Air Traffic Control Specialist - New Iberia, LA
Posted on October 24, 2025
The organization seeking to fill this role operates a busy Air Traffic Control Tower that strictly follows Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The establishment is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety, order, and efficiency in managing air traffic within its controlled airspace. The facility plays a critical role in the overall aviation system by providing crucial services that control and guide aircraft during takeoff, landing, and while traversing the local airspace. This is a specialized government or government-affiliated aviation operations entity, staffed with experienced air traffic professionals who are trained to manage complex and dynamic traffic patterns safely and effectively. They emphasize compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and maintain continuous operational vigilance to prevent incidents and delays.
This position is a full-time, hourly role with a pay rate of $43.14 per hour and a hazardous work (HW) rate of $4.98 per hour. It involves working under the supervision of the Tower Manager but requires the incumbent to perform responsibilities independently once adequately trained. The job revolves around the crucial function of monitoring and directing air traffic movement under Visual Flight Rules, which involves ensuring the safe and orderly flow of aircraft operations within a controlled tower environment.
The role requires the operator to make real-time decisions regarding aircraft sequencing, runway use, and communication with pilots and other controllers to maintain safety and efficiency. The incumbent must interpret and apply complex FAA regulations, coordinate traffic under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and VFR conditions, and utilize radar and other navigational aids effectively. The operator will actively manage aircraft departures and arrivals, ensuring precise spacing and timing to meet both safety and scheduling needs.
In addition to controlling the aircraft movements on the ground and in the airspace immediately surrounding the airport, the operator also monitors communication frequencies and navigational equipment for proper function and alignment. They provide pilots with essential information such as weather conditions, runway and lighting status, and any relevant restrictions or changes affecting airport operations.
The role also involves coordinating emergency responses and assisting aircraft pilots who are lost or experiencing difficulties, requiring quick thinking and calm under pressure. The operator must be vigilant and proactive, continuously updating mental models of current traffic conditions to anticipate potential conflicts and resolve issues efficiently.
This Air Traffic Control Tower Operator position also involves some responsibilities for training new staff, continuing professional development, and performing lower-grade duties as necessary to maintain proficiency and operational readiness. This development-oriented component ensures that the tower maintains a highly skilled and knowledgeable team capable of adapting to evolving aviation standards and technology.
Candidates for this position must hold a Control Tower Operator (CTO) Certificate and a current Class II Medical Certificate, alongside relevant FAA credentials. The role is subject to stringent compliance requirements, including drug and alcohol testing following Department of Transportation (DOT) and FAA regulations. The operator must have a demonstrated minimum of six months’ experience holding an FAA credential with a tower rating or CTO certificate in an Air Traffic Control Tower to ensure readiness to manage the critical demands of the role.
Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about aviation safety and control to join a professional team committed to safeguarding air traffic operations and advancing their career in air traffic control within a VFR environment.
- Hold a Control Tower Operator Certificate
- Possess a current Class II Medical Certificate
- Subject to DOT/FAA drug and/or alcohol testing including pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, and post-accident
- Minimum of six months experience with an FAA credential with a tower rating or CTO certificate in an Air Traffic Control Tower
- Ability to perform under general supervision
- Willingness to work in a high-pressure, safety-critical environment