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Aviation Weather Observer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

IAD Ramp Ambassador

Dulles, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

The Observer will perform the requirements below or as directed by the airline. Responsibilities ... During inclement weather, provide an umbrella to each customer and collect it upon entering the ...

IAD Ramp Ambassador

Sterling, VA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

The Observer will perform the requirements below or as directed by the airline. ABM (NYSE: ABM) is ... ABM serves a wide range of market sectors including commercial real estate, aviation, education ...

Aviation Weather Observer information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$38

$60

How much do aviation weather observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation weather observer in Virginia is $38.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $48.61 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Virginia? For Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Aviation Weather Observer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Aviation Weather Observer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,963 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

$71K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
Serves as an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Team Lead at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and is responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).
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Duties
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Performs multiple and varying specialized flight data assignments and provides support to complex air traffic control facilities under limited direction of a manager. Serves as the point of contact in the absence of the Supervisor of the Flight Data Communications Specialists unit.
Relays instrument flight rules (IFR) departure clearances including clearance and control information for satellite, uncontrolled airports and temporary military/civilian airports and special events operations. Relays cancellation of flight plans for satellite and uncontrolled airports to approach controls and ARTCCs. Supports large scale military exercises and military alert responsibilities by entering flight plans, notification procedures, and airspace configuration commands into the NAS. Responsible for the coordination and approval of airspace requests from military units. Tracks all requests and approvals and disseminates data to the appropriate air traffic sectors. Provides flight data processing and communications service for the NAS. Operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans for ARTCC, terminal facilities, flight service stations, general aviation, and air carrier operations.
At the request of Air Traffic Operations Manager in Charge, assists with search and rescue efforts including pilot contact information, Information Requests (INREQs), and Alerts Notices (ALNOTs). Provides manual flight plan processing and coordination during Canadian Automated Air Traffic System (CAATS)/ERAM equipment failures. Amends proposed flight plans when requested. Monitors ERAM for duplicate flight plans and takes appropriate action. Responsible for ensuring the information in Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) is current. Utilizes Traffic Situation Display (TSD)/Departure List Program to aid in processing departure information.
Receives, acknowledges, and/or transmits ICAO alert messages which includes Uncertainty phase (INCERFA), Alert phase (ALERFA) and Distress message (DISTRESFA). Assigns a Departure Transition Area (DTA) to a flight plan when advised. Services as the focal point for weather dissemination and distributes the data to operations and NAS users. Monitors and updates Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and Surface Weather Observation Stations (AWOS) information in ERAM and AIS-R.
Formats and inputs Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRS) into the NOTAM Entry System (NES) as required. Receives, reviews, disseminates and logs newly issued and canceled FDC NOTAMs for interim IFR flight procedures and Temporary Flight Restrictions in accordance with FAA and local orders. Receives, reviews, and disseminates D NOTAMs to underlying or adjacent facilities which may include runway closure, field condition reports and airspace/obstruction NOTAM information.
Trains developmental FDCS in the performance of flight data and data communications system functional responsibilities. Serves as a point of contact for ARTCC national security messages, and designated as Alternate COMSEC Responsible Officer (ACRO), and/or Alternate Classified Information Security Manager (ACISM). Serves as the Training Coordinator (TA) for the Flight Data Unit, recommends certification or additional training when necessary. Reinforces and communicates policies relating to Standards of Conduct and local procedures.
Keeps Flight Data Specialists up-to-date on current and future assignments that will affect the FD unit. Assists managers and other employees to plan and identify resources to accomplish assignments, projects, and other tasks. May approve limited leave and assist with schedule development with guidance from management. Provides information to supervisor concerning personnel needs and training progress of employees. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.

Qualifications
Candidates must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band (FV-F or FG/GS-7/8) that demonstrates knowledge of and skill in the use of FAA Air Traffic Control procedures.
Specialized experience includes experience using NAS computer systems such as the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) system, and Digital Altimeter Setting Indicator (DASI) system; experience operating air traffic control operational computer and flight data equipment; experience amending proposed flight plans for flow control restrictions, Severe Weather Avoidance Plan (SWAP), and Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) restrictions/changes; or experience in positions such as a military or civilian air traffic controller, flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, command center operators (base ops), dispatcher for an air carrier, or as Flight Services Specialist.
Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work involving: (1) Civilian or military aircraft operations work, such as flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, flight engineer or air transport pilot; (2) FAA Certified Dispatcher for an air carrier; (3) Flight Information Expediter involved in determining flight times of airplanes and transmitting information to flight operations and command centers; (4) Civilian or Military Air Traffic Controller; and (5) Flight Data Processor.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
1. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
2. Interviews will be conducted IAW with applicable Agency Policy and/or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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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.
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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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