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Aviation Weather Observer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Weather Observer information

See Oregon salary details

$15

$40

$64

How much do aviation weather observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation weather observer in Oregon is $41.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $51.83 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 are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Oregon? For Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Aviation Weather Observer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,275 per year, or $41 per hour.

Air Traffic Control Specialist - Salem, OR (SLE) with Security Clearance

Serco Inc.

Salem, OR โ€ข On-site

$37.70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications Position Description & Qualifications Are you an Air Traffic Controller looking for a challenging and exciting career? Serco has a great opportunity for you located in Salem, OR! Serco is one of the largest non-government Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) in the world. We deliver air traffic control (ATC) services for small and medium regional airports as well as the largest commercial air hub on the globe. Serco is also the only commercial ANSP to provide all the three ATC disciplines: Terminal Tower, Terminal Approach Control, and Enroute Center. No wonder we are one of the largest non-government employers of Air Traffic Controllers in the world! Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) control air traffic on and within the vicinity of the airport according to established procedures and policies to prevent collisions and minimize delays arising from traffic congestion. They are responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace. What we offer: * The rate of pay for this position is $37.70 per hour. As a member of the Air Traffic Control team, you can expect to: * Answer radio calls from arriving/departing aircraft * Issue landing/takeoff instructions * Issue information such as runway usage, wind velocity/direction, visibility, taxiing instructions, and pertinent data on other aircraft operating in vicinity * Issue air traffic clearances * Perform critical weather observations as a Limited Aviation Weather Reporting Station (LAWRS) observer, and to disseminate timely weather information to pilots, other air traffic control facilities and other users of the National Airspace System. * Transfer and receive control of aircraft * Operate equipment such as: radios, telephones, interphones, computer systems, radar, recording systems, weather equipment, light guns, airport/runway lighting systems, backup equipment, etc. * Alert Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters and other first responders to aircraft experiencing emergency situations * Coordinate with and issue instructions to airport vehicles/personnel * Maintain and disseminate records of daily operations * Perform on-the-job training instructor duties as required Requirements to join the team: * US Citizenship * An FAA Second Class Medical Certificate * A Control Tower Operator (CTO) rating or a Credential with a Tower Rating and 6 months of practical experience in accordance with 14 CFR Part 65.39 * * Note: For Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) who have held a Credential with a Tower Rating, the FAA recognizes they have met the knowledge requirements listed in 14 CFR ยง65.35 and the experience requirements listed in 14 CFR ยง65.39 * Eligibility to work for Serco under Federal Immigration Laws * Verification of education and employment references from previous employers including the release of drug and alcohol records * Passing a pre-employment drug screen * Receiving an FAA Security clearance (interim and final suitability) * Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States Here at Serco, professional development is a top priority. We help our team develop their skills and grow in their careers. If you are an experienced Air Traffic Controller with a prior tower certification or credential who wants to be part of a professional, customer service and safety-oriented organization, please submit your application today! Company Overview Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters. To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email. Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice. Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email . Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Salary range: The hourly amount for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This role is covered by the Service Contract Act. For positions on this contract, we will pay the prevailing wage rate for the location in which the employee is working, as determined by the Department of Labor and the Wage Determination (WD). The wage rate will vary depending on the locality. Additionally, you will receive Health and Welfare Benefits based on the WD for the contract. Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time members receive a limited package tailored to their role): * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract * 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds * Tuition reimbursement program * Life insurance and disability coverage * Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection * Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits * Employee Assistance Plan that includes counseling conditions * Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific contract as well as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or Service Contract Labor Standards. To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us . Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: .