Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Operations Supervisor)

United States Department of Transportation - Poughkeepsie, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Poughkeepsie, NY

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Operations Supervisor serves as a critical leader within a Level 4 terminal facility, overseeing a team of air traffic control specialists responsible for managing air traffic control assignments in a designated geographic area. This role involves planning and directing operations, ensuring that all activities align with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) standards and regulations. The Operations Supervisor is tasked with providing first-line supervision to both developmental and certified professional controllers, which includes planning and assigning work, setting priorities, and scheduling tasks to optimize operational efficiency. In this supervisory capacity, the Operations Supervisor is responsible for approving leave requests, offering guidance and instruction on both work-related and administrative matters, and evaluating employee performance. This includes recommending performance ratings and addressing employee complaints, with the authority to escalate unresolved issues to higher management levels. The supervisor also plays a key role in identifying training needs for staff, facilitating their professional development, and implementing strategies to enhance productivity and work quality. The Operations Supervisor is expected to adjust staffing levels and work procedures based on resource decisions made at higher levels of management. They will also recommend goals and objectives for their area of responsibility and track the team's accomplishments against these targets. A strong commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies is essential, as the supervisor must communicate and reinforce these principles in all aspects of their responsibilities, including selection, training, and transfers. Additionally, the Operations Supervisor supports labor management partnerships and fosters a fair and equitable work environment for all employees.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of air traffic control specialists in a Level 4 terminal facility.
• Plan and direct operations within delegated areas of responsibility.
• Provide first-line supervision to developmental and certified professional controllers.
• Plan and assign work to subordinate employees, setting work priorities and schedules.
• Approve leave requests and provide advice, counsel, and instruction to employees.
• Evaluate employee performance and recommend performance ratings.
• Address and resolve employee complaints, escalating unresolved issues to higher management.
• Identify and arrange for developmental and training needs of employees.
• Implement strategies to improve production and work quality.
• Adjust staffing levels and work procedures based on higher-level resource decisions.
• Recommend goals and objectives for the area and track accomplishments.
• Communicate and reinforce diversity and EEO policies in all areas of responsibility.
• Support and participate in the labor management partnership process.

Requirements

• Must have held an FAA 2152 FV-J/FG-14 or above regional or headquarters position for at least 1 year (52 weeks).
• Must have been facility rated or area certified for at least 1 year (52 weeks) at an ATS facility.
• Must have held a MSS position for at least 1 year (52 weeks) in an ATS facility.
• Candidates must provide narrative responses addressing their experience in Managerial Selection Factors 1 through 4.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a Level 4 terminal facility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Career Enhancement Assignment/Career Progression opportunities.
• Potential for pay retention.
• Early retirement eligibility under P.L. 92-297.
• Medical clearance requirements for the position.