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1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control information

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$33K

$101.4K

$172.5K

How much do 1st shift dod air traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st shift dod air traffic control in the United States is $101,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 1st shift DoD air traffic controller?

A 1st Shift DOD (Department of Defense) Air Traffic Controller is a professional responsible for managing the safe and orderly flow of military and sometimes civilian aircraft within designated airspace during the first shift, typically the morning or daytime hours. They monitor aircraft movements, provide instructions, and coordinate takeoffs, landings, and in-flight operations to prevent collisions and ensure efficient traffic flow. These controllers often work at military airfields and must adhere to strict protocols and security measures. The job requires specialized training, attention to detail, and the ability to make critical decisions quickly under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st shift DoD air traffic controller?

To thrive as a 1st Shift DoD Air Traffic Controller, you need strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, typically backed by FAA or DoD certification and completion of specialized training. Familiarity with radar systems, communication equipment, and flight tracking software is essential for managing airspace safely and efficiently. Exceptional communication, decisiveness, and stress-management abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of military and civilian air traffic, especially during high-pressure situations.

What are the main challenges faced by 1st shift DoD air traffic controllers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

1st Shift DoD Air Traffic Controllers often encounter high-pressure situations, particularly during peak hours when managing multiple military and civilian aircraft. Adapting to rapid changes in flight schedules, communicating effectively with pilots, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols are common challenges. New hires can prepare by developing strong multitasking skills, staying calm under stress, and familiarizing themselves with both military and FAA regulations. Regular training and teamwork with experienced controllers will also help build confidence and proficiency in the role.

What is the difference between 1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control vs 1St Shift FAA Air Traffic Control?

Aspect1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control1St Shift FAA Air Traffic Control
CredentialsFAA certifications, security clearanceFAA certifications, security clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary airfields, military operationsCommercial and civilian airports
Employer & IndustryDepartment of Defense, military aviationFederal Aviation Administration, civilian aviation

Both roles require FAA certifications and security clearances, but 1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control operates mainly within military settings, while 1St Shift FAA Air Traffic Control works at civilian airports. The key differences lie in their work environment and employer, though the core skills and credentials are similar.

What cities are hiring for 1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control jobs?

Cities with the most 1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Dod Air Traffic Control jobs?

The most popular types of Dod Air Traffic Control jobs are:

What states have the most 1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control jobs?

States with the most job openings for 1St Shift Dod Air Traffic Control jobs include:

Air Traffic Control Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Schofield Barracks, HI

$93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: Serves as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in an Army Airfield Control Tower responsible for the efficient use of the Class D airspace and traffic patterns to minimize delays and maximize effective mission time for aviators under tower control.Qualifications:

This position is covered under Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and mandatory retirement date.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes advising pilots of traffic patterns, weather/airfield conditions, and giving clearance for landing/take off in a military or civilian air traffic control facility. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).
In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also be a graduate of a DoD component or FAA approved formal Air Traffic Controller school and possess Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) and Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification. NOTE: You must attach copies of your certifications to your application package. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-10).
Maximum Entry Age: Employees hired for the first time ("originally hired") into GS-2152 positions must not exceed the established Maximum Entry Age (MEA) at the time of appointment. The MEA for an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is 36. An employee originally hired into a covered ATC position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 36 unless a waiver from Department of Army is approved prior to appointment.
As this is a Special Retirement covered ATC position, your application package must include a government-issued document indicating your date of birth. Failure to submit this document will result in your application being marked as incomplete and you WILL NOT receive further consideration for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS: During emergency situations the work may become extremely stressful. The incumbent must maintain necessary alertness, self-control, and emotional stability and be able to make rapid decisions and use precise judgment under emergency conditions. As required by staffing, workload, and mission requirements, incumbent may be required to work during other than normal duty hours which may include working nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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