Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) - Sharjah National

Role overview

The Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) position supports both tower operations and Aeronautical Information Services (AIS). It is a multi-faceted role that contributes to safe, efficient, and timely air traffic handling by assisting the Duty Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) and ensuring aviation data and information remain accurate and aligned with international civil aviation standards.

Key responsibilities

• Support briefing room activities by managing, correcting, and sharing flight plans and related flight messages through the Comsoft Solutions Aeronautical Data Access System (CADAS).
• Gather and provide information needed for pre-flight and in-flight information services.
• Issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) on behalf of the Airport Authority and distribute them through email or the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN).
• Encode and decode incoming and outgoing NOTAMs, while checking their validity and maintaining the required checklists.
• Verify NOTAMs received from the original source and update aeronautical information for all OMSJ NOTAMs to airport stakeholders by email.
• Coordinate with the Tower to keep Air Traffic Control teams informed about aircraft movements.
• Update aeronautical publications and handle telephone/intercom communication efficiently and accurately.
• Assist the Duty ATCO when needed, including during emergency situations and low-visibility operations.
• Prepare flight progress strips, maintain and update flight plans (FPL), and share flight data with the ATCO.
• Coordinate with Airport Operations on aircraft parking and with other departments and air traffic units on start-up clearances.
• Record aircraft movement data in flight information and display systems.
• Support internal and external emergency services by providing relevant flight information.
• Complete standard templates, perform administrative duties, manage inquiries, and maintain documentation in line with the ATCA Operations Manual.
• Keep legislative, operational, and internal records current or properly archived.
• Work with the Briefing Room and help with document control, safety management tasks, log maintenance, equipment fault reporting, and other tasks assigned by management.

Requirements

• Higher Secondary School education.
• Demonstrated customer service capability.
• Strong computer and IT proficiency.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Fast decision-making, strong memory, and the ability to think clearly under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and switch between tasks effectively.
• Good verbal and written communication, along with strong organizational ability.
• Comfort with interpreting and analyzing operational data.
• Calm approach in stressful situations and adaptability to changing operational needs.
• Service-focused attitude, spatial awareness, and a genuine interest in aviation.

Additional information

The role requires 24-hour operational support and includes responsibility for maintaining accurate, compliant aviation information to help ensure safety, regularity, and efficiency in air traffic services. The job also involves adhering to staff instructions, administrative rules, and operational-area conduct requirements.