1

Control Tower Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Formerly certified in relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional Controller (CPC), Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), Facility Ratings, Control Tower Operator (CTO)) * Past or present ...

Material Handler

Salem, OR

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... control procedures. This position will also perform miscellaneous material handling, as needed ... Physical demands include operating a forklift for an extended period of time each shift and ...

Be familiar with all control systems and operate all lifts using the main drive and auxiliary ... Clear machinery and equipment of ice or other obstructions; included, but not limited to: tower ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Control Tower Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$15

$20

$23

How much do control tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for control tower operator in Oregon is $20.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Control Tower Operator Do?

As a control tower operator or air traffic controller, you coordinate a variety of land and air vehicles in the air, on taxiways, and on runways. In this career, you spend the majority of your work day in the control tower, where you oversee the airplanes and other traffic you control. You are responsible for verifying flight plans, as well as giving takeoff and landing clearance orders to pilots. Control tower operators are regulated and managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as you are responsible for the safety of commercial and private aircraft within the United States and international airspace under U.S. control.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Tower Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Tower Operator, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of air traffic regulations, often requiring completion of specialized FAA training and certification. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and air traffic management software is critical. Excellent communication, stress management, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently in high-pressure environments. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe and orderly movement of aircraft, minimizing risks and delays in air traffic operations.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Control Tower Operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Control Tower Operators often deal with high-pressure situations, such as coordinating multiple incoming and outgoing flights, managing unexpected weather changes, and ensuring clear communication between pilots and ground staff. Staying calm under pressure and being able to prioritize tasks quickly are essential skills. Effective use of technology, following established protocols, and maintaining strong teamwork with other air traffic controllers and airport personnel can help manage these challenges successfully.

What are Control Tower Operators?

Control Tower Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the airspace immediately surrounding an airport. They use radar, radios, and other communication tools to give pilots takeoff and landing instructions, provide weather updates, and coordinate safe aircraft traffic flow. Their role is crucial for ensuring airport operations run safely and efficiently, preventing collisions and minimizing delays. Control Tower Operators must remain alert at all times and be able to make quick decisions in fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Control Tower Operator vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectControl Tower OperatorAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsFAA Control Tower Certification, FCC Radio LicenseFAA Air Traffic Control Certification
Work EnvironmentAirport control towers, ground operationsAirspace, airport towers, en-route sectors
Employer & Industry UsageAirports, airline ground servicesFAA, military, commercial airlines

Control Tower Operators primarily manage ground and airport surface movements, ensuring safety on runways and taxiways. Air Traffic Controllers oversee aircraft in the airspace, managing takeoffs, landings, and en-route traffic. While both roles require FAA certification and work in airport environments, Control Tower Operators focus on ground operations, whereas Air Traffic Controllers handle airborne traffic control.

What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in Oregon? For Control Tower Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Tower Operator jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Control Tower Operator jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Tower Operator jobs in OR? For Control Tower Operator jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Air Traffic Control Specialist - Bend, OR (BDN New Tower Commiss with Security Clearance

Serco Inc.

Redmond, OR

$36.05/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications Position Description & Qualifications Are you an Air Traffic Controller looking for a once-in-a-career opportunity to help bring a brand-new control tower online? Serco is seeking experienced Air Traffic Control Specialists to be part of the founding team for a newly commissioned Federal Contract Tower (FCT) at Bend Municipal Airport in Bend, OR. This is a unique chance to play a critical role in shaping tower operations from the ground up, establishing procedures, building team culture, and supporting the safe integration of a new facility into the National Airspace System. 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) provide the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic within the airport traffic area and movement areas. As a member of theinitial staffing team at Bend, you will contribute directly to the commissioning, operational readiness, and procedural development of a brand-new tower facility. This role offers the professional reward of helping establish operational standards, contributing to training development, and supporting collaborative partnerships during the facility's launch phase. What we offer: * The rate of pay for this position ranges from $36.05 per hour. As a member of the Air Traffic Control team, you can expect to: * Participate in pre-commissioning and operational readiness activities
* 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 * Support safety, compliance, and a strong team culture during facility startup 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 §65.35 and the experience requirements listed in 14 CFR §65.39 * 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 At Serco, professional development is a priority. We support our controllers with training, growth opportunities, and pathways to leadership. If you are an experienced Air Traffic Controller looking to make an impact and be part of something new, we invite you to apply 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: .