PUBAK

[HonuPineapple]

A thread for the people applying to PUBAK to keep in touch.

Department: Department Of Transportation
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Job Announcement Number:
AAC-AMH-08-PUBAK-10382


Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee
Salary Range: 17,046.00 - 81,220.00 USD per year
Open Period: Monday, July 21, 2008
to Monday, August 04, 2008
Series & Grade: FG-2152-1/1
Position Information: Full Time Temporary NTE - 13 months
Duty Locations: Many vacancies - Throughout Alaska
Who May Be Considered:
All Sources
Job Summary:
DESTINATIONFAA - Land the Perfect Job
About the FAA Employment Information
Business Component: Air Traffic Organization.
Sample of Duties: This announcement includes vacancies for both the Terminal & En Route (center) Air Traffic Control (ATC) options. The Terminal option controls air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and tak...
(see Duties tab for more duties)
Key Requirements:
U.S. Citizen
A one-year probationary period may be required.
No moving expenses (PCS) will be paid.


Major Duties:
This announcement includes vacancies for both the Terminal & En Route (center) Air Traffic Control (ATC) options. The Terminal option controls air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice based on their own observations, information from the National Weather Service, Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), flight service stations, pilots, & other sources. Terminal Air Traffic Controllers transfer control of aircraft to the En Route Center controller when the aircraft leaves their airspace, and they receive control of aircraft coming into their airspace. Air Traffic Controllers in the En Route (Center) option give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances and advice regarding flight conditions while en route between airports. They provide separation between aircraft flying along the Federal airways or operating into or out of airports. As a new Air Traffic Control Specialist, you will spend your first several weeks of employment in an intensive training program at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. While attending academy training you will be on a temporary appointment. Upon successful completion of the Academy initial training program and other employment requirements, you will continue your training at your assigned facility on a permanent appointment with a salary of $41,044. As a new controller you will receive pay increases as you successfully complete the progressive phases of controller training at your assigned facility with a potential to earn over $47,988-81,220 annually. Upon successfully completing training & passing all required evaluations you may be given a permanent appointment at an air traffic control facility in Alaska. POSITIONS ARE LOCATED in Alaska.

Qualifications:
The maximum entry age for these positions is 30 years of age i.e., you must be hired prior to reaching your 31st birthday. Prior experience or training in air traffic control is not required. Applicants will be evaluated based on their responses to the online application. You may qualify for this position on the basis of work experience, college education, or a combination of both. TO QUALIFY BASED ON WORK EXPERIENCE, INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS MUST DOCUMENT THREE YEARS OF PROGRESSIVELY RESPONSIBLE FULL-TIME (40 HOURS PER WEEK) EXPERIENCE THAT DEMONSTRATES THE POTENTIAL FOR LEARNING. Progressively responsible experience might include for example: an increase in leadership duties, working with less supervision, or an increase in financial responsibility. You are encouraged to include any experience that is directly related to the air traffic control occupation. TO QUALIFY BASED UPON EDUCATION, APPLICANTS MUST DOCUMENT A FULL 4-YEAR COURSE OF STUDY LEADING TO A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. You may also qualify by combining your work experience and college credits; one year of undergraduate study (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) is equivalent to 9 months of general work experience. Successful candidates must be able to speak English clearly enough to be understood over radios, intercoms, and similar communications equipment.
U.S. Citizen
A one-year probationary period may be required.
No moving expenses (PCS) will be paid.
Requirement for pre-employment medical clearance: Applicants selected for ATCS positions must pass a medical examination that includes psychological screening prior to appointment. Applicants with prior military service are encouraged to obtain a sealed copy of their military medical records prior to discharge and to retain these records to be provided upon request if selected.
Requirement for security clearance: This position requires an Access National Agency Check and Inquiry with Credit (ANACI) or higher, based on the facility, prior to appointment unless a waiver is obtained.
Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program: This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying covered positions will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
Training Requirements: Developmentals will enter the appropriate phase of field training as determined by the assigned facility to prepare for advancement to the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) level. They must learn the skills needed for operation at higher levels of responsibility. Failure to meet training requirements for or accept promotion to higher grade ATCS positions may constitute grounds for reassignment, demotion or separation from employment.
Certificate and Rating Requirements: ATCS's must possess or obtain a valid ATCS Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate (CTO) if appropriate. They must also obtain the facility ratings required for full performance at assigned facilities within uniformly applicable time limits.
Interview: Candidates for ATCS positions may be subject to pre-appointment interviews to determine whether they possess the personal characteristics necessary to perform air traffic control work.
Requirement for nonstandard duty hours or work week: Incumbent may be required to work irregular duty hours or a nonstandard work week or tour of duty.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education and training relevant to the duties of the positions. An automated score is administered based on the on-line application process used. All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated.

Benefits:
Optional health and life insurance.
Competitive salaries.
Generous retirement programs.
Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation time.
Other Information:
Updates on your status can be acquired through the online application system.
Upon completion of academy training and arrival at a facility located in Alaska a cost of living allowance (COLA) will be authorized. The COLA rate is currently 24-25%. COLA is currently tax free for Federal income tax purposes.
Entrance exam: Applicants must achieve a qualifying score on the authorized FAA pre-employment test. Not all applicants will be selected for testing. Travel to & from testing locations will be at expense of applicant. Testing will be conducted in:
Alaska
Training Requirements:
Individuals selected & hired will be placed on temporary appointments & must pass a rigorous training program in air traffic control conducted by FAA to continue employment. New hires spend several weeks at FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK receiving initial training. Those successful & meet all other requirements will be given permanent appointments & continue training at their air traffic facility. Academy students receive basic air traffic control training at the FAA Academy, which includes:
a. Complete occupational indoctrination including highlights of Federal employment, familiarization with organizational structure & functions, aircraft, air traffic control system, & aviation industry.
b. Classroom instruction & workshop exercises relating to air traffic control system.
c. Skills training related to the work of air traffic control specialists in air route traffic control centers.
Newly hired ATCS's will be paid long term expense rate (per diem) for Oklahoma City, OK to help offset daily cost of living while attending FAA Academy. FAA will pay for cost of travel in accordance with applicable agency policy.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA, Citizenship, Financial Disclosure

How To Apply:
You must apply online to receive consideration for this vacancy. Your application must have a status of "Submitted" before 12:00 AM (midnight) CST on the Close Date for it to be accepted.
After the announcement close date, be sure to log into ASAP to check your status to take the AT-SAT test as well as your test score and continue to check for referral list updates.
Required Documents:
None.
Contact Information:
Aviation Careers Division
Phone: 405-954-4657
Email: 9-amc-amh-300@faa.gov
Or write:
Aviation Careers Division
P.O. Box 25082
AMH-300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125
US

What To Expect Next:
Candidates for FAA positions are evaluated using our Automated Staffing and Application Process (ASAP) system. ASAP compares your skills and experience as described in your applicant questionnaire with the requirements of the position. If you are found to be an eligible highly qualified candidate, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. (In some cases, individuals with priority for special consideration must be considered and selected before other candidates.) Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the selecting official.
You can check the status of your application by accessing ASAP and selecting the "Applications" tab. Simply click on the "Submitted" link in the Status column to see whether a list has been sent to the selecting official and if you were included on the list. You can return to your questionnaire at any time to review your answers, and until the announcement closes you can even change your application.
Important - If you make any change to your application, you must resubmit it. If you change your questionnaire and do not resubmit it, you will not be considered for the position.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.



Send Mail to:
Aviation Careers Division
P.O. Box 25082
AMH-300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125
US
For questions about this job:
Aviation Careers Division
Phone: 405-954-4657
Email: 9-amc-amh-300@faa.gov

Control Number: 1285695

[pm577]

Wow, Alaska only. They must be desperate there.

[GnW]

Screw that. 100% dark half the year or 300% increase in cost of living for HI. NO THANKS

[HonuPineapple]

Originally Posted by GnW

Screw that. 100% dark half the year. NO THANKS

Not in all parts of AK. I'd move to AK if that were the only way I could get an ATC job, provided I could move at some point down the road. I have a friend who moved up there for the past two years and he says it's fine. I know a few other folks who grew up there and then moved down here, and they all liked it also.

[Freezer41]

Fairbanks doesn't even have a day of 100% dark and that is the northernmost FAA facility in AK Sunrise 11AM, Sunset 2:40PM is the shortest day.

[GnW]

Originally Posted by Freezer41

Fairbanks doesn't even have a day of 100% dark and that is the northernmost FAA facility in AK Sunrise 11AM, Sunset 2:40PM is the shortest day.

skimming the horizon is still too dark for me

[HonuPineapple]

I think I could deal with the dark days better than nearly constant daylight, actually.

[GirlsFly2]

My husband spent a lot of time in Anchorage as an airforce child, and then in the airforce himself, and he loved it there. He is always talking about it fondly, and wants to take me to visit sometime.

[CAFFEINE]

Why is this a temporary position?

[HonuPineapple]

Originally Posted by CAFFEINE

Why is this a temporary position?

All the ATC trainee positions are.

While attending academy training you will be on a temporary appointment. Upon successful completion of the Academy initial training program and other employment requirements, you will continue your training at your assigned facility on a permanent appointment with a salary of $41,044.

[Bigey]

Originally Posted by HonuPineapple

All the ATC trainee positions are.

Uh oh...

I didnt click the temporary position on my first app, PUBNAT4 does that mean it wont consider me for it??

[HonuPineapple]

Originally Posted by Bigey

Uh oh...

I didnt click the temporary position on my first app, PUBNAT4 does that mean it wont consider me for it??

I think lack of attention to detail is the recipe for an unsuccessful job application.

I mean, the answer to your question about temporary appointment was even in the job description. And the fact that the appointment is temporary is listed a few times. Make sure you read through these things thoroughly if you seriously want the job.

For example, in the PUBNATs, you have to put "United States - Throughout the Nation" in your geographic preferences. I wonder how many people don't read the whole job description, list specific places, and don't get considered?

[Bigey]

Originally Posted by HonuPineapple

I think lack of attention to detail is the recipe for an unsuccessful job application.

I mean, the answer to your question about temporary appointment was even in the job description. And the fact that the appointment is temporary is listed a few times. Make sure you read through these things thoroughly if you seriously want the job.

For example, in the PUBNATs, you have to put "United States - Throughout the Nation" in your geographic preferences. I wonder how many people don't read the whole job description, list specific places, and don't get considered?

Eeks well i understood the temp part, but i didnt comprehend it as the position was really temporary but rather the training stage was "temp."

Also on the "throughout the nation" part i listed some preferences as did others. I'm starting to wonder if that would be a DQ now too...

[pm577]

Originally Posted by Bigey

Eeks well i understood the temp part, but i didnt comprehend it as the position was really temporary but rather the training stage was "temp."

Also on the "throughout the nation" part i listed some preferences as did others. I'm starting to wonder if that would be a DQ now too...

Well you'd best edit your 7/31 application while you still can. (You can still change it before the final day, just be sure that it says "submitted" when you are finished.)

I don't think the state preferences really matter. Not sure if the temp thing will hurt you. When I applied, I selected every option available, just to be safe (part-time, full-time, temp, permanent, etc)

[CirrusDriver]

Applied. I don't think I can do HI though.

[strykr]

Originally Posted by HonuPineapple

I think I could deal with the dark days better than nearly constant daylight, actually.

I've been to AK twice and both times in the summer and its really not that bad at all. Don't get me wrong, its completely weird to check the time and its 1130 and the us is JUST starting to think about setting... Its a plus if you like spending time out doors (my dad and I tapped in on the 18th at 0023 and had little difficulty watching that last drive) Never experienced the winters but my Uncle was also stationed in ANC for 4 years and they said its all hype about the winters. I would take ANC anyday. AFA however is not somewhere that I would want to live ... (been there too)

[Raydon]

pubak/pubhi submitted. I don't care where I go! beam me up scotty!

[Guire]

Originally Posted by strykr

my Uncle was also stationed in ANC for 4 years and they said its all hype about the winters.

I know a couple transplanted midwesterners (Great Lakers?) up there, and they find the cold to be every bit a beatable as here. Anchorage has lower temps, but no biting wind chill, they say; Juneau's average winter temps are actually a few degrees higher than Chicago's, but precipitation is much, much higher. They say the darkness bugs them more than the cold, but I don't think that'd bug me.

Also, would it be privy for me to apply here? I've already applied under a PUBNAT2 listing and have already taken the AT-SAT.

[HonuPineapple]

I figure it can't hurt to apply. You can always decline an offer, and you might be glad you got it if you don't get an offer somewhere else...

My friend who moved up there said the general rule seems to be an extra layer of clothing for every 20 degree temperature drop. He was in Fairbanks, and I think he said there's not much precipitation there...just cold.

[Guire]

Yeah, I figure it couldn't hurt to apply.

Originally Posted by HonuPineapple

He was in Fairbanks, and I think he said there's not much precipitation there...just cold.

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/.../snowfall.html

67.9" of the white stuff a year in Fairbanks, according to these guys.

[AFTOFAAATC]

Originally Posted by strykr

I've been to AK twice and both times in the summer and its really not that bad at all. Don't get me wrong, its completely weird to check the time and its 1130 and the us is JUST starting to think about setting... Its a plus if you like spending time out doors (my dad and I tapped in on the 18th at 0023 and had little difficulty watching that last drive) Never experienced the winters but my Uncle was also stationed in ANC for 4 years and they said its all hype about the winters. I would take ANC anyday. AFA however is not somewhere that I would want to live ... (been there too)

I was stationed at Eielson AFB (30 miles south of FAI) for three years and let me tell you the winters are no joke. The coldest I saw was -64 and that was without wind chill. Nothing wants to work at that temp. ANC is a seafaring climate and is spoiled with weather scenery and everything else. Another thing about the winter sun is civil twilight. That simply means that when the sun rises and sets, there is about two hours of light (dim) on either side. If you can handle 7+ months of winter temps and you love the outdoors then AK is for you. The summers definitely make up for the winters though. It is always 75-80 and the sun sets for only a couple of hours (depending on latitude). The mosquitoes will eat you alive. Lots of bug spray. I loved it, especially the FAI area. Truly the last frontier.

[Raydon]

mmmm sounds like the place for me. cheap wine, marshmallows in my hot chocolate, flannel shirts, camp fires and airplanes.

[HonuPineapple]

Time to watch Northern Exposure :-)

[nathanw]

Originally Posted by HonuPineapple

Time to watch Northern Exposure :-)

Yeah, that was filmed here in Washington lol.

[propcircles]

As an OTS recently selected for ZAN, I figured it was time to chime in here.

First of all, a friendly correction to:

Also, would it be privy for me to apply here? I've already applied under a PUBNAT2 listing and have already taken the AT-SAT.

You've used the word "privy" incorrectly here. It appears you meant to say something like: "would it be *beneficial* for me...". The word "privy" is a derivative of "private" and means basically to have inside or secret knowledge of something... not a synonym of beneficial... fyi

Furthermore...

Originally Posted by HonuPineapple

I figure it can't hurt to apply. You can always decline an offer, and you might be glad you got it if you don't get an offer somewhere else..

Please give serious consideration to moving to AK before applying here. For whatever reason, I got selected for AK even though I didn't put it in my pref's. Although I would love to live there, there is so much more to consider than just how long the sun shines, and now I'm actually faced with this decision.

Keep in mind the FAA does NOT pay for relocation expense, and if you live in the lower 48, you're looking at $5000-10K just to move there. That's out-of-pocket from you; *cha-ching* goodbye five-thousand bucks.
And don't even think about driving there in the winter unless you have a death wish. Feel free to PM me if you want to know more about that.

Anchorage, although relatively small, boasts one of the highest crime rates in the nation. (ranked 319 out of 379--http://www.bestplaces.net/docs/studies/secure_list.aspx )

Groceries are generally shipped in from the lower 48, which means your Wal-Mart bill is 1.5-2x higher.

Wanna buy a house? good luck. A house that costs about $130K here in the FL panhandle, will run you about $320K in Anchorage.

Should I keep going? PM me if you want more. As a married guy faced with a tough decision, I'm telling you, don't be flippant about it. There's a good reason they are hiring like crazy in HI and AK-- because they can't get anyone to go there! Yes, it's fantastically beautiful, but you'll pay out the nose for it.

I guess I'm a little peeved about the flippancy here since I'm in the situation I'm in, so please pardon the harshness. Just think about it.