November 2024 Iron Mic Awards

Congrats to our November 2024 Iron Mic winners!
Enroute: BOS_CTR - ZBW
TRACON: SCT_APP - ZLA
Tower: LAX_TWR - ZLA
Ground: JFK_GND- ZNY

Enroute Top 3
BOS_CTR 41.45%
LAX_CTR 23.07%
DC_CTR 22.91%

TRACON Top 3
SCT_APP 22.32%
ATL_APP 21.29%
SAN_APP 15.39%

Tower Top 3
LAX_TWR 24.96%
BOS_TWR 20.5%
CLT_TWR 19.67%

Ground Top 3
JFK_GND 23.01%
SAN_GND 18.78%
STL_GND 17%

Please join me in congratulating Owen Bliss as the next ATM for the Jacksonville ARTCC! Owen most recently served as the ZJX EC, where he led a very active events team focused on creating unique community experiences for ZJX pilots and controllers. Owen looks to continue the quest to enhance the strong ZJX community in his new role as ZJX ATM, and we are excited to watch Owen and the ARTCC grow under his leadership. Congratulations Owen!

I'd also like to thank Matt Bromback for his time as the ZJX ATM. While Matt is stepping down from the ATM role, we know his commitment to making the network a better place will remain, and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Please join me in congratulating Matthew Tedesco as the new ATM for the Oakland ARTCC! Matthew most recently served as the ZOA DATM, and is excited to take on his new role in an ARTCC that means a lot to him. With plenty of real-world experience to back up his passion for this hobby, we are confident that the Oakland ARTCC will thrive under Matthew's leadership. Matthew has a great vision for what ZOA can be and looks to elevate the opportunities for pilots and controllers by further utilizing the oceanic airspace and connections with neighboring ARTCCs. Congratulations Matthew on your new role!

I'd also like to thank Andrew Selder for his time in ZOA administration! Andrew recently joined the VATUSA Staff Training Department to help further develop our training materials at the division level, and we are so glad to have him! Your work at ZOA was very impactful and I know the members appreciate it. Thanks Andrew!

Please join me in congratulating Tyler Syring as the next Fort Worth ARTCC ATM! Tyler is a valuable and well-known member of the ZFW community. He has previously served as the ZAB EC, ZDV EC, ZFW TA, and most recently ZFW DATM. Tyler has also served in multiple different training roles since 2020, prioritizing his focus on the next generation of controllers. Tyler looks to optimize both the controller and pilot experience in ZFW, and we are very excited to have him join the VATUSA ATM team! Congrats Tyler!!

I'd also like to thank Austin Wilkins for his dedication and service to ZFW. Austin has moved right next door to take on a new role as ZKC ATM. Thank you Austin for your continued commitment to the division and network. We are so glad that you and Tyler get to continue working together in your new roles!

Jacksonville ARTCC Air Traffic Manager Vacancy Announcement

Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Jacksonville ARTCC (ZJX)
Time Commitment: 4 to 8 hours per week+, and required quarterly controlling hours to maintain facility membership
Supervisor: Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (ATS)
Application Deadline: Closes October 21st, 2024 23:59z

The Air Traffic Manager (ATM) oversees all ARTCC operations. The ATM's primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the ARTCC, along with drafting and implementing ARTCC policies and LOAs. The ATM is the primary point of contact and representative of the facility for VATUSA management.
 
Main responsibilities:

Manage the ARTCC
Handle Transfer/Visiting requests
Maintain the ARTCC roster
Communicate regularly with VATUSA2
Collaborate closely with ARTCC staff to ensure transparent and effective communication with the membership
Oversee the air traffic control training program, events, social media, and data services/facilities infrastructure
Foster a positive, healthy, and educational environment for members to learn and grow in
Maintain a strong online presence through various platforms to foster community engagement and facilitate information dissemination
Develop/Grow the ARTCC in alignment with division goals
Oversee the Deputy Air Traffic Manager and Training Administrator directly
Develop and implement policies, air traffic control standard operating procedures, and letters of agreement alongside the DATM
Manage an active staff of DATM, TA, EC, FE, and WM

Potential responsibilities (based on ARTCC needs):

VATUSA Workgroups
Assisting the Junior and Senior staff in all aspects
Community moderation/development

Requirements for the role:

Active member of VATSIM in good standing
Ability to maintain ARTCC activity requirement standards
Strong understanding of the WM, EC, FE, TA, and DATM roles
Obtained a rating of C1
Ability to manage a team of at least 5
Positive and professional attitude with the time commitment necessary to lead the ARTCC
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong understanding of US Airspace and the NAS

Preferred qualifications for this role:

Familiarity with the ARTCC
VATUSA Member
Understanding of the VATUSA Structure
Prior staff experience
Prior teaching/education experience

ATM is a Senior Staff role and therefore is not an entry-level position. The ATM could be required to dedicate several hours daily to managing the ARTCC. However, the ATM must also be able to utilize their staff to effectively delegate tasks to ensure the continued operation of the ARTCC. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying for this position. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

If you wish to apply for the ATM position, please email Brandon Wening, Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (vatusa2@vatusa.net) with a detailed VATSIM/relevant real-world résumé and cover letter by October 21st, 2024 23:59z. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZJX ARTCC, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the facility will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Your virtual resume should consist of all prior VATSIM experience and any real-world experience you feel is applicable. Please also include your name, active email address, CID, current ARTCC, and current rating.

Oakland ARTCC Air Traffic Manager Vacancy Announcement

Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Oakland ARTCC (ZOA)
Time Commitment: 4 to 8 hours per week+, and required quarterly controlling hours to maintain facility membership
Supervisor: Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (ATS)
Application Deadline: Closes October 6th, 2024 23:59z

The Air Traffic Manager (ATM) oversees all ARTCC operations. The ATM's primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the ARTCC, along with drafting and implementing ARTCC policies and LOAs. The ATM is the primary point of contact and representative of the facility for VATUSA management.
 
Main responsibilities:

Manage the ARTCC
Handle Transfer/Visiting requests
Maintain the ARTCC roster
Communicate regularly with VATUSA2
Collaborate closely with ARTCC staff to ensure transparent and effective communication with the membership
Oversee the air traffic control training program, events, social media, and data services/facilities infrastructure
Foster a positive, healthy, and educational environment for members to learn and grow in
Maintain a strong online presence through various platforms to foster community engagement and facilitate information dissemination
Develop/Grow the ARTCC in alignment with division goals
Oversee the Deputy Air Traffic Manager and Training Administrator directly
Develop and implement policies, air traffic control standard operating procedures, and letters of agreement alongside the DATM
Manage an active staff of DATM, TA, EC, FE, and WM

Potential responsibilities (based on ARTCC needs):

VATUSA Workgroups
Assisting the Junior and Senior staff in all aspects
Community moderation/development

Requirements for the role:

Active member of VATSIM in good standing
Ability to maintain ARTCC activity requirement standards
Strong understanding of the WM, EC, FE, TA, and DATM roles
Obtained a rating of C1
Ability to manage a team of at least 5
Positive and professional attitude with the time commitment necessary to lead the ARTCC
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong understanding of US Airspace and the NAS

Preferred qualifications for this role:

Familiarity with the ARTCC
VATUSA Member
Understanding of the VATUSA Structure
Prior staff experience
Prior teaching/education experience

ATM is a Senior Staff role and therefore is not an entry-level position. The ATM could be required to dedicate several hours daily to managing the ARTCC. However, the ATM must also be able to utilize his/her staff to effectively delegate tasks to ensure the continued operation of the ARTCC. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying for this position. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

If you wish to apply for the ATM position, please email Brandon Wening, Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (vatusa2@vatusa.net) with a detailed VATSIM/relevant real-world résumé and cover letter by October 6th, 2024 23:59z. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZOA ARTCC, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the facility will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Your virtual resume should consist of all prior VATSIM experience and any real-world experience you feel is applicable. Please also include your name, active email address, CID, current ARTCC, and current rating.

Albuquerque ARTCC Air Traffic Manager Vacancy Announcement

Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Albuquerque ARTCC (ZAB)
Time Commitment: 4 to 8 hours per week+, and required quarterly controlling hours to maintain facility membership
Supervisor: Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (ATS)
Application Deadline: Closes September 21st, 2024 23:59z

The Air Traffic Manager (ATM) oversees all ARTCC operations. The ATM's primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the ARTCC, along with drafting and implementing ARTCC policies and LOAs. The ATM is the primary point of contact and representative of the facility for VATUSA management.
 
Main responsibilities:

Manage the ARTCC
Handle Transfer/Visiting requests
Maintain the ARTCC roster
Communicate regularly with VATUSA2
Collaborate closely with ARTCC staff to ensure transparent and effective communication with the membership
Oversee the air traffic control training program, events, social media, and data services/facilities infrastructure
Foster a positive, healthy, and educational environment for members to learn and grow in
Maintain a strong online presence through various platforms to foster community engagement and facilitate information dissemination
Develop/Grow the ARTCC in alignment with division goals
Oversee the Deputy Air Traffic Manager and Training Administrator directly
Develop and implement policies, air traffic control standard operating procedures, and letters of agreement alongside the DATM
Manage an active staff of DATM, TA, EC, FE, and WM

Potential responsibilities (based on ARTCC needs):

VATUSA Workgroups
Assisting the Junior and Senior staff in all aspects
Community moderation/development

Requirements for the role:

Active member of VATSIM in good standing
Ability to maintain ARTCC activity requirement standards
Strong understanding of the WM, EC, FE, TA, and DATM roles
Obtained a rating of C1
Ability to manage a team of at least 5
Positive and professional attitude with the time commitment necessary to lead the ARTCC
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong understanding of US Airspace and the NAS

Preferred qualifications for this role:

Familiarity with the ARTCC
VATUSA Member
Understanding of the VATUSA Structure
Prior staff experience
Prior teaching/education experience

ATM is a Senior Staff role and therefore is not an entry-level position. The ATM could be required to dedicate several hours daily to managing the ARTCC. However, the ATM must also be able to utilize his/her staff to effectively delegate tasks to ensure the continued operation of the ARTCC. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying for this position. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

If you wish to apply for the ATM position, please email Brandon Wening, Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (vatusa2@vatusa.net) with a detailed VATSIM/relevant real-world résumé and cover letter by September 21st, 2024 23:59z. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZAB ARTCC, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the facility will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Your virtual resume should consist of all prior VATSIM experience and any real-world experience you feel is applicable. Please also include your name, active email address, CID, current ARTCC, and current rating.