Become an Air Traffic Assistant: Lead the Future of Aviation with the FAA

Are you looking for a career that places you at the heart of the National Airspace System (NAS)? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a dedicated professional for the position of Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead) in Oberlin, Ohio. This role is essential to maintaining the safety and efficiency of flight operations across the region. If you possess a background in aviation, air traffic control, or flight data management, this is your chance to join a mission-driven organization.

Job Responsibilities

As a Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL), you will perform a variety of specialized assignments. Your core duties include:

Coordinating flight plans for general aviation, air carriers, and military exercises.
Monitoring NAS systems, including ERAM, to ensure data accuracy.
Relaying instrument flight rules (IFR) clearances.
Assisting with search and rescue operations by providing critical data.
Updating flight lists to support Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC).
Acting as a team lead in the absence of the unit supervisor.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate a clear history of specialized aviation experience. You must be a U.S. citizen and demonstrate one year of experience at the next lower pay band (FV-F or GS-7/8 level). Examples of qualifying experience include working as a military or civilian controller, flight instructor, instrument-rated pilot, or a dispatcher for an air carrier. All work history must be specific and address the requirements listed in the announcement.

Salary and Comparison Table

The salary range for this position is $65,427 to $101,422 per year. Below is a comparison of typical roles in the aviation data field:

Position Title	Focus Area	Experience Level
Air Traffic Assistant (FDTL)	Data Communications	Intermediate/Lead
Flight Dispatcher	Airline Ops	Entry/Mid
Air Traffic Controller	Real-time Traffic	Advanced

Benefits

Working for the FAA comes with the robust benefits of federal employment, including comprehensive health coverage, a competitive pension system through FERS, paid federal holidays, and generous annual/sick leave accrual.

Application Tips

Keep your resume under two pages.
Be extremely specific regarding your daily responsibilities and technical proficiencies.
Verify that your application includes all required information such as start/end dates and hours per week.

The role of a Flight Data Communications Team Lead is a cornerstone of safe air travel. If you have the experience and the passion for aviation, apply to the FAA today and contribute to a world-class team.

Why This Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (Fdtl)) Job Matters

Ready to lead at the forefront of the National Airspace System? Join the Federal Aviation Administration as a Flight Data Communications Team Lead in Oberlin, Ohio.

Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (Fdtl)) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Air Traffic Assistant to serve as a Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL). In this critical role, you will provide vital flight data processing and communication services, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Based in the Cleveland ARTCC, this position involves overseeing flight data operations, coordinating with military units, and supporting complex air traffic control facilities. If you have a background in air traffic operations or flight data management, this is your opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most advanced aerospace networks.

Requirements for Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (Fdtl))

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Minimum of one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-F or GS-7/8 level.
Proven knowledge and skill in FAA Air Traffic Control procedures.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to undergo and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Must comply with FAA financial disclosure requirements.
Must reside in or be willing to commute to Oberlin, Ohio.

Preferred Qualifications for Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (Fdtl))

Experience as a military or civilian air traffic controller.
Background as a flight instructor, instrument-rated pilot, or flight engineer.
Experience as an FAA-certified dispatcher for an air carrier.
Technical proficiency with NAS computer systems like ERAM, FDIO, or DASI.
Experience with flight plan processing, flow control restrictions, and Severe Weather Avoidance Plans (SWAP).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Access to a variety of workplace wellness programs.

💡 How to Apply Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (Fdtl)) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead (Fdtl)) Job

Review the full job announcement carefully on the official FAA career portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Include specific work history details, such as job titles, series/grades, and hours worked per week.
Ensure all specialized experience is clearly documented with concrete examples.
Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date of November 5, 2026.
Complete any required online assessments as prompted during the submission process.

💡 General Tips

Focus on clarity: Since narratives are not required, use your work history section to describe exactly how you meet each qualification.
Check your resume length: The FAA strictly enforces a two-page limit for this position.
Document everything: Include dates, employer names, and specific computer systems used to prove your experience level.
Submit early: Don't wait until the final hours to account for potential technical issues.
Re-submit if changed: Any edits made to your application after submission require a full resubmission to be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Secret-level security clearance and is subject to background investigation.

Can I submit my resume by email?

No, the FAA requires all applications to be submitted through the official online portal. Mailed, faxed, or emailed applications will not be accepted.

What is the specialized experience requirement?

You must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the FV-F or GS-7/8 grade level in aviation operations, flight dispatch, or air traffic control.

How do I check my status?

You can monitor your application status directly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, this position does not offer relocation incentives.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of American aviation. With a workforce of over 44,000, the agency is tasked with the monumental responsibility of managing the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. From implementing new technologies to managing air traffic in real-time, the FAA is constantly evolving to support the next generation of flight, including environmentally friendly aircraft and autonomous vehicles.