Advance Your Aviation Career: Air Traffic Control Support Specialist at the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is synonymous with safety, precision, and innovation. As the aviation industry evolves to include autonomous vehicles and high-speed solar-powered aircraft, the demand for seasoned professionals to manage the National Airspace System is higher than ever. If you are an experienced air traffic control professional looking to move into a strategic support role, the Houston ARTCC (ZHU) is currently seeking a Staff Support Specialist (MSS-I) to help lead facility operations.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Support Specialist, you will act as a bridge between frontline operations and facility administration. Your day-to-day will involve:
- Managing critical program areas including training, quality control, and safety management systems.
- Analyzing airspace and operational procedures to recommend improvements.
- Collaborating with other specialists across different facilities to share best practices.
- Developing authoritative reports on equipment effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Requirements
Candidates must possess extensive, specialized experience within the FAA.
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Professional Tenure | 1+ year (52 weeks) in 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above |
| Certification | 1+ year (52 weeks) facility rated or area certified |
| Security | Secret level clearance required |
| Documentation | FAA Form 3330-43-1 required |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range reflecting the technical nature of the role, between $169,083 and $228,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and locality pay.
Benefits
Employees of the FAA receive a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement planning, and significant opportunities for professional growth within the federal government.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use this space to align your experience directly with the specialized requirements listed in the announcement.
- Documentation is Key: Do not forget the FAA Form 3330-43-1. Without this signed document, your application will not be considered.
- SF-50: If you are an internal FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 is attached and contains all required data points.
Serving as a Staff Support Specialist at the Houston ARTCC is more than just a job; it is a chance to define how the next generation of air traffic will be managed. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a new challenge, submit your application before the closing date to be considered for this vital role.
Why This Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Specialist) Job Matters
Shape the future of the skies: Become a key leader at the Houston ARTCC as an Air Traffic Control Support Specialist.
Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Specialist) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Staff Support Specialist (MSS-I) at the Houston Enroute facility. This high-impact role is perfect for those with a deep background in air traffic control looking to pivot into strategic and administrative program management. You will serve as a cornerstone of the facility, driving operational excellence through the oversight of training programs, quality assurance, airspace management, and safety protocols. Join a team dedicated to maintaining the most efficient and safe national airspace system in the world.
Requirements for Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Specialist)
- Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
- Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or higher position for at least one year (52 weeks).
- Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least one year (52 weeks) at an ATS facility.
- Alternatively, must have held an MSS position for at least one year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.
- Must submit FAA Form 3330-43-1, Rating of Air Traffic Experience for AT Movement.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Specialist)
- Prior experience with operational automation and technical equipment management.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to tailor technical messages to diverse audiences.
- Experience in cross-facility collaboration and program-level reporting.
- Proven track record in analyzing and evaluating complex operational procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
- ✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities within the FAA.
- ✓Dynamic, mission-critical work environment.
💡 How to Apply Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Air Traffic Control Specialist (Support Specialist) Job
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly outlines your specific job titles, duties, and hours worked.
- Complete the online application via the FAA portal by the closing date.
- Fill out and sign FAA Form 3330-43-1, Rating of Air Traffic Experience for AT Movement.
- Upload or fax the completed FAA Form 3330-43-1 by the announcement deadline.
- FAA employees must upload or fax a copy of their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify tenure and series.
💡 General Tips
- Double-check your resume for readability and completeness; missing hours or dates can lead to an ineligible finding.
- The 2-page limit is strict—ensure every word adds value regarding your specialized experience.
- If you submit changes to your application, you must resubmit the entire package to ensure the new version is evaluated.
- Monitor the status of your application through the official FAA/USAJOBS portal regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this position is not listed as eligible for telework.
What happens if I miss the deadline for submitting the FAA Form 3330-43-1?
The form is a mandatory requirement. Failure to submit a signed and complete form by the closing date will result in a loss of consideration.
Is this a drug-tested position?
Yes, this role is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and is subject to both pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA, an agency of the Department of Transportation, oversees more than 44,000 employees nationwide. From aviation safety inspectors to complex engineering roles, the agency provides the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. Joining the FAA means contributing to a massive, global mission that impacts how people and goods move across the planet.