Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead )
Department of Transportation
Summary
Incumbent serves as a Air Traffic Assistant (Lead)/Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL) at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC).
Duties
- As the Flight Data Communications Team Lead, performs multiple and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager and is responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Applies experience and advanced knowledge to plan and accomplish multiple, varying Flight Data assignments.
- Assignments include the following: Relays Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) departure clearances.
- Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans.
- Assists customers in amending flight plan data, correcting flight plan formatting and route errors.
- Develops and maintains bulk storage flight plans as required.
- Prepares, transmits, and coordinates alert notices and administrative messages.
- Recovers and manually processes and disseminates flight plan data and weather data during outages.
- Receives, updates, and analyzes critical weather information and immediately notifies operational personnel.
- Collects and disseminates flow control restrictions, notices to airmen (NOTAMS), and other data related to flight safety.
- Prepares and transmits NOTAMS, information requests (INREQS), alert notices (ALNOTS), AIRMETS, Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPS), Center Weather Advisories (CWAs), defense communication messages and traffic management messages.
- Updates local automated information systems using voice recordings and manual data inputs.
- Trains developmental staff as required.
- Demonstrates considerable independence in planning time and coordinating only as needed with their manager.
- Often assists managers and other employees plan and identify resources to accomplish assignments, projects, and other work activities.
- May approve leave on a limited basis in accordance with instruction/guidance from management.
- Provides information to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, employee performance, and personnel needs and reports to supervisor on performance, progress and training needs of employees, and on behavior problems.
- May serve as the Alternate COMSEC Responsible Officer (ACRO), Classified Information Security Manager (ACISM), and/or Classified Information Account Custodian (ACIAC).
- Contacts are both internal and external.
- Internal contacts are with managers and other employees to share information, coordinate efforts, discuss the statuses of assignments, and identify resources needed to complete assignments.
- External contacts include members of the aviation community, including pilots, air traffic controllers, flight service specialists, dispatchers, and weather unit personnel to relay flight information.
- Existing policies and procedures provide guidance for most assignments, but allow considerable discretion for employee to select the most appropriate approach, or to recommend a new approach.
- As the team lead, resolves most problems and work issues without assistance.
- Informs manager and other employees of problems/issues that require their attention and helps them develop and recommend solutions.
- Provides guidance to lower level employees for handling routine problems and issues.
- Work is reviewed periodically, normally through status reports and at completion, to ensure policy compliance and alignment with the requirements of projects and/or work activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.
Required Documents
Prepare the documents below before applying. Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position:
- How to Apply: To be considered for this position, you must complete and submit the on-line application by the closing date of the announcement.
- Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications cannot be accepted.
- Please follow all instructions carefully.
- Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility or consideration for employment.
- If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement.
- You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application.
- If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.
- If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.
About this role
The Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead ) position with the Department of Transportation is based in Miami, Florida. Incumbent serves as a Air Traffic Assistant (Lead)/Flight Data Communications Team Lead (FDTL) at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The role pays $66,733 to $103,446 per year.
Day to day, the work involves assisting customers in amending flight plan data, correcting flight plan formatting and route errors. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what federal aviation experience this Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead ) position requires. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Air Traffic Assistant (Flight Data Communications Team Lead ) position with the Department of Transportation in Miami, Florida, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
The posted pay of $66,733 to $103,446 per year places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. Because it is a supervisory or senior position, expect experienced candidates and a strong emphasis on a documented leadership and performance record. Based in Miami, Florida, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on July 13, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.
