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Observer Controller Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledgeable in Observer Controller/Trainer functions. * Expertise in Microsoft Office applications. * Knowledge of and experience with Army constructive models and simulations. * Experience ...

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Experience as an observer/controller/evaluator for complex military exercises. Preferred ... Experience building training scenarios tied to advisory, irregular warfare, foreign internal ...

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Observer Controller Trainer information

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$11

$27

$48

How much do observer controller trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for observer controller trainer in the United States is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Observer Controller Trainer typically interact with training units during exercises?

As an Observer Controller Trainer (OCT), you will work closely with training units by observing their operations, providing real-time feedback, and facilitating after-action reviews. This role requires strong communication skills as you guide and mentor participants, ensuring they understand best practices and areas for improvement. OCTs often collaborate with other trainers and leadership to tailor scenarios and maintain training standards, making adaptability and teamwork essential. Your involvement is hands-on and dynamic, often working in field environments to simulate realistic operational conditions.

What are Observer Controller Trainers?

Observer Controller Trainers (OCTs) are experienced military personnel responsible for observing, mentoring, and evaluating units during training exercises. They provide real-time feedback and after-action reviews to help soldiers and units improve their tactics, techniques, and procedures. OCTs play a critical role in ensuring the realism and effectiveness of military training by identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Their expertise helps prepare units for deployment and combat readiness.

What is the difference between Observer Controller Trainer vs Observer Controller?

AspectObserver Controller TrainerObserver Controller
CertificationsTypically requires safety and operational certifications, such as OSHA or industry-specific safety trainingRequires similar safety certifications, often with additional operational or technical licenses
Work EnvironmentInvolves training, supervision, and safety oversight in industrial or construction sitesFocuses on monitoring, controlling, and managing operations in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction, manufacturing, and industrial companies for safety and training rolesEmployed in similar industries for overseeing operational control and safety compliance

The main difference is that the Observer Controller Trainer focuses on training and safety instruction, while the Observer Controller primarily monitors and manages ongoing operations. Both roles require safety certifications and are vital in industrial and construction environments, but their core responsibilities differ in training versus operational oversight.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

An Observer Controller Trainer typically earns more than $3,000 monthly, especially with experience and specialized training skills. Other jobs that can pay this amount without a degree include commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, and certain skilled trades like electricians or HVAC technicians, which often require certifications rather than degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Observer Controller Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Observer Controller Trainer, you need extensive military experience, expert knowledge of training doctrine, and strong instructional abilities, often supported by relevant military certifications. Familiarity with simulation systems, after-action review (AAR) tools, and digital training management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills help you guide, mentor, and assess personnel effectively. These skills ensure training realism, operational readiness, and the professional development of military units.
More about Observer Controller Trainer jobs
Infographic showing various Observer Controller Trainer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 25% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,233 per year, or $27 per hour.

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

CSA is looking for a Training Specialist III to support a program onsite at Grafenwoehr, Germany.


The Training Specialist supports the design, planning, preparation, execution, and recovery of training events for exercises up to and including Combined Joint Task Force level; provides subject matter expertise for the Command and Control, maneuver, Fires, Protection and Sustainment Warfighter functions. The Training Specialist also prepares exercise scenarios, war plans, and orders to support exercises; tests and evaluates computer simulation databases to ensure military operations are accurately displayed; develop assessments input for exercise design, planning, preparation, execution, and after-action review of company through COCOM-level exercises; design, develop, rehearse, and execute academics; and develop and execute AAR products and take-away packages.


For nearly 50 years, CSA has delivered integrated technology and operational support services to meet the defense and federal sector's most complex enterprise needs. Working from operations centers and shipyards to training sites and program offices, CSA deploys experienced teams, innovative tools and proven processes to advance federal missions.


*Onsite/Hybrid/Remote work schedules subject to change based on contract requirements.


How Your Role Will Make an Impact:

  • Develops, coordinate, synchronizes, and delivers scenarios products to include scenario concept, war plans, orders and master scenario event list products to stimulate training. 
  • Develop and execute assessment plan to support exercise training objectives
  • Researches, analyzes, implements and develops specialized training materials to enhance military exercises.
  • Train U.S. and multinational military personnel on specialized areas.
  • Train exercise support personnel how to emulate specialized areas.
  • As required, be prepared to role play U.S. Army, joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and/or multinational individuals.
  • Analyzes and operates simulation and mission command systems.
  • Develops and presents after action materials.
  • Provide input to exercise design and technical planning products.
  • Support set-up, transition, and break down for all training and training support activities pertaining to this task order.
  • Participate in individual training, seminars, conferences, exercise/experiment planning events, site surveys, and exercise and training events and supports the planning and preparation processes and product development as needed.


Requirements

What Sets You Apart:

  • Clearance: Must posses and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret w/SCI
  • Education: Master's degree in a related field and 3 years related experience; OR Bachelor's degree in a related field and 6 years related experience; OR 10 years of related experience.
  • Graduate of CGSC or ILE (MEL 4) or equivalent military schooling
  • Outstanding work ethic and personal integrity.
  • Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to document and update processes.
  • Ability to perform tasks under deadlines.
  • Ability to work with senior Government and Industry leaders.
  • Possess a very high degree of attention to detail.
  • Capable of working at a computer terminal for extended periods.
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts, day or night, for consecutive days up to 4 weeks.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to travel to various locations throughout the USAREUR-AF Theater in Europe and Africa.


What Sets You Apart:

  • Battalion or higher command assignment, or equivalent service command or FA57 assignment.
  • Experience executing Mission Command training at battalion level or higher.
  • Knowledge of planning and executing large training events and how to use the Joint Event Life Cycle (JELC) to support customer training requirements.
  • Knowledgeable on U.S. Army, Joint and NATO Doctrine.
  • Ability to write Battalion and higher Operations Orders IAW Army, Joint or NATO doctrine.
  • Knowledgeable in Observer Controller/Trainer functions.
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Knowledge of and experience with Army constructive models and simulations.
  • Experience controlling medium to large unit training events and operations for MTC or similar organizations.
  • Knowledge of virtual training simulators, constructive simulations, and Army Games for Training.
  • Familiarity with Army Mission Command Systems/Platforms.

Physical Requirements:


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Sit for extended periods of time and work at a computer workstation
  • Use hands and fingers to operate keyboards, mice, and other input devices
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Specific vision abilities required may include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust
  • Stand, walk, bend, or reach; Access equipment located in data centers, offices, or under desks
  • Lift and/or move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).