This Working Paper is a result of a request from EVPAFM for IFATCA to provide guidance in the development of model job descriptions for the various ATC positions.

This working paper will look at a generic model in the expectation that each MA will have to adapt the job description to their local operating practices. This working paper will only cover job descriptions for operational ATCOs. By operational, it is meant ATCOs actively and directly involved in the control of air traffic.

Job descriptions outline the overall tasks the an employee will be expected to perform during the course of his duties from those performed daily to the more uncommon and by exclusion define all other tasks as not part of the employee’s job. Job descriptions are often a first step in determining a compensation package commensurate with the responsibilities and also serve to what an employer can ask of an employee. Job descriptions often include a percentage of the overall job that each task is expected to take up.

A more detailed listing of job functions can be created through the use of task analysis. This is primarily used for training purposes and when unequal workloads or inefficient operations necessitate re-organising function responsibilities. This working paper will not go in to that detail.

This issue is complicated by the fact that different jurisdictions use different names for the same jobs. Similar positions can have vastly different areas of responsibility from one jurisdiction to the next.

ICAO divides the Air Traffic Control occupation into three classifications or ratings: Aerodrome Control, Approach Control, and En-route Control. In jurisdictions where a controller may be required to hold two ratings, as an Aerodrome and Approach controller, the job description would have to be a combination of the two.

Within each rating controllers may be employed on specific duties such as Ground Control in the Tower or Departures Control in the Terminal Area. Job descriptions could also be created for each of these discrete positions but they would follow similar lines to the generic descriptions below, differing only in the detail.

Aerodrome Control Job Description

Control of Air Traffic

• Plan, execute and monitor the control of air traffic through the use of air traffic control clearances and instructions to arriving and departing VFR aircraft within the tower area of authority.

• Plan, execute and monitor the control of air traffic through the use of air traffic control clearances and instructions to arriving and departing IFR aircraft while under the jurisdiction of the tower.
• Provide Flight Information Services as required and as workload permits to aircraft and ground vehicles operation in and around the control zone.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and co-ordination between other Air Traffic Control facilities and various Air Navigation Service units.
• Analyse projected traffic and workload demands and restrict traffic levels as required.
• Accommodate noise abatement procedures.
• Determine appropriate course of action regarding aircraft in emergency situations.
• Maintain currency in operational procedures and knowledge of appropriate ATC directives and regulations.

Other Operational Duties

• Act in a Controller-in-Charge capacity when delegated.
• Provide On-Job Training and evaluation of ATCOs in initial training or re-familiarisation.
• Record and relay meteorological conditions to pilots or other agencies.

Other Non-Operational Duties

• Record information regarding condition or incident that warrants a written record.
• Complete reports and other forms as required.
• Suggest improvements to the ANS system.
• Act as a member on a committee tasked with issues related to the provision of air traffic services.

Terminal Control Job Description

Control of Air Traffic

• Plan, execute and monitor the control of air traffic through the use of air traffic control clearances and instructions to arriving and departing VFR aircraft within the Terminal Control Area.
• Plan, execute and monitor the control of air traffic through the use of air traffic control clearances and instructions to arriving and departing IFR aircraft within the Terminal Control Area.

• Provide Flight Information Services as required and as workload permits to aircraft in the Terminal Control Area.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and co-ordination between other Air Traffic Control facilities and various Air Navigation Service units.
• Analyse projected traffic and workload demands and restrict traffic levels as required.
• Accommodate noise abatement procedures.
• Determine appropriate course of action regarding aircraft in emergency situations.
• Maintain currency in operational procedures and knowledge of appropriate ATC directives and regulations.

Other Operational Duties

• Act in a Controller-in-Charge capacity when delegated.
• Provide On-Job Training and evaluation of ATCOs in initial training or re-familiarisation.
• Record and relay meteorological conditions to pilots or other agencies.

Other Non-Operational Duties

• Record information regarding conditions or incidents that warrant a written record.
• Complete reports and other forms as required.
• Suggest improvements to the ANS system.
• Act as a member on a committee tasked with issues related to the provision of air traffic services.

En-route Control Job Description

Control of Air Traffic

• Plan, execute and monitor the control of air traffic through the use of air traffic control clearances and instructions to arriving and departing VFR aircraft within the Sector Airspace.
• Plan, execute and monitor the control of air traffic through the use of air traffic control clearances and instructions to arriving and departing IFR aircraft within the Sector Airspace.
• Provide Flight Information Services as required and as workload permits to aircraft in the Sector Airspace.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and co-ordination between other Air Traffic Control facilities and various Air Navigation Service units.

• Analyse projected traffic and workload demands and restrict traffic levels as required.

• Accommodate noise abatement procedures.
• Determine appropriate course of action regarding aircraft in emergency situations.
• Maintain currency in operational procedures and knowledge of appropriate ATC directives and regulations.

Other Operational Duties

• Act in a Controller-in-Charge capacity when delegated.
• Provide On-Job Training and evaluation of ATCOs in initial training or re-familiarisation.
• Record and relay meteorological conditions to pilots or other agencies.

Other Non-Operational Duties

• Record information regarding conditions or incidents that warrant a written record.
• Complete reports and other forms as required.
• Suggest improvements to the ANS system.
• Act as a member on a committee tasked with issues related to the provision of air traffic services.

Definitions/Breakdowns of Tasks

• Provide Flight Information Service: NOTAMS, Weather, terrain avoidance, flight planning, Alerting Services: (search and rescue, lost/overdue aircraft).
• Responding to Emergencies/Priority Handling: Fuel Dumping, Sick passenger, Inflight mechanical failure, Icing, Turbulence, Hijacking, Bomb Threat, loss of communications.

Other Possible Tasks

• Operate ANS equipment, radios.
• ATCO may or may not require certification by regulator.

SC4 has developed job descriptions only for the three ICAO ratings. Sub-divisions of these ratings and those for management areas would be similar.

Job descriptions outline the overall tasks the an employee will be expected to perform during the course of his duties from those performed daily to the more uncommon and by exclusion define all other tasks as not part of the employee’s job.