As the ATOs centralized command and control element, JATOC helps the ATO effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from, any incident that impacts the National Airspace System (NAS). During an incident, experts from all ATO operational Service Units gather details and provide a single source of integrated information and reliable communications to ATO leadership to make critical, informed, and responsible decisions.
Duties
This position is not covered by PL 92-267 for early retirement purposes, and is therefore, not eligible for "good time" credit.
As an Air Traffic Watch Officer, this position applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations to serve as one of several JATOC Watch Officers who support 24/7 Watch Operations by acting as the Air Traffic Organizations (ATO) initial point of contact for all aviation incidents and events. The Watch Officer exercises command and control responsibility over information to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) leadership regarding FAA significant events. Gathers, analyzes, assesses, shares and manages incident-related information and intelligence for National Airspace System (NAS) aviation events and incidents, including natural, human-caused, and planned. This work directly affects the ATO, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aviation industry and the safety of the flying public.
The Watch Officer applies comprehensive knowledge of staff programs, including traffic management, airspace and procedures, operational automation, and special and security operations to perform complex, specialized air traffic control assignments. Uses experience separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal or en route air traffic control facility to monitor and evaluate information received from JATOC ATO service unit personnel concerning incidents and events. Researches and gathers data to identifies and analyzes information to provide FAA leadership with an up-to-date picture of current incident status and its impact on NAS operations.
Collaborates with all JATOC resources to organize and disseminate messages and reports. Prepares analytical reports on aviation incidents or events, consolidates information, and reports findings to senior leadership.
Applies comprehensive knowledge of ATO and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and functions to identify and route the preliminary event evaluation to the appropriate stakeholders. Defines, organizes, and allocates resources to accomplish important work activities within established schedules.
Conducts telephone conferences utilizing the Emergency Notification System (ENS) to inform and update FAA leadership of significant events in the NAS. Participates in regular exercises and drills conducted to ensure optimal preparedness and to test and improve the effectiveness of the ATO’s incident command system.
Contacts are internal and external to the FAA. Internal contacts include representatives from other ATO Service Units and lines of business. External contacts include representatives from the aviation industry, labor organizations, and other external stakeholders. The Watch Officer often represents FAA as the senior point of contact for JATOC operations.
Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives, the Watch Officer uses considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems. As an authority in air traffic operations and procedures, the Watch Officer performs most work independently, though work is subject to review by program officials and representatives of external entities for quality of results and compatibility with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives.
The JATOC General Manager reviews daily all communication sent to ensure efficient and accurate messaging to ATO Executive Leadership. The work is typically reviewed through status reports and at completion.
