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Helicopter Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Once you become a Police Officer there are also multiple assignments offered with premium pay, such as Motorcycle Patrol, Aircraft/Helicopter Pilot, Helicopter Observer Duty, (Field Training Officer ...

Duke Energy Utility Aviation is looking for an experienced Utility Helicopter Pilot to join our ... Assists in the Aviation Safety Management System by submitting observed Hazards/Incidents and ...

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Helicopter Observer information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter observer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter observer in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Helicopter Observer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Observer, you need strong observational skills, spatial awareness, and often experience in law enforcement, military, or emergency services. Familiarity with aerial surveillance equipment, GPS navigation tools, and radio communications is typically required, and certifications like a security clearance or specialized training in aerial operations are often beneficial. Keen attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for accurately collecting information, supporting mission objectives, and ensuring safety during dynamic aerial operations.

What is a Helicopter Observer job?

A Helicopter Observer is responsible for assisting with aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, or monitoring tasks from a helicopter. They may work in law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, or military operations. Their duties include spotting and reporting important details, navigating, and communicating with ground teams. Observers must have strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the typical working conditions and team dynamics like for a Helicopter Observer?

Helicopter Observers usually work in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments, spending long periods in the air and collaborating closely with pilots and ground teams. The role often involves irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, or weekends, especially during search and rescue missions or surveillance operations. Observers must maintain constant communication with the helicopter crew and relay critical information to external teams or command centers. The work is highly teamwork-oriented, and successful observers are adaptable and able to work effectively under changing conditions. Over time, experience in this role can open pathways to supervisory positions or specialized training within aviation or law enforcement agencies.

More about Helicopter Observer jobs
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Observer jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Observer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Observer jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Observer jobs are:
What states have the most Helicopter Observer jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Observer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Helicopter Observer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Public Safety Helicopter Pilot

Public Safety Helicopter Pilot

Broward County Sheriff's Office

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$124K - $175K/yr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Broward County Sheriff's Office rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 36 rated police


Job description

Minimum Requirements High school diploma or equivalent. An evaluation of foreign high school diploma may be required. Must possess and maintain throughout employment, a valid Florida driver license without any restrictions affecting job performance.

Driver license must show current address. All candidates must submit with the application, a Certified Department of Motor Vehicles "entire" driving history. Florida driving histories can be obtained at any courthouse in Broward County.

Three year, 7 year, and online Florida driving history records will not be accepted. If you have possessed a driver's license in any other state in the past 10 years you will need to submit an "entire" driving history from that state. For non-Florida driving histories, please contact that state's division of motor vehicles.

The search date for all driving histories must be within one month of the date the application for employment is received by the Bureau of Human Resources. Driving history records must be attached to the online application. Successful completion of a factory school for the current model and type of aircraft/helicopter operated by the agency preferred.

Flight experience in current model and type of aircraft/helicopter operated by the agency preferred. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. Such experience must be clearly documented for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of a Commercial Pilots License for rotary wing aircraft/helicopter and instrument rated license. FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate. Five hundred (500) flight hours as a pilot-in-command rotorcraft-helicopter.

One hundred (100) flight hours turbine-engine rotorcraft-helicopter preferred. One hundred (100) hours rotorcraft-helicopter night flight time. One hundred fifty (150) hours rotorcraft-helicopter flight time within the previous twelve (12) months preferred.

CFI and CFII Rotorcraft-Helicopter rated preferred; prior law enforcement helicopter experience preferred. Trained and qualified in the use of Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System preferred. Additional licensure, certification, or training will apply to meet and maintain compliance with established regulatory standards from the Federal Aviation Administration Salary: The salary range for the position is $124,369 - $175,000.

Additionally, applicants who are Florida Certified will receive an additional supplement of four percent (4%) and would be FRS Special Risk. Maximum salary including four percent (4%) supplement is $182,000. Nature of Work Under administrative direction, this position performs flight operations within the Aviation Division of the Department of Law Enforcement of the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

Employees in this classification command and operate helicopters during specialized and selective law enforcement activities. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent discretion in addressing emergency situations. Work assignments and instructions are received from an administrative superior who reviews work methods and results through observation, reports and conferences.

Incumbents perform essential class functions as outlined herein according to functional area of assignment. Performs related work as directed. Essential Functions/Physical Requirements The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.

It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Operates rotary wing aircraft in support of criminal searches and apprehensions, search and rescues, surveillance, aerial photography, and daily agency operations.

Operates sophisticated avionics, including moving map systems and HD camera. Assists law enforcement personnel in specialized and selective law enforcement operations and maintain confidentiality concerning all police and agency related matters. Complies with Federal Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Control procedures.

Performs all pre-flight, in-flight and post flight checks in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Maintains all pre-flight and post flight data, i.e., operations logs, aircraft logs, and weather briefings. Conducts detailed flight plans with little notice; ensures proper fueling and operations readiness of aircraft at all times

Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on aircraft and rotor blades. Conduct training flights to enhance air operations, safety, and coordination with other units; performs flight instructor training and safety duties. Maintains current knowledge of local geography and roadway networks.

Employees in this classification are assigned to work shifts which will include weekends, holidays, and extended emergency activation events (i.e. hurricanes). Employees must have the ability to work any shift and engage in flexible work assignments that can include voluntary and/or mandatory overtime to meet agency needs.\ Performs related duties as directed

Tasks involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent discretion in addressing emergency situations. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the dragging, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects, such as in the event of chasing and subduing a suspect resisting arrest. Tasks may involve standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time.

Some tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements including, but not limited to, heat, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, violent behavior, weapons, explosives, animals. Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property. Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Recruitment Information Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks.

Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis. BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

If you encounter issues with your application and need technical assistance, please contact Applicant Support (GovernmentJobs.com) from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday - Friday. You can reach them by phone at 855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. Once you successfully submit your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail

If you do not receive this e-mail, please contact Applicant Support for any inquiries.


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