There has been a lot of good discussion and ideas flowing through this thread. We've been having discussions on this topic on and off for many years now with little action actually being taken, both network and division wide. I think now is the time to build on this momentum.

I've discussed this idea with Mani, and I'd like to get a small workgroup put together to see what ideas we can put into place here at the division level to address our relationship with the pilot community. Specifically, looking at a Pilot Community Manager position.

If you're interested in being a part of the workgroup, please shoot me an email or message me on Discord. I'd like to get a meeting setup within the next week or two.

Please join me in welcoming Joseph Kerr as the new Air Traffic Manager at PCF! Joseph most recently served as the ZDC EC, as well as a VATSIM Network Supervisor. Joseph has extensive real world leadership and management experience, which will help in his new role. Congratulations, Joseph!

Also, please join me in thanking Jordan Rash for his service as ATM. Jordan was instrumental in combining the administration of HCF and ZAN into PCF. Enjoy your retirement, Jordan!

Please join me in welcoming Paul Biderman as the new Salt Lake City Air Traffic Manager. Paul has extensive experience on VATSIM, having served as a former Southern Region Air Traffic Director, and Oakland Air Traffic Manager. He has a lot of great ideas for ZLC, and I look forward to working with him!

Also, please join me in thanking Kaylan Fullerton and Kyle Sanders for their dedication and service to both ZLC and VATUSA. It has been a pleasure working with both of you. Enjoy your retirement!

Please join me in welcoming Jordan Rash as the newest Anchorage Air Traffic Manager! Jordan most recently served as the ZAN FE and has some great ideas for ZAN.

Please also join me in thanking Daryl Hudnall for his many years of service to both ZAN and VATUSA. Daryl, enjoy your retirement!

VATUSA Position Vacancy Announcement

Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Oakland ARTCC (ZOA)
Time Commitment: 4 to 8 hours per week+, and required monthly controller hours to maintain ARTCC membership.
Supervisor: Western Region Air Traffic Director (ATD)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2018 at 23:59z

VATUSA is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Air Traffic Manager at the Oakland ARTCC.  This position is not an entry-level position and will require significant time commitments to effectively perform the duties of Air Traffic Manager.

Duties of the ATM:

- Reports to the Western Region Air Traffic Director and directs the operations and management of the assigned facility.
- Must maintain an online presence on the VATSIM network.
- Maintains facility website.
- Functions as VATUSA staff member and attends meetings as necessary to discuss and stay abreast of VATUSA issues and policies.
- Initiates and obtains ATD approval for ARTCC SOP, LOA and other appropriate documentation.
- Establishes and defines the duties of the DATM position; submits selection to the ATD for approval.
- Establishes and defines the duties of the Training Administrator position; submits selection to ATD and VATUSA Training Director for final approval.
- Provides guidance and help to assigned controllers; may establish a staff of "Mentors" to assist with training.
- Works with or delegates a liaison to work with Regional and Division-level Event Coordinators on events as necessary.
- Addresses disciplinary situations with the Western Region ATD when appropriate.
- Any other duty as assigned by the Western Region ATD.

Minimum Requirements:

- Possess a high degree of energy and commitment appropriate to the requirements of the position.
- Must have at least a Controller (C1) rating.
- Must be an active member of the network in good standing.
- Must be able to work in a team environment.
- Have no significant disciplinary record, and/or history of unprofessional behavior.

Highly Desired Skills:

- Demonstrates qualities of understanding, patience, and maturity.
- Understands the position requires CONSIDERABLE commitment of time.
- Prior ARTCC Staff experience.
- Prior or current Instructor or Mentor experience.
- Experience effectively managing others through effective leadership practices.
- Real world management experience.

Interested candidates should be aware that this is not an entry-level position and not for the inexperienced. The workload is considerable and should not be taken lightly. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying.  Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they MAY be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

Applications should include:

- Name, active email address, and CID
- Resume (including any applicable real-world management experience).
- Letter of Intent / Cover-letter.

To Apply:
Submit the required information above to Brayden Manzella, VATUSA Western Region Air Traffic Director, at vatusa7@vatusa.net no later than November 15, 2018 23:59Z.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats!