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Civilian Radio Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$33.36 - $38.92/hr

You will use personal computers, telephone, radio, and dispatching equipment in the performance of ... to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. * Males born ...

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Senior AI Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$180K - $210K/yr

The platform integrates software-defined radio (SDR) technologies, edge AI, distributed systems ... Design resilient distributed processing frameworks capable of operating under degraded ...

The platform integrates software-defined radio (SDR) technologies, edge AI, distributed systems ... Design resilient distributed processing frameworks capable of operating under degraded ...

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Civilian Radio Operator information

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$12

$23

$39

How much do civilian radio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for civilian radio operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get into radio with no experience?

To become a civilian radio operator with no experience, start by learning basic radio communication protocols and terminology. Obtain relevant certifications such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License if applicable, and gain hands-on experience through volunteer roles or training programs to build skills and familiarity with radio equipment.

How much does a 0621 field radio operator make?

A 0621 field radio operator, a military occupational specialty, typically earns a salary comparable to military pay grades, which range from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 annually depending on experience, rank, and duty station. They often require specialized communication skills and security clearances, and may receive additional allowances for deployment or hazardous duty.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Civilian Radio Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civilian Radio Operator, you need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of radio transmission protocols, often backed by a relevant certification such as an FCC Radio Operator License. Familiarity with radio equipment, digital and analog communication systems, and logging software is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills for this position. These strengths are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable communication, especially in environments where safety and coordination are paramount.

What qualifications do I need to work at a radio station?

To work as a civilian radio operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in radio communications. Certification from relevant authorities, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, is often required, and strong communication skills and familiarity with radio equipment are essential.

How do I become a radio operator?

To become a civilian radio operator, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification in radio communications, which may include courses on radio operation, safety, and regulations. Some positions require a background in electronics or communication technology, and obtaining a license or certification from a recognized authority can be beneficial. Experience with radio equipment and good communication skills are also important for this role.

What does a typical workday look like for a Civilian Radio Operator?

A typical day for a Civilian Radio Operator involves monitoring radio frequencies, transmitting and receiving messages, and maintaining detailed communication logs. You will coordinate information between various departments, respond to routine and urgent calls, and sometimes troubleshoot equipment issues. Operators often work in structured shifts within team environments, ensuring 24/7 coverage, especially in transportation, emergency services, or maritime sectors. Collaboration with supervisors, field personnel, and technical staff is common, and staying alert and organized is key to handling fast-paced situations effectively.

What is a Civilian Radio Operator job?

A Civilian Radio Operator is responsible for managing radio communications for public safety, emergency services, or other government agencies. They monitor and relay messages between field personnel, dispatchers, and command centers to ensure efficient operations. Their duties may include operating radio equipment, maintaining communication logs, and following protocols for emergency situations. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Civilian Radio Operators are often employed by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, or other public service organizations.

What cities are hiring for Civilian Radio Operator jobs? Cities with the most Civilian Radio Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Civilian Radio Operator jobs? The most popular types of Civilian Radio Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Civilian Radio Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Civilian Radio Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Civilian Radio Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
CRANE OPERATOR

$33.14 - $38.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a CRANE OPERATOR in the PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION of NAVFAC SOUTHWEST.
This position is being recruited for the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and may subsequently be realigned under the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • You will use load charts to determine crane's lifting capacity in relation to the position of the boom and to compensate for variations in a crane's lifting capacity.
  • You will complete operator's daily checklist to document pre and post crane inspections.
  • You will work from hand, radio and other approved types of signals to position items where is there restricted maneuverability.
  • You will operate multiple types of hydraulic boon cranes to load, unload, move and position heavy material and equipment.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) class A/B.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current valid United States driver's license.
  • This position requires successful completion of all required Navy Crane Center (NCC) courses.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • You may be required to obtain certification for moving/loading ammunition.
  • You must obtain necessary authorization(s), certifications, and/or licenses to operate assigned crane(s) and any other construction equipment to which assigned.
  • You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift.
  • This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.

Qualifications
Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below.
This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The Screen-out Element for this position is: ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF THE POSITION WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION. Your resume must show that you have the ability to perform common tasks including: (1) Working under close supervision, operating mobile, boom, truck mounted cranes to lift and move loads where maneuverability is not a factor; (2) Executing simple lifts and maneuvers in accordance with commercially accepted safe rigging practices; (3) Performing operator inspection of cranes; and (4) Being familiar with-standard hand signals for crane operation.
Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations. Additional qualification information can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=List-of-Approved-Job-Elements
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
During the application process you will have the ability to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions in the local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job requirements (e.g., security clearance, travel, drug testing, financial disclosure filing, bargaining unit status, etc.) may vary. Other hiring managers filling similar positions may offer relocation expense reimbursement and/or may offer recruitment incentives for new employees, depending on funding availability and in accordance with policy. If you opt-in and are referred on a certificate, your resume will be available to other hiring managers for 180-days from the date the job announcement closes. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf
ICTAP Applicants: To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a rating in the highly qualified category (score 85) or higher. ICTAP candidates must provide copies of all of the following documentation at the time of application: 1) agency notice; 2) most recent performance appraisal; and 3) most recent SF-50 or notification of personnel action that includes position, grade level, and duty location. Applicants who do not provide this documentation will not receive consideration as an ICTAP candidate. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/ictap/
Military Spouse Preference applicants will receive priority consideration at the Full Performance Level (FPL) and if determined to be Best Qualified at the FPL, and selected, must be placed at the FPL. A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.
PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation.
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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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