Advance Your Career: Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist in Cedar Rapids
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced aviation professional to serve as an Operations Supervisor at the Cedar Rapids (CID) Air Traffic Control Tower. This position is a unique opportunity to provide leadership within the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), directly influencing the safety and efficiency of our national airspace. If you possess a background in air traffic control and a desire to transition into a high-impact supervisory role, this may be the perfect next step for your career.
Job Responsibilities
As an Operations Supervisor, you will:
- Supervise a team of Air Traffic Control Specialists and developmental staff.
- Manage and assign operational tasks, including scheduling and work priorities.
- Evaluate employee performance and provide coaching, counseling, and training.
- Resolve workplace grievances and complaints.
- Adjust staffing levels to meet operational demands and resource constraints.
- Recommend and track organizational goals to improve facility productivity.
Comparison: Staff vs. Supervisory Roles
| Feature | Controller Role | Operations Supervisor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Traffic Management | Team Leadership & Operations |
| Supervision | Individual contributor | Manages staff and shift schedules |
| Problem Solving | Tactical (Airspace) | Administrative & Operational |
Requirements
To be considered, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet one of the following specific experience benchmarks:
- 52 weeks in an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or higher position.
- 52 weeks of facility rating or area certification at an ATS facility.
- 52 weeks in an MSS position within an ATS facility.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $89,991 to $116,991 per year, commensurate with qualifications and agency pay scales.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health & Life Insurance: Extensive plan options.
- Retirement: FERS retirement system and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
- Professional Growth: Continuous training and development opportunities.
Application Tips
Submit a concise, two-page resume that directly maps your experience to the requirements. Ensure you upload the required FAA Form 3330-43 and your SF-50 (if applicable). When addressing leadership competencies, integrate your examples directly into your work history rather than using separate narratives.
Serving as an Operations Supervisor in Cedar Rapids is a career-defining opportunity. By leading teams through complex operational challenges, you contribute directly to the safety of the flying public. Apply today to bring your leadership skills to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Why This Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - Mss-2) Job Matters
Take command of the skies in Cedar Rapids: Join the Federal Aviation Administration as an Operations Supervisor and lead the professionals who keep our national airspace safe.
Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - Mss-2) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking experienced aviation leaders to fill the role of Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor) at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Air Traffic Control Tower. As an Operations Supervisor, you will provide critical leadership to a team of developmental and certified air traffic controllers, managing daily operations, setting performance goals, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency within the terminal facility.
Requirements for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - Mss-2)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 52 weeks.
- Facility rated or area certified for at least 52 weeks at an Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility.
- Held an MSS position for at least 52 weeks in an ATS facility.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in the random drug/alcohol testing program.
- Submission of FAA Form 3330-43 by the closing date.
- Submission of SF-50 (if currently an FAA employee) to verify tenure and position history.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - Mss-2)
- Demonstrated experience in staff supervision and team leadership.
- Strong proficiency in scheduling, leave management, and conflict resolution.
- Proven track record of improving operational quality and production efficiency.
- Experience in identifying and facilitating employee training and development needs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health insurance programs
- βLife insurance coverage
- βRetirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- βThrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- βPaid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- βAccess to career development and internal promotion opportunities
π‘ How to Apply Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - Mss-2) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor - Mss-2) Job
- Review the specific eligibility requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile, ensuring your resume is limited to two pages.
- Download and complete FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience).
- Prepare your SF-50 if you are currently employed by the FAA.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation through the online portal before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the specialized experience requirements.
- Be specific with dates, hours worked per week, and job titles in your work history.
- Do not provide narrative responses to Managerial Selection Factors; instead, embed examples of these abilities directly into your work history.
- Double-check your application after submitting; if you make edits, you must resubmit the entire package.
- Verify that your uploaded SF-50 includes all required blocks as specified in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specialized experience requirement?
You must have at least one year of experience in a high-level FAA position, be facility/area rated at an ATS facility for a year, or have held an MSS position for at least one year.
Is a resume page limit enforced?
Yes, resumes are strictly limited to two pages. Ensure your content is concise and directly relevant to the qualification requirements.
Can I submit a hard copy application?
No, the FAA only accepts applications submitted through the online USAJOBS portal.
How do I verify my status?
Use the USAJOBS Help Guide to check your application status and ensure all documents were received.
Is there a drug testing requirement?
Yes, this is a testing-designated position, and you must pass a pre-employment screening and be available for random testing.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is tasked with providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. With a workforce exceeding 44,000, the agency is at the forefront of aviation technology, from autonomous systems to solar-powered aircraft. Joining the FAA means becoming part of an organization where human expertise is the greatest asset in managing complex logistical and safety challenges.
