Umama Imran, Deployment Rostering Officer, Airservices Australia
What is your Job?
I work at Airservices Australia as a Workforce Deployment Rostering Officer for Air Traffic Control (ATC). My role is essentially the “puzzle master” of the skies—I ensure that we have the right number of qualified controllers in the right seats at the right time to keep Australian airspace moving safely.
What does a normal day look like for you?
My day revolves around planning for the future. I am assigned a specific flight region, and I spend my time populating upcoming rosters. This involves:
Collaboration: Meeting with Air Traffic Controllers to understand their leave requests or needs.
Problem Solving: Analyzing how those requests impact our operations.
Balance: Running scheduling meetings and handling the administration required to keep our staffing levels compliant and efficient.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Because I have a background in shift work myself, I truly understand the impact a roster has on a person’s life. My favorite part is definitely the feedback; when my team tells me they are happy with the roster I’ve built, it is incredibly rewarding. Knowing I’ve helped them balance their work and personal lives makes me very happy.
How did you get to where you are today?
Education has been my foundation. I completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Aviation Management, and I am currently continuing my studies with an MPhil in Aviation. My previous experience working with Qantas also provided me with the practical industry insight needed to transition into my current role at Airservices Australia.
What qualifications do you need to apply for your job?
Education: At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation or Business.Technical Knowledge: You need a solid understanding of airspace, as well as the Enterprise
Bargaining Agreements (EBA) and compliance rules set by CASA and Airservices Australia.
Software: Learning specialized rostering software (which is often introduced during university studies).
What character qualities do you think suit this position?
To be successful in workforce deployment, you need to be calm, resilient, and capable of working under pressure. Since you are dealing with people’s schedules, strong customer service and communication skills are vital.
What is involved in the training for your job or for the qualification you gained to get your job?
The foundation of my role is a blend of academic theory and regulatory compliance.
Training involves:
• Airspace Knowledge: Gaining a fundamental understanding of how Australian airspace is structured and managed.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Becoming an expert in the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) and the safety/compliance rules set by CASA and Airservices Australia. This ensures every roster I build is safe and legally compliant.
• Technical Systems: Mastering complex rostering software. Interestingly, I first started learning these systems during my university studies, which provided a great head start for the “real world” application I use every day.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Trust in yourself more and never stop exploring the possibilities around you.
What advice would you give younger girls wanting to start a career in Aviation?
The aviation industry is vast! It’s not just about being a pilot or a cabin crew member; thereare so many critical roles behind the scenes. Explore every corner of the industry, find what truly excites you, and go for it with everything you’ve got.
Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I want young women to know that the “behind-the-scenes” roles in aviation are just as vital and rewarding as the roles in the cockpit. Being a Workforce Deployment Officer allows me to support the people who keep our skies safe. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with people, and being part of a high-stakes industry that connects the world, there is a place for you here. Don’t be afraid to take up space in this industry—we need your perspective!
