Air Traffic Control Specialist - Chico, CA

The hiring establishment is a reputable Air Traffic Control Tower responsible for overseeing the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of aircraft within its jurisdiction. The tower operates under the regulations and guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), focusing on Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic management. This type of entity plays a critical role in aviation safety, managing both departures and arrivals by providing vital instructions, clearing aircraft for takeoff and landing, and ensuring the separation between aircraft to prevent accidents and delays. As an essential component of the national airspace system, the Air Traffic Control Tower serves a diverse mix of general aviation, commercial, and private aircraft, guaranteeing compliance with established flight protocols and adapting to dynamic weather and traffic conditions. This role is an employment position for an experienced Control Tower Operator (CTO) within the tower. The selected candidate will work under the general supervision of the Tower Manager but will be expected to perform duties independently, especially for routine and established procedures. The position comes with a competitive hourly pay rate of $35.97 and requires strict adherence to FAA and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including drug and alcohol screenings. The individual chosen will be responsible for controlling the flow of aircraft operations in the tower, including making critical decisions on the sequence and timing of departures and arrivals to maintain optimal safety and efficiency. The incumbent will handle communication with pilots, coordinate with other air traffic controllers, and monitor navigational aids and equipment to ensure they are operational and aligned correctly. In addition to air traffic management, the CTO will monitor weather conditions, interpret weather bureau reports, and provide essential information to pilots to assist with safe navigation. The role also includes emergency response duties such as orienting lost or distressed pilots and coordinating with operational offices and emergency services when necessary. The operator must maintain continuous vigilance and make real-time decisions that affect IFR and VFR flights, ensuring compliance with separation standards and handling complex traffic situations. This role not only requires technical knowledge but also strong situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Furthermore, the CTO will be involved in preplanning traffic sequencing to maintain separation and orderly flow of arrivals and departures within and beyond the tower’s immediate airspace. They will also provide on-the-job training to junior personnel to maintain operational proficiency across the team. Overall, this position demands a high level of expertise, responsibility, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and efficiency in a dynamic environment.

• Control Tower Operator Certificate
• Current Class II Medical Certificate
• Minimum six months experience holding CTO certificate or FAA credential with tower rating in an Air Traffic Control Tower
• Subject to DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment, random, reasonable cause, suspicion, and post-accident tests
• Ability to work under general supervision and perform duties independently
• Ability to maintain continuous radio watch and mental picture of traffic
• Clear understanding of IFR and VFR operations
• Knowledge of weather observation and certification
• Ability to operate light and field lighting equipment
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance