No Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I was leaving the building and noticed the Castle Sector position was not being manned/worked by anyone. I noted the person shown working the position was in the center of the control room outside of hearing range of the position. No one in the area knew the Controller stepped away; so they weren't even monitoring the position while he was away. I went and called him back to the position and asked why he left; he stated the Supervisor required him to leave position even though he said he indicated he was working. Recommendation; Don't leave a position unattended without someone monitoring the traffic and frequencies; especially during a point in time when there is still traffic in the airspace and surrounding airspace.
NCT Controller voiced concern regarding the absence of a Castle Sector Controller present at the position even though one was assigned. The reporter noted positions should never be left unattended.