Become a Leader in Aviation: Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Oakland)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of the world's most sophisticated aerospace system. If you are a seasoned air traffic professional with a passion for leadership, the Oakland Air Traffic Control Tower is currently seeking an Operations Supervisor. This role is a vital link in the chain of command, ensuring that air traffic operations remain safe, efficient, and forward-thinking.

Job Responsibilities

As an Operations Supervisor, you will report directly to the Air Traffic Manager. Your day-to-day responsibilities include:

Personnel Management: Directing a team of Air Traffic Control Specialists, including developmental and certified professionals.
Operational Planning: Setting schedules, prioritizing work, and adjusting staffing levels to match real-time requirements.
Conflict Resolution: Handling employee grievances, mentoring staff, and fostering a professional workplace culture.
Training & Development: Identifying skill gaps and ensuring your team has the training necessary to excel.
Leadership: Representing the agency in labor-management partnerships and modeling professional standards.

Comparison: Standard ATC vs. Operations Supervisor

Feature	ATC Specialist	Operations Supervisor
Primary Focus	Managing aircraft separation	Managing staff and operations
Scope	Tactical aircraft control	Strategic team performance
Reporting	Reports to Supervisor	Reports to Air Traffic Manager
Skills Needed	ATC Technical skills	Leadership & HR management

Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must meet stringent federal criteria:

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Experience: You must have held an FAA 2152 FG-14+ position for at least 52 weeks, OR have been facility rated at an ATS facility for 52 weeks, OR have held a Management Support Specialist (MSS) position for at least 52 weeks.
Medical & Security: Selection is contingent on passing a medical exam, security clearance, and pre-employment drug screening.
Documentation: You must submit FAA Form 3330-43 by the closing date.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is highly competitive, reflecting the high-level responsibilities involved.

Annual Salary: $151,797 – $197,335

Benefits

Working for the FAA comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching government contributions.
Comprehensive health insurance (including dental and vision).
Structured career advancement pathways.
Early retirement eligibility under P.L. 92-297.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, remember that the FAA evaluates your application based on how well your history aligns with the specialized experience requirements. Be granular in your descriptions—include your series, grade, and hours per week. Most importantly, ensure you address the Managerial Workforce Planning (MWP) selection factors, as failing to address these will result in an automatic rejection.

Serving as an Operations Supervisor in Oakland offers a unique blend of leadership challenges and the opportunity to influence the safety and efficacy of the national airspace. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to guide the next generation of air traffic controllers, we encourage you to prepare your application materials and apply before the September 10, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor (At-2152-Hj) Job Matters

Take the next step in your aviation career by leading the front lines of safety and efficiency as an Operations Supervisor with the FAA in Oakland.

Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor (At-2152-Hj) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced, motivated professional to serve as an Operations Supervisor at the Oakland Air Traffic Control Tower. In this vital leadership role, you will oversee a team of Air Traffic Control Specialists, ensuring the highest standards of safety, operational efficiency, and professional development within the facility. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to a management position, this is your opportunity to shape the future of air traffic management.

Requirements for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor (At-2152-Hj)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must have held an FAA 2152 FG-14 or higher regional or headquarters position for at least 52 weeks.
OR, must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 52 weeks at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility.
OR, must have held an MSS position for at least 52 weeks in an ATS facility.
Must submit a completed FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience).
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and be subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
Must be able to pass a medical examination.
Must successfully complete security clearance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor (At-2152-Hj)

Proven track record of effective personnel management and conflict resolution.
Experience in training and professional development of developmental controllers.
Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency and work quality.
Strong communication skills and ability to foster a fair, equitable, and professional work environment.
Success in contributing to labor-management partnership processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Federal health, vision, and dental insurance programs
✓Comprehensive retirement planning including FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions
✓Early retirement eligibility under P.L. 92-297
✓Paid time off, including sick and annual leave
✓Structured professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor (At-2152-Hj) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor (At-2152-Hj) Job

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and contains all required employment history details (dates, hours, series, grade).
Complete the online application through the FAA portal.
Download and complete FAA Form 3330-43.
Upload your resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and FAA Form 3330-43.
Address the four Managerial Workforce Planning (MWP) selection factors in your application.
Submit your application by the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must clearly map to the qualification requirements listed in the announcement; missing dates or hours may lead to an ineligible rating.
If you are a current FAA employee, double-check that your SF-50 is current and includes all necessary blocks (15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24).
Take time to specifically explain your experience regarding the four Managerial Workforce Planning dimensions, as failing to do so will result in ineligibility.
Resubmit your application if you make any changes, otherwise, the system will only evaluate the previous version.

Frequently Asked Questions

What form is required to verify my air traffic experience?

You must submit FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience). Ensure you use this specific form rather than FAA Form 3330-43-1.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work, as it requires onsite supervision of air traffic control operations.

Can I substitute education for experience?

No, this position requires specific hands-on air traffic experience that cannot be replaced by academic credentials.

Is there a probationary period?

Yes, selectees may be required to serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Air Traffic Organization (ATO) is the operational arm of the FAA. Our mission goes beyond day-to-day traffic management; we are pioneering the future of aviation, from integrating autonomous vehicles to advancing solar-powered flight. With over 44,000 employees nationwide, the FAA provides a diverse and collaborative environment for professionals to thrive. By joining our team, you become part of an elite group dedicated to maintaining the gold standard of aviation safety.