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Aviation Weather Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or National Weather Service (NWS) agency in taking ... Maintain the prescribed observer qualification-training program. covering information on local ...

Lead and drive planning, coordination, and execution of weather observation modernization ... Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, risk management, and continuity planning.

Lead Alaska/Airspace Manager

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Lead and drive planning, coordination, and execution of weather observation modernization ... Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, risk management, and continuity planning.

Lead and drive planning, coordination, and execution of weather observation modernization ... Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, risk management, and continuity planning.

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Aviation Weather Observer information

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$14

$38

$61

How much do aviation weather observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation weather observer in the United States is $38.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $49.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the common challenges faced by Aviation Weather Observers during shifts, especially in rapidly changing weather conditions?

Aviation Weather Observers often face the challenge of monitoring and reporting rapidly changing weather, especially during storms or severe weather events. Maintaining accuracy and timeliness under pressure is essential, as pilots and air traffic controllers rely on their reports for flight safety. Observers must stay alert throughout their shifts, quickly identifying and recording subtle weather changes, and collaborating closely with meteorologists and airport operations teams. Adaptability and attention to detail are key skills needed to manage these dynamic situations effectively.

What does an Aviation Weather Observer do?

An Aviation Weather Observer is responsible for monitoring, recording, and reporting weather conditions at airports or weather stations. Their main duties include observing atmospheric phenomena such as cloud cover, visibility, wind speed and direction, temperature, and precipitation. They provide critical weather data to pilots, air traffic controllers, and meteorologists to ensure flight safety. Observers use specialized instruments and follow strict protocols to ensure the accuracy and reliability of weather reports. Their work is essential for safe and efficient aviation operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aviation Weather Observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Weather Observer, you need a solid understanding of meteorology, observational techniques, and typically a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with weather monitoring instruments, METAR/SPECI coding, and aviation weather reporting systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate reporting and collaboration with air traffic and pilots. These skills are vital to provide reliable weather data that supports flight safety and efficient aviation operations.

What Does an Aviation Weather Observer Do?

Aviation weather observers detect and track weather conditions and provide real-time weather forecasts, which you use to augment and backup the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). ASOS is a nationwide network used by the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DoD) to monitor weather activity and help with aviation, climate, and other weather-related research operations. Weather measurements include wind speed and direction, temperature, visibility, precipitation, and air pressure. Your findings as a weather observer allow airlines to select a safer flight pattern to avoid weather conditions or make appropriate decisions such as delaying or canceling a flight. They also help NASA and other governmental agencies determine different atmospheric conditions for various research projects. If ASOS experiences an outage due to extreme weather conditions, you are responsible for manually documenting your observations until ASOS is operational again.

What cities are hiring for Aviation Weather Observer jobs? Cities with the most Aviation Weather Observer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Weather Observer jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Weather Observer jobs are:
What states have the most Aviation Weather Observer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aviation Weather Observer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aviation Weather Observer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,655 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Weather Technician/Observer

Amentum

Lompoc, CA โ€ข On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Amentum is seeking a Weather Technician/Observer for the Space Force Range Contract.

Typical Duties

  • Report to and receiving directions from the Weather Systems Manager
  • Support completion of upper air observations using computer data and platform. This assignment requires the attention of one certified observer from the time of instrument preflight through the final transmission of data (approximately 3 hours).
  • Operate the VSFB Representative Weather Observatory (RWO) during airfield operating hours (normally, Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1700 hours local time) to include after-hours or weekend support when airfield is open, to perform upper air and surface observations consistent with AFMAN 15-111 and AFMAN 15-124, FMH-3, and IAW 30 SWI 15-101 or supporting OPLANs
  • Perform daily upper air balloon observations at 0000 and 1200 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) every day.
  • Perform weather observations at VSFB Weather Stations during airfield operating hours 24/7 in support of the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC).
  • Support launch operations through nominal launch and/or scrub, and until mission requirements are completed. Ground operations safety requirements, which must be managed through scheduling and staffing, include maximum 12-hour shift with at least 8 hours of rest after 12 hours of work, a maximum of 60 hours per week, a maximum of 14 consecutive calendar days.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

  • A High School Diploma/GED
  • Employees shall have a current Surface Observation certification or have had at least two (2) years of experience with a Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or National Weather Service (NWS) agency in taking, recording, encoding, and disseminating surface observations using Meteorological Aviation Report (METAR) code.
  • Employees shall maintain certification requirements as long as they are employed.
  • Employees must have at least 20/20 vision or visual acuity correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses.
  • Maintain the prescribed observer qualification-training program. covering information on local operating instructions and procedures related to all observing duties, to include surface and upper air observations consistent with AFMAN 15-111, AFMAN 15-124, and FCM-H3-1997, and IAW 30 SWI 15-101 or supporting OPLANs.
  • Pass a closed-book qualification examination and demonstrate that the observer can accomplish a correct observation and meet all transmission schedules. This demonstration must include the use of both primary and backup systems for basic weather watch observations and balloon observations.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance, which includes U.S. citizenship
  • Valid U.S. Driver's License required

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual starting salary for this position is between $35.00 - $40.00 hourly. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Benefits

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, and paid holidays annually.

Compensation Details:

$40.00

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

05/26/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters (https://postings.govdocs.com/#/vxSkbztPuAwwxfs) .