Executive Leadership Opportunities in Civil Aviation: Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stands as the cornerstone of American aviation safety and efficiency. As global flight volumes expand and innovative technologies redefine our skies, expert leadership within tactical air traffic management becomes paramount. The FAA is seeking an experienced aviation professional to serve as a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) located at the prestigious Atlanta TRACON (A80) in Peachtree City, Georgia.

This crucial executive operational role oversees the continuous safety, strategic coordination, and operational integrity of one of the busiest Terminal Radar Approach Control environments in the world. With an attractive salary range of $188,515 to $228,000 per year, this opening presents a top-tier career milestone for experienced federal air traffic specialists and managers aiming to elevate their executive footprint within the Department of Transportation.

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About the Agency: The Federal Aviation Administration

Operating under the Department of Transportation, the FAA is tasked with creating the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the global aviation landscape. Incorporating over 44,000 dedicated professionals across hundreds of specialized occupations, the agency manages millions of flights each year.

The Southern Region, Air Traffic Organization (ATO), Eastern Service Area South oversees critical airspace infrastructure across the southeastern United States. The Atlanta TRACON (A80) facility, situated in picturesque Peachtree City, GA, manages complex approach and departure traffic surrounding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—consistently ranked among the busiest airports globally—as well as multiple regional feeder facilities. Leading operations at A80 means operating at the absolute pinnacle of air traffic control leadership.

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Detailed Job Responsibilities

As an Operations Manager, you will serve on the facility senior leadership team reporting directly to the Air Traffic Manager or Assistant Air Traffic Manager. You will exercise broad supervisory authority over a highly specialized operational workforce and essential facility support programs.

Primary Core Duties:

• Operational Command & Safety Management: Direct air traffic operations and tactical decision-making to maintain safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of civil and military aircraft within designated approach control sectors.
• Workforce Supervision & Development: Assign priorities, evaluate employee performance, establish equitable ratings, approve leave, resolve complex grievances, handle labor union interactions, and direct technical developmental training.
• Program & Support Management: Oversee strategic facility support functional areas, which may include quality assurance, training systems, airspace and procedures, flight programs, traffic management, and emergency response planning.
• Continuous Improvement: Systematically evaluate organizational metrics to refine work procedures, streamline sector operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and align facility outputs with overarching FAA strategic objectives.
• Labor & Equal Opportunity Leadership: Active leadership in labor-management partnerships, maintaining fair labor practices, championing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

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Qualification Requirements & Eligibility Pathways

To qualify for this high-level supervisory role, applicants must demonstrate substantial specialized experience at or equivalent to senior-level air traffic control bands. Eligibility must be proven through one of three primary pathways achieved for at least 52 consecutive weeks.

Specialized Qualification Matrix

Qualification Pathway	Requirement Detail	Duration Requirement
Pathway 1: Regional/HQ Experience	Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J / FG-14 or higher position at a regional or headquarters office.	Minimum 1 Year (52 Weeks)
Pathway 2: Facility Certification	Must have been facility rated or area certified at an active Air Traffic Service (ATS) facility.	Minimum 1 Year (52 Weeks)
Pathway 3: Staff/Management Support	Must have held a Management Services Series (MSS) position in an ATS facility, including MSS-2 or above.	Minimum 1 Year (52 Weeks)

Note: All specialized qualifications must be fully satisfied prior to the official closing date of the vacancy announcement.

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Salary Overview & Financial Structure

This position carries a compensation package within the AT Pay Band (LK Grade Equivalent), reflecting high responsibility and technical expertise:

• Annual Minimum: $188,515
• Annual Maximum: $228,000
• Pay Interval: Per Annum (PA)

Selected candidates currently serving in federal civilian roles may be eligible for pay retention rules in accordance with agency policy. Position placement is structured initially as a temporary appointment not to exceed 1 year, which holds potential for extension, termination, or conversion to a permanent role without further competitive bidding.

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Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Working for the Federal Aviation Administration includes access to elite federal employee perks and comprehensive protection benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical plans through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, with high employer contributions, along with dental and vision options.
• Retirement & Wealth Building: Dual-tiered retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with dollar-for-dollar agency matching up to 5%.
• Paid Time Off: Generous leave accrual including accrued annual leave, sick leave, and 11 recognized federal holidays each year.
• Life & Disability Protection: Access to Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and Long-Term Care Insurance coverage.

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Pro Application Tips & Critical Compliance Rules

Applying for high-level FAA positions requires meticulous attention to administrative rules. Failing to strictly follow document formatting instructions will lead to automatic application disqualification.

Essential Checklist for Applicants:

1. Two-Page Resume Limitation: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. Resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically rejected during HR review. Summarize work histories cleanly and precisely.
2. Mandatory FAA Form 3330-43: Applicants must complete and upload Page 1 of FAA Form 3330-43 (Rating of Air Traffic Experience). Ensure all start and end dates, positions, series, and facility ratings are filled accurately.
   • Warning: Do NOT submit Form 3330-43-1. Only Form 3330-43 is accepted.
3. SF-50 Requirement for FAA Staff: Current or former FAA personnel must provide a copy of their Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) clearly showing Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24.
4. No Emailed Documents: Submissions via email are strictly rejected. Upload all documents through USAJobs or send via fax to 404-305-5401 before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where is the physical workplace located?

This position is located at the Atlanta TRACON facility in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Q2: Is telework or remote work permitted for this role?

No. Due to the real-time operational demands of overseeing active terminal air traffic control, this position is strictly non-teleworkable.

Q3: How are managerial competencies evaluated if narrative KSA essays are omitted?

In compliance with hiring reform, narrative KSA text boxes are not used. Instead, applicants must clearly detail specific examples of leadership achievements and management accomplishments directly within their 2-page resume entries.

Q4: Is security clearance or financial disclosure required?

Selection is contingent upon satisfying security requirements. The selectee may also be required to submit a public financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entering on duty, adhering to FAA financial conflict-of-interest policies.

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Serving as a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Manager) at Atlanta TRACON represents a high-water mark in federal air traffic leadership. If you possess the required specialized operational experience, demonstrated management performance, and a dedication to national airspace safety, apply before the closing deadline to advance your federal career.