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Air Operations Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$106K - $138K/yr

Open to current members of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve or Air Force Active Duty component. Learn more about this agency Duties Help As an Operations Officer, GS-2101-13 , you will:

$106K - $138K/yr

Open to all Air Force Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard. Learn more about this agency Duties Help As an Operations Officer, GS-2101-13 , you will: Manage and direct the ...

Operations Officer

Greer, SC · On-site

$24.22/hr

Issues and files Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) to report all conditions that impact the safe operations of aircraft and ensures that they are promptly communicated to the FAA, air carriers and ...

Operates and monitors control tower systems and equipment during Range Operations to assure that Range Control Officer is made aware of air traffic within and about operational areas. * Assists in ...

Operates and monitors control tower systems and equipment during Range Operations to assure that Range Control Officer is made aware of air traffic within and about operational areas. * Assists in ...

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Air Operations Officer information

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$31.5K

$77.3K

$136.5K

How much do air operations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for air operations officer in the United States is $77,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by air operations officers in coordinating flight missions?

Air Operations Officers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected air traffic restrictions, and the need to adapt to evolving mission requirements. Effective coordination between pilots, ground crews, and air traffic control is crucial, and officers must often make quick decisions to ensure safety and mission success. Additionally, managing multiple flight operations simultaneously and maintaining clear communication across teams requires strong organizational and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air operations officer?

To thrive as an Air Operations Officer, you need strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant military or aviation experience. Familiarity with air traffic control systems, mission planning software, and safety protocols is essential, along with possible certifications such as Air Operations certification or equivalent military training. Excellent communication, decision-making, and stress management skills help you effectively coordinate teams and respond to dynamic situations. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and successful air mission planning and execution.

What is the difference between Air Operations Officer vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Operations OfficerAir Traffic Controller
CertificationsTypically requires military or civil aviation certifications, including safety and operational trainingRequires FAA certification and specific training in air traffic control procedures
Work EnvironmentMilitary or civil aviation settings, overseeing flight operations and safety protocolsControl towers, airports, managing aircraft movements and ensuring safe takeoffs and landings
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agencies involved in aviation operationsCommercial airports, air traffic control centers

Both roles involve aviation safety and require specialized certifications. An Air Operations Officer focuses on managing flight operations and safety protocols, often within military or civil aviation organizations. An Air Traffic Controller primarily manages aircraft movements at airports, ensuring safe and efficient traffic flow. While their environments differ, both roles are essential for aviation safety and share overlapping skills in communication and operational oversight.

What is an air operations officer?

Air Operations Officers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing air operations within military or civilian aviation contexts. They oversee the scheduling and deployment of aircraft, manage airspace usage, and ensure the safe and efficient execution of flight missions. Their role often involves liaising with other military branches or agencies, analyzing mission requirements, and making real-time decisions to adapt to changing situations. Air Operations Officers play a crucial part in achieving operational objectives and maintaining safety standards in aviation environments.
More about Air Operations Officer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Air Operations Officer jobs? The top employers for Air Operations Officer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Air Operations Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,254 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

OPERATIONS OFFICER

Air National Guard Units

Mountain Home, ID • On-site, Remote

$106K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a OPERATIONS OFFICER, Position Description Number D2351000 and is part of the ID 266 RANS, National Guard.
THIS POSITION IS PERMANENT.
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Duties
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Manages and directs the activities of the Control and Reporting Center (CRC) mission, Air Battle Management functions. Determines the Operations Branch goals that are the foundation for long and short range planning and execution of all programs. Develops objectives, direction, and guidance for the Operations functions and activities ensuring operational and organizational plans support the vision and goals of the Squadron Commander. Analyzes and plans funds, equipment, manpower, and facilities to ensure proper resourcing and utilization to meet the mission. Ensures goals are in consonance with unit's direction and local limitations. Considers factors such as current and future mission needs, political climate, environmental concerns, area demographics, and tactical training location availability. Plans the work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work. Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of the assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Provides employees with advice, counsel or instruction on both work and administrative matters. Maintains military and full-time strength through recruiting and retention programs. Oversees the accomplishment of the training program (DOT) and the mission training program (MTP). Develops squadron unit type code (UTC) training to satisfy established requirements and meets combat readiness objectives and Air Force contingency requirements. Ensures instructor personnel meet and maintain stringent certification and qualification standards. Ensures personnel are trained and exercised in wartime skills. Demonstrates mission capability through a series of extensive Air Force inspections. Ensures required records and documentation of programs are maintained. Maintains an effective leadership/career development program. Makes critical judgments and on-the-spot decisions regarding the safety of assigned personnel. Establishes channels of communication within the operations branch to keep personnel informed and provide feedback. Finds ways to improve or increase the quality of the work directed.
Performs required mission planning and staff operations work in scheduling, training, current operations, standards and evaluation, intelligence, weapons and tactics, chief of staff, combat readiness and exercises. Develops plans, policies and procedures and analyzes national defense guidance and objectives to create operational policies. Implements policy through development of plans and procedures to execute assigned weapons and Command and Control capabilities. Identifies training deficiencies and coordinates with National Guard Bureau for resolution.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Supervisory positions require a 12-month trial period.
  • Permanent positions require a 24-month trial period.

Qualifications
Compatible Military Assignments: 13B AFSC
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Applicant must possess experience that provided a general knowledge and understanding of traffic or transportation programs or operations.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must possess at least 1 year of specialized experience for GS-12 (and above) equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Experience, education, or training routine and non-routine preflight, in-flight, post-flight, ground or command and control (C2) duties according to specific transportation functions. Receives, interprets, extracts, and disseminates relevant data for mission planning or execution. Experience coordinating and negotiating with organizations/personnel both orally and in writing to resolve differences/problems.
Education
The following education may be used in conjunction with specialized experience to qualify an individual:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims.
There are no additional educational requirements for this position.

Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
MORE THAN ONE SELECTION MAY BE MADE FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IF ADDITIONAL IDENTICAL VACANCIES IN THE SAME TITLE, SERIES, GRADE AND UNIT OCCUR.
THE EFFECTIVE/START DATE FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE IAW THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE GUIDANCE ON THE TITLE 32 DUAL STATUS MILITARY TECHNICIAN HIRING FREEZE EXEMPTION DATED 29 MARCH 2025.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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