Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead)

Federal Aviation Administration

USD 70,047 - 108,582 / yearAurora, Illinois

Federal Aviation Administration

Aurora, Illinois

Employment type not specified

Valid through 8/27/2026

Job description

Serves as an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Team Lead at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and is responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).

Performs multiple and varying specialized flight data assignments and provides support to complex air traffic control facilities under limited direction of a manager. Serves as the point of contact in the absence of the Supervisor of the Flight Data Communications Specialists unit. Relays instrument flight rules (IFR) departure clearances including clearance and control information for satellite, uncontrolled airports and temporary military/civilian airports and special events operations. Relays cancellation of flight plans for satellite and uncontrolled airports to approach controls and ARTCCs. Supports large scale military exercises and military alert responsibilities by entering flight plans, notification procedures, and airspace configuration commands into the NAS. Responsible for the coordination and approval of airspace requests from military units. Tracks all requests and approvals and disseminates data to the appropriate air traffic sectors. Provides flight data processing and communications service for the NAS. Operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans for ARTCC, terminal facilities, flight service stations, general aviation, and air carrier operations. At the request of Air Traffic Operations Manager in Charge, assists with search and rescue efforts including pilot contact information, Information Requests (INREQs), and Alerts Notices (ALNOTs). Provides manual flight plan processing and coordination during Canadian Automated Air Traffic System (CAATS)/ERAM equipment failures. Amends proposed flight plans when requested. Monitors ERAM for duplicate flight plans and takes appropriate action. Responsible for ensuring the information in Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) is current. Utilizes Traffic Situation Display (TSD)/Departure List Program to aid in processing departure information. Receives, acknowledges, and/or transmits ICAO alert messages which includes Uncertainty phase (INCERFA), Alert phase (ALERFA) and Distress message (DISTRESFA). Assigns a Departure Transition Area (DTA) to a flight plan when advised. Services as the focal point for weather dissemination and distributes the data to operations and NAS users. Monitors and updates Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and Surface Weather Observation Stations (AWOS) information in ERAM and AIS-R. Formats and inputs Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRS) into the NOTAM Entry System (NES) as required. Receives, reviews, disseminates and logs newly issued and canceled FDC NOTAMs for interim IFR flight procedures and Temporary Flight Restrictions in accordance with FAA and local orders. Receives, reviews, and disseminates D NOTAMs to underlying or adjacent facilities which may include runway closure, field condition reports and airspace/obstruction NOTAM information. Trains developmental FDCS in the performance of flight data and data communications system functional responsibilities. Serves as a point of contact for ARTCC national security messages, and designated as Alternate COMSEC Responsible Officer (ACRO), and/or Alternate Classified Information Security Manager (ACISM). Serves as the Training Coordinator (TA) for the Flight Data Unit, recommends certification or additional training when necessary. Reinforces and communicates policies relating to Standards of Conduct and local procedures. Keeps Flight Data Specialists up-to-date on current and future assignments that will affect the FD unit. Assists managers and other employees to plan and identify resources to accomplish assignments, projects, and other tasks. May approve limited leave and assist with schedule development with guidance from management. Provides information to supervisor concerning personnel needs and training progress of employees. Performs other related duties as assigned.