes. As this is a testing designated position, you will be subject to pre-employment drug screening and random testing during your tenure.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is the backbone of the global aviation industry. With a workforce exceeding 44,000, the agency is committed to the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. From implementing cutting-edge technology for electric and solar-powered aircraft to managing the complex logistics of modern air travel, the FAA offers a career that literally spans the horizon.