Leadership in the Skies: Becoming an FAA Assistant General Manager in Merrimack, NH

The global aviation ecosystem depends on complex logistics, cutting-edge technology, and, above all, exceptional human coordination. At the core of this infrastructure is the National Airspace System (NAS), which securely moves millions of travelers every single day. Directing this extensive operational framework requires dedicated leaders who possess both deep technical expertise in air traffic control and highly developed executive management capabilities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently hiring for a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Assistant General Manager) based in Merrimack, New Hampshire. This role represents a premier management opportunity within the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Boston District (TEBW). It offers highly qualified specialists a chance to shape district-wide en route and terminal operations while directing a highly skilled technical workforce. With an annual salary range of $210,685 to $228,000, this temporary, two-year appointment is designed for accomplished professionals ready to operate at the peak of federal aviation management.

About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA's core mission is to build, operate, and maintain the safest, most efficient aerospace network in the world. As technology changes how we travel, the FAA is helping lead the way into a new era of aviation. This includes pioneering the integration of autonomous unmanned aerial systems, advancing eco-friendly hybrid and electric commercial aircraft, and supporting the commercial space transportation sector.

To meet these demands, the FAA maintains a diverse nationwide workforce of over 44,000 professionals working across more than 120 fields. Within the Air Traffic Organization, safety-focused collaboration in matrixed environments ensures daily operations are handled with precision. The Boston District is a critical hub in the northeast, managing highly complex air traffic lanes that require experienced leadership to stay secure under demanding conditions.

Job Responsibilities: Matrixed Leadership

Serving as the Assistant General Manager (AGM) involves responsibilities that extend far beyond direct traffic control. You will act as a close partner to the District General Manager (GM), helping lead multiple air traffic facilities of varying sizes and operational complexities.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Executive Leadership & Delegation: Share full managerial authority with the General Manager. You will be expected to assume operational and administrative leadership of the entire Boston District in the GM's absence.
• Strategic Systems Integration: Leverage your extensive knowledge of terminal and en route environments to ensure district activities align with the safety goals of the Air Traffic Services (ATS) Directorate and the FAA.
• Information Governance: Maintain a clear, timely, and objective flow of upward reporting. You will respond directly to external stakeholders, resolving systemic issues, safety policies, and technical training gaps.
• Team Coordination: Manage and mentor Air Traffic Managers (ATMs) and Support Managers (SMs). You will define operational priorities, direct staffing structures, and coach upcoming leadership talent.
• Employee and Labor Relations: Serve as a focal point for labor-management partnerships, civil rights compliance, and local legal issues. You will be responsible for resolving disputes at the lowest level while maintaining a fair, collaborative workplace.
• Resource Management: Direct local administrative processes to acquire, track, and distribute physical assets, staffing allocations, and operational budgets across the district.

Detailed Requirements and Qualifications

Because this position carries significant responsibility, the qualifying requirements are highly rigorous. This opening is restricted to applicants eligible under internal federal agency hiring paths.

Citizenship Requirement

Only United States citizens will be considered for employment. Applications from noncitizens cannot be accepted.

Specialized Experience Requirements

To qualify for the AT-LL pay band as an Assistant General Manager, candidates must meet specific professional milestones within the 2152 job series:

1. Regional/HQ Background: You must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or higher regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks); OR
2. Facility Certification: You must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) at an ATS facility; OR
3. Supervisory Experience: You must have held a Management Services Supervisor (MSS) position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.

Additional Leadership Gate: Alongside meeting one of the criteria above, all candidates must have held an MSS-3 or 2152 FG-14 position (or above) for at least 1 year (52 weeks) within an ATS facility.

Comparison: Assistant General Manager vs. Air Traffic Manager

To illustrate the difference between this district-level management role and standard facility-level leadership, consider this comparison:

Operational Area	Assistant General Manager (AGM)	Air Traffic Manager (ATM)
Scope of Jurisdiction	District-wide oversight spanning multiple terminal and en route facilities.	Localized operational management of a single specific facility.
Primary Mandate	Strategic integration, district labor partnerships, and high-level budgeting.	Day-to-day tactical flow, local safety protocols, and direct shift staffing.
Reporting Hierarchy	Reports directly to the General Manager and acts as alternate GM.	Reports to the General Manager and Assistant General Manager.
Resource Allocation	Manages, acquires, and distributes capital budgets across the district.	Implements and operates within the budget allocated by district leadership.

Salary and Compensation Structure

This position is graded within the Executive/Managerial pay scale of the FAA (AT pay band, grade LL).

• Minimum Salary: $210,685 per year
• Maximum Salary: $228,000 per year
• Locality Adjustments: Included based on the Merrimack, New Hampshire region.

Because this is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed (NTE) 2 years, selectees from within the agency may be eligible for pay retention under the guidelines of FAA Human Resource Policy Manual (HRPM EMP 1.29/1.29a). Note that this temporary role will not convert directly into a permanent position.

Benefits Package

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' wellness, financial planning, and retirement security.

• Healthcare Coverage: High-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance options with competitive employer-subsidized premiums.
• Retirement Programs: Full enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued annual vacation time, robust sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Flexible Accounts: Access to Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Professional Development: Continuous training, executive coaching, and leadership resources through FAA academies.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

To ensure your application package passes the administrative screening process, follow these guidelines:

1. Review Resume Page Limits: Limit your federal resume to exactly two (2) pages. Any information on a third page or beyond will not be read or considered.
2. Document Work History: Ensure your resume clearly lists your job title, series, grade, employer, start and end dates (including month and year), and average hours worked per week.
3. Complete FAA Form 3330-43: You must attach the FIRST PAGE ONLY of FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience). Make sure the dates align with your resume, and do not use the -1 version.
4. Attach Your SF-50: Internal FAA employees must upload an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) verifying current grade, series, tenure, and organizational details (ensure blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 are fully visible).
5. Apply Online: Access the FAA application portal, complete the questionnaire, and upload all required forms before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.

Application Tips from Federal HR Specialists

• Be Direct and Concise: With a strict two-page limit, focus on highlighting concrete executive milestones, budget management, and labor-relations successes.
• Double-Check Form 3330-43: Uploading a multi-page document or omitting the first page of Form 3330-43 is a common administrative error that can disqualify applicants. Stick to the first page only.
• Align Your Resume: Your answers to the online assessment must be fully validated by documented experience on your resume. If a skill rating is claimed online but not described in your resume, your rating will be lowered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?

Only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed. Any critical experiences, qualifications, or certifications on the third page will be ignored.

Is drug testing required for this role?

Yes. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Selected candidates are subject to pre-employment drug screening and random testing.

Can I telework in this position?

No. This is an on-site operational leadership position based at the district headquarters in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Telework is not available.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes. This position requires a Top Secret security clearance. Candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation and receive a favorable adjudication to be appointed.

Serving as an Assistant General Manager with the FAA is a highly impactful operational role that contributes directly to the safety of our nation's skies. By directing operations across the Boston District, you will help lead the future of federal aviation. Prepare your application package, review your documentation, and submit your bid to join a world-class team keeping our skies safe.