Ramp Controller

Incumbent is responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic on the Non-movement areas of the airport, utilizing surveillance radar-like targets and camera imagery.

Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Ramp Tower Manager who relies on the incumbent to perform established duties independently. On new or revised procedures, the manager gives detailed instructions and observes and checks work during or immediately after completion according to complexity of the task or until satisfied the incumbent is able to perform the procedure independently.

• Makes decisions involving:
  • The sequence and separation of gate traffic ready for pushback and engine start.
  • Plans the sequence of arriving traffic, using provided electronic aids, prior to arrival at the airport.
  • The merging of arriving and pushback traffic that will assure all aircraft equitable treatment and provide for minimum delays.
• Determines the usability of and resolves problems with:
  • Communications equipment
  • Video Camera displays (radar and imagery)
  • STARS (radar) display
  • ASDE-X (radar) display
  • Gate Management computer programs
• The Ramp Tower is a positive control facility. Incumbent will be required to instruct aircraft how and when to push-back, instruct aircraft when to taxi, who to follow, taxi route, intermediate hold points, route clearance limit, and frequency transfer points.
• Incumbent will initiate, and respond to, necessary coordination with the FAA ATCT Ground Control Position concerning the movements of inbound and outbound aircraft.
• Execute procedures required of the local Surface Movement Guidance and Control System Plan (SMGCS) during periods of reduced visibility, execution of the local Ice Threat Management Plan during periods of aircraft anti-icing, and the local Gate Hold program when initiated by the ATCT.
• Provide flight crews with, when required, field conditions, altimeter settings, weather conditions, operating status of navigational aids and NOTAMS. Provide the ATCT with pilot reported adverse weather, bird activity and unsafe or unusual airport activities or conditions.
• Determine whether a given situation is or may develop into an emergency; and notifies, via "Crash Phone", emergency services.
• Performs lower grade level duties as necessary to meet operational requirements and for proficiency maintenance.
• Provides OJT training to others.

Education: High School Graduate

Experience: Previous aviation experience is desired as a minimum i.e. airline dispatcher, pilot, air traffic controller, experience handling aircraft on the airport ramp. Position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per RVA's non-DOT policy (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).