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Helicopter Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Weather Observer

Charleston, SC

$81K - $100K/yr

... helicopter briefs, visual flight rules briefs, WEAX, and recreational safety weather briefs ... a qualified weather observer for surface observations including two (2) years at an aviation ...

Immediately intervene when safety hazards are observed * Conduct employee task training * Develop ... A minimum of 2 years managing helicopter and fixed wing operations * A minimum of 1 year working ...

Travel to work sites via marine or helicopter transport as required. * Provide account manager support via phone and email. * Complete preventative maintenance on department equipment. * Observe and ...

Immediately intervene when safety hazards are observed * Conduct employee task training * Develop ... A minimum of 2 years managing helicopter and fixed wing operations * A minimum of 1 year working ...

Travel Flight Nurse

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$31.15 - $38.07/hr

From the unique vantage point of a helicopter, you'll enjoy breathtaking views, enhancing the ... visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical ...

Travel to work sites via marine or helicopter transport as required. * Provide account manager support via phone and email. * Complete preventative maintenance on department equipment. * Observe and ...

Travel to work sites via marine or helicopter transport as required. * Provide account manager support via phone and email. * Complete preventative maintenance on department equipment. * Observe and ...

From the unique vantage point of a helicopter, you'll enjoy breathtaking views, enhancing the ... visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical ...

From the unique vantage point of a helicopter, you'll enjoy breathtaking views, enhancing the ... visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical ...

Travel Flight Nurse

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$31.15 - $38.07/hr

From the unique vantage point of a helicopter, you'll enjoy breathtaking views, enhancing the ... visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical ...

Power Generation Tech

Broussard, LA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Travel to work sites via marine or helicopter transport as required. * Provide account manager support via phone and email. * Complete preventative maintenance on department equipment. * Observe and ...

From the unique vantage point of a helicopter, you'll enjoy breathtaking views, enhancing the ... visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical ...

Showing results 21-40

Helicopter Observer information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter observer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 is a helicopter observer?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter observer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT (TITLE 32) with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Decatur, IL • On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties As a HELICOPTER PILOT (TITLE 32), GS-2181-11/12, you will pilot Utility Helicopters (UH-60V) in support of the missions and functions of the geographical area. Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list: * Conduct reconnaissance and observation flights. * Provide transportation of cargo and transporting passengers, among a variety of familiar destinations * Routinely operate with short takeoffs and landing capability, in all types of weather, day, and night over a variety of terrains and open bodies of water. * Serve as a member of a board pertaining to aviation accidents, flight evaluation, collateral investigations, standardization, and federal recognition. * Conduct test flights and checks all systems in connection with maintenance actions and take necessary action to correct malfunctions * Conduct flight checks following repairs, maintenance, or installation of approved aircraft system modifications. * Perform maintenance operation checks (MOCs) and general test flights of aircraft to ensure airworthiness upon completion of extensive disassembly for maintenance, repair or replacement of components or aircraft systems. * Perform general test flights of aircraft upon completion of extensive disassembly, reassembly, and maintenance, repair, or replacement of parts where tests cannot determine the safe and or proper functioning of aircraft components or systems. * Participate in all-weather search and rescue operations utilizing a thorough knowledge of the terrain features of the geographical area. * Provide training and evaluating pilots at the lower level. * Operate from various types of landing strips which may be isolate or restricted in size. * Versed in advanced flight techniques such as flying outside of the recommended weight/velocity profile, close formation flying, operating at night in all weather conditions. Requirements Conditions of employment * IAW The Fair Chance Act, Agency employees may not request criminal history information at the point of initial application, upon receipt of an application, or prior to, during or after a job interview. If an Optional Form (OF) 306, Declaration of Employment is submitted prior to the point of a conditional offer, questions related to background information section may not be asked. * This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the Illinois National Guard and in the military grade listed in the announcement. This is required prior to the effective date of placement. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. * Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. * Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. * Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. * Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. * May be required to successfully complete a trial period. * This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. * Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day. * Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. * May be subject to uncommon tours of duty, rotational shift assignments and compensation and/or overtime duty. * May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments. * This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. * Must possess and continue to maintain a US Army Class II Flight Physical. * Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. Must provide copy of certifications with application. Qualifications AREA OF CONSIDERATION: The area of consideration for this position, Title 32 Excepted Service (32 U.S. Code § 709), will be in the following manner and sequence: * The area of consideration for this position will be all excepted permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG. Military Grades: OFFICER ONLY - may not exceed rank of MAJ. MANDATORY REQUIREMENT: MUST possess Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. MUST SUBMIT CERTIFICATION. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : GS-12 Level - MUST possess at least one-year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level. Must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating UH-60V, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experience in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experience in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experience in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experience in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experience in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experience in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. GS-11 Level - MUST possess at least one-year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level. Must have competencies in operating UH-60V, mission planning, and mission preparation. Competence to review and analyze mission tasks, intelligence, and weather information. Experience in supervising and/or filing of flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experience includes aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experience in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations, surveillance, and/or reconnaissance. Skill to conduct training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experience may include developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Experience in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experience in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position. Education You must meet the following education requirements to qualify for this position: High school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. You must provide official transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position. Additional information * If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered, or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ). * If you are needing some extra information regarding Federal Resumes, you should consider these tips from USA Jobs: .

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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