Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) are tied to maintaining safe and efficient operating capacity of the vast and complex network of electronics systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system. ATSS personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certify facilities, services and equipment that support the National Airspace System (NAS).

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the I pay band, you must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that is appropriate to the position. Experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics system. Specialized experience is defined as experience in the FV-2101 occupation or in a related occupation, which equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Generally, experience at the next lower level pay band H/Career Level III or FG/GS-12.

Demonstrated Abilities: Applicants MUST provide narrative responses for each Demonstrated Ability listed within this announcement. Narrative responses should be clear and concise, providing a description of your education, training, and experience that would describe the degree to which you possess each Demonstrated Ability. Narrative responses are MANDATORY for each Demonstrated Ability and applicants must show possession of each.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Do not assume that because you hold, or have held this position, you will automatically be found eligible. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you possess this type of experience at a later stage in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Failure to submit narrative responses for each "Demonstrated Ability" will prevent further consideration.

Supervisor's Endorsement: A Supervisor's Endorsement form or memorandum is required for a competitive promotion. Applicants applying for a promotion must include a supervisor's endorsement or memorandum which must include the vacancy announcement number and supervisor's or acting supervisor's signature.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective placement factor (SPF) for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess the SPF are rated ineligible/not qualified and will not receive further consideration for this position. 

Must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation associated with one or more of the following:   

• Voice Switching and Communication System (VSCS)
• VSCS Training and Backup System (VTABS)
• Advanced Expertise on VSCS and VTAB systems operation, database maintenance, Air Traffic integration, and configuration management. 

A supervisor's endorsement is not required for reassignments (same as ingrades) or downgrades.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Responsibilities:

They are also responsible for various duties that contribute to providing reliable and safe FAA services to the flying public.

Serves as an ATSS (Systems Specialist) at a Communications SSC. Incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS. Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Has broad communication systems and networking responsibilities providing complete services to air traffic customers within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographic area. May need to complete multiple projects under short deadlines utilizing internal and external resources as needed.

The work performed at this level requires technical expertise on complex systems and/or emerging technology, systems interrelationships and management of the NAS. Provides the highest organizational level of technical support associated with analyzing, designing, developing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, modifying, or evaluating the most complex systems for which the FAA is responsible.

As a principal technical specialist or technical expert within the organization for the assigned system or specialty area, resolves unique technical problems with minimal managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Recognized for a high level of technical expertise on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to deal with unanticipated situations and organizational needs. This work includes responsibility for evaluating diagnostic data from multiple systems that are integrated to support a network of services or service products. Evaluation of this data is used for correcting deficiencies on Contractor Acceptance Inspection/Joint Acceptance Inspection, and timely resolution of equipment, systems or services with the NAS.

As the technical expert, responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced services or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to protect the integrity of all components and systems to provide NAS service delivery.

Can be called upon to assist with repair and/or restore service or systems, providing guidance on the availability of back-up systems, recommending reconfiguration to minimize service interruptions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. May have the responsibility to upward report the status of critical events. Established policies and procedures furnish guidance for most assignments, but considerable discretion is allowed to select the most appropriate approach or to develop new solutions. Focuses on the overall NAS systems performance and causes of system degradation.

Collaborates with system users, planner, engineers, and contractor personnel for the acceptance of new or modified systems and provide assistance for resolving problems with the installation or improvements. Contacts are both internal and external to the FAA. Represents the organization as the primary technical point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities to coordinate and implement plans or to obtain information and resolve problems. Contacts are to provide technical guidance and direction for multiple systems, advice for interpretations of orders, certification examiner, or serves as the Contractor's Office Technical Representative (COTR).

Understands and utilizes proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal safety practices when engaged in all restoration and maintenance activities helping to set the example of safe work practices for others in the organization.

Other duties as assigned.

Salary : $102,552