Job description
The job position discussed in this paper is the Air traffic controller job. The average salary for air traffic controller job is about $82, 390. Their task is coordinating aircraft movements to maintain safe distances between them. Maximum concentration at all times is required in this job. It makes its work more stressful since employees can work on weekends and at night, however rotating shifts are frequent. Employees here work in approach control facilities, route centers, or control towers.
Job summary and responsibilities
The primary concern for air traffic controllers is safety, but to minimize delays, they have to efficiently direct aircraft. As the planes travel through the skies, air traffic controllers’ task is to manage aircraft flow into and out of the airport airspace; during takeoff and landing, they guide pilots as well as monitoring aircraft. They monitor and direct the aircraft movement in the skies and ground traffic at airports using computers, visual references, or radar. The main tasks for air traffic controllers include; monitoring and directing aircraft movement in the air and on the ground, controlling all traffic at the runways and taxiways at the airport, issuing to pilots takeoff and landing instructions, giving information about runway closures, weather conditions, and other critical information to pilots and finally alerting the airport response team in case of an aircraft emergency.
Qualifications
Ability to speak fluent English as well as comply with all the skills and knowledge required. An applicant desiring to apply for the position of air traffic controller must also hold a certificate in Air Traffic Control Tower Operator or, as stated in the Title 14 Regulations’ Code of Federal, the candidate must be accordingly qualified and supervised. The required skills include; communication, concentration, decision-making, organizational, math, as well as problem-solving skills.
Work schedules and conditions
Most traffic controllers are hired to work full time, in which some of them work extra hours. The amount of time an air traffic controller works is usually controlled or regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Controllers are required to have 9 hours’ rest before their next shift; hence are not required to work for more than 10 straight hours without rest during a shift. Major control facilities operate continuously, thus giving room for rotation of shifts for controllers among the day, evening, and night. Controllers also do both weekends as well as holiday shifts.
Compensation and benefit package
The traffic controller job has many benefits despite it being stressful and exhausting. Having the air traffic controller job according to the FAA automatically qualifies the employee for a complete package of various federal benefits, including sick leave, annual leave, as well as life and health insurance. An employee can also receive a variety of pay plans working as a traffic controller with flexible, broad pay bands and pay for performances as compensation. In terms of benefits, one can get federal retirement benefits as well as taking part in the Thrift Savings Plan of governments. Other benefits employees can get working as air traffic controllers is job satisfaction. Knowing their work is making air traffic more efficient and protecting lives, controllers often get satisfied. Air traffic controller position does not necessarily need a four-year degree, unlike many high paying jobs. Likewise, employees can gain access to endless opportunities to grow professionally, learn many things, enhance their team in the workplace, and developing others. Happiness and good health at work and home are vital for excellent employee performance hence the need to be provided with the tools and care designated in the comprehensive package.