Explore how your federal experience as a Air Navigation (GS-2183) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Air Traffic Controller, Air Traffic Assistant, Flight Operations Coordinator | Assists with preliminary flight planning, coordinates communication between pilots and control towers, and prepares flight safety briefings. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Air Traffic Controller, Operations Analyst, Flight Data Specialist | Monitors and manages air traffic flows, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and processes flight plans while communicating with various stakeholders. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Air Traffic Manager, Flight Operations Supervisor, Aviation Safety Specialist | Oversees air traffic control operations, addresses complex operational challenges, and develops safety protocols for operational efficiency. | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| 10-11 | Air Traffic Control Operations Manager, Flight Safety Manager, Aviation Compliance Director | Leads air traffic management initiatives, implements regulatory compliance strategies, and coordinates between multiple operational teams to ensure smooth flight operations. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Air Traffic Operations, Aviation Program Manager, Air Traffic Control Policy Advisor | Directs strategic air traffic initiatives, manages large teams, sets operational goals, and works closely with regulatory agencies to develop safety policies. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Aviation Operations, Chief Air Traffic Control Officer, Senior Federal Aviation Advisor | Shapes organizational strategy for air traffic management, oversees comprehensive safety programs, and engages with government entities on aviation policy matters. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive for Air Traffic Systems, Executive Director of National Airspace System, Chief Operations Officer for Aviation | Leads national air traffic strategies, advocates for industry standards at the highest levels, and coordinates cross-agency efforts on aviation governance and innovation. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
The CAM certification demonstrates an individual's expertise in aviation management, which is particularly relevant for those transitioning from the GS-2183 Air Navigation job series. It validates leadership skills and knowledge in managing aviation operations, providing a competitive edge in civilian sectors such as airport management and private aviation.
Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certification
Holding an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certification showcases a candidate's understanding of air traffic control principles and practices, crucial for many civilian roles in aviation. This certification can facilitate opportunities within airlines, private air services, and even airport operations, where such knowledge is invaluable.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Dispatcher License
The FAA Flight Dispatcher License indicates a comprehensive understanding of flight operations, meteorology, and air traffic control, which is essential for roles within commercial aviation companies. This credential can enhance job prospects in positions such as flight operations supervisor or safety manager.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification is widely recognized and beneficial for managing complex aviation projects, making it advantageous for those moving into civilian roles. It equips individuals with skills in project planning, execution, and leadership, which are crucial in both military and civilian operational environments.
Safety Management Systems Certification (SMS)
Achieving SMS Certification demonstrates knowledge in maintaining safety standards and policies, which are increasingly important in civilian aviation roles. This credential emphasizes risk management and compliance, making it valuable for positions involving safety oversight and regulatory compliance.
Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management or Related Field
A bachelor's degree provides foundational knowledge in aviation industry principles, enhancing career prospects for former GS-2183 employees. This educational background can open doors to advanced positions in management, operations, and regulatory agencies within the civilian aviation sector.
Flight Instructor Certificate
Obtaining a Flight Instructor Certificate signifies advanced knowledge in flight operations and safety protocols, making it beneficial for roles in pilot training and education. This certification can help transition former air navigation specialists into increasingly responsible civilian roles, such as aviation safety specialists or training managers.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Making the leap from a federal GS-2183 air navigation role to a job in the private sector can be an exciting journey filled with new opportunities. However, it also requires you to adapt to a different work environment, culture, and set of expectations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this transition successfully.
Transitioning to the private sector involves a significant shift in mindset. Here are key aspects you should embrace:
Embrace Flexibility: Federal jobs typically follow structured processes and protocols. In contrast, the private sector often requires adaptability and quick decision-making. Be prepared to navigate ambiguity and make decisions on the fly.
Result-Oriented Thinking: While in the federal sector you may have focused on compliance and procedure, private sector roles often require a focus on results and output. Showcase how your actions helped achieve organizational goals or led to improvements.
Cultural Shift: The culture in private companies tends to be more collaborative and less hierarchical. Be ready to participate in team-based projects, express your thoughts openly, and embrace a culture of continuous feedback.
Utilizing your federal experience effectively requires translating your accomplishments and skills into terminology that resonates in the private sector:
Identify Skills and Achievements: Start by making a list of your accomplishments in the federal role. Focus on skills like leadership, project management, risk assessment, and communication. Then, reformulate these achievements using private sector terminology. For instance, instead of "ensured compliance with regulations," try saying "streamlined operations to enhance efficiency and compliance."
Quantify Results: Private sector recruiters love numbers. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements (e.g., reduced operational costs by X%, improved response time by Y%). This adds depth to your resume and highlights the impact of your work.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Identify skills from your air navigation role that are relevant to private sector jobs. Skills such as strategic planning, problem-solving, and team leadership have universal appeal. Highlight these prominently in your resume.
Your resume is your personal marketing tool, and it needs to effectively communicate your value:
Modern Format: Use a clean and modern resume format that's easy to read. Utilize bullet points for clarity and ensure consistency in font and style.
Profile Summary: Start with a compelling summary that concisely highlights your experience, core competencies, and what you bring to the table. Consider including the type of private sector jobs you're interested in to set the context.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor each job application to emphasize the experience and skills that align with the specific job description. Focus on accomplishments rather than duties—this showcases your initiative and results.
Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords from the job postings you are applying for. This will help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the attention of recruiters.
Professional Development: Include any relevant training or certifications, particularly those that show your interest in transitioning to the private sector or developing your business acumen.
Your interviews are crucial for demonstrating not just your qualifications, but also your fit for the private sector:
Research: Understand the company’s culture, values, and recent developments. Tailoring your responses to align with the company’s mission will impress interviewers.
Behavioral Questions: Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Practice Your Pitch: Be prepared with a concise elevator pitch that summarizes your background, what you have accomplished, and what you aim to bring to the company.
Ask Questions: Demonstrating curiosity about the company and the role through thoughtful questions reflects your interest and helps you evaluate if the company fits your career goals.
Networking will be key in making a successful transition:
Leverage LinkedIn: Create or update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your desire to transition into the private sector. Connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and alumni who are working in your target field. Engage with relevant content and join industry-specific groups for visibility.
Attend Industry Events: Seek out conferences, seminars, and workshops in your field of interest. Networking in person allows you to meet industry leaders and gain insights into corporate culture.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with people in roles or industries you are interested in. This not only helps build connections but also gives you valuable insights into the job market and industry trends.
Networking Platforms: Explore platforms such as Meetup or professional groups related to your industry to find networking opportunities in your local area.
Transitioning to the private sector from a federal air navigation role can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can successfully navigate this change. Embrace your past experiences and translate them into value that resonates in the corporate world. Remember that many skills and competencies from your federal experience are valuable in the private sector. Don’t underestimate your worth.
Stay positive, open-minded, and proactive during your transition journey. Good luck!