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Temporary Radar Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

These systems range from field-deployed observation infrastructure (e.g., ASOS, radar networks ... Plans for deployment/management of temporary or mobile capabilities during system cutover.

These systems range from field-deployed observation infrastructure (e.g., ASOS, radar networks ... Plans for deployment/management of temporary or mobile capabilities during system cutover.

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Temporary Radar Observer information

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$5

$34

$41

How much do temporary radar observer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary radar observer in the United States is $34.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $40.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Radar Observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Radar Observer, you need a solid understanding of radar technology, spatial awareness, and typically a relevant technical or military background. Familiarity with radar display systems, communication equipment, and, in some cases, certifications in radar operation are commonly required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for accurately monitoring and interpreting radar data to ensure safety and support operational objectives in dynamic environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Temporary Radar Observers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Temporary Radar Observers often work in fast-paced environments where rapid decision-making and constant attention to detail are essential. They may face challenges such as interpreting complex radar data quickly, managing high workloads during peak periods, and maintaining communication with multiple teams simultaneously. Effective time management, strong situational awareness, and ongoing training in radar technologies can help observers handle these demands. Additionally, clear communication and teamwork with supervisors and other observers are crucial for ensuring safety and accuracy in operations.

What are Temporary Radar Observers?

Temporary Radar Observers are individuals hired on a short-term basis to monitor and interpret radar data, typically for purposes such as maritime navigation, air traffic control, or scientific research. Their main responsibility is to detect, track, and report the movement of vessels or aircraft using radar systems. These positions are often seasonal or project-based, requiring specialized training in radar technology and keen attention to detail. Temporary Radar Observers play a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency by providing real-time information to relevant authorities or teams.

What is the difference between Temporary Radar Observer vs Radar Technician?

AspectTemporary Radar ObserverRadar Technician
Required CertificationsFAA certifications, radar operation trainingFAA certifications, radar system maintenance training
Work EnvironmentAirports, radar stations, outdoor environmentsRadar facilities, maintenance workshops, technical labs
Employer & Industry UsageAir traffic control, aviation industryDefense, aviation, transportation sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Temporary Radar Observers primarily monitor radar screens and assist in air traffic control, focusing on observation and reporting. Radar Technicians, on the other hand, perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of radar systems. Both roles require FAA certifications and work in similar environments, but Radar Technicians have a more technical and maintenance-oriented focus, while Temporary Radar Observers concentrate on observation and communication tasks.

What cities are hiring for Temporary Radar Observer jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Radar Observer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Radar Observer jobs? The most popular types of Radar Observer jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Radar Observer jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Radar Observer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Radar Observer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, and 86% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $72,187 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
Relief Marine Deck - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

Relief Marine Deck - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

University of Alaska

Seward, AK โ€ข On-site

Temporary

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

R/V Sikuliaq, pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk], is a 261-foot oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-choked waters of Alaska and the polar regions. Sikuliaq, one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world, is able to break ice up to 2.5 feet thick. Constructed in Marinette, Wisconsin, Sikuliaq is homeported in Seward, Alaska, at UAF's Seward Marine Center.
We are currently accepting applications for temporary relief crewmembers in the Deck Department, including 2nd Mate, 3rd Mate, and AB (-Special or higher). The temporary reliefs will fill in when the regular crew are on shore. Applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
Applicants should possess the following:
2nd Mate:
Knowledge of chart plotters, GPS, GMDSS, radar, celestial or terrestrial fixes, navigational aids, ships logs and records. Ability to steer correct courses, and maneuver ships. Ability to ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed. Advanced knowledge or navigation and weather routing is required. Knowledge of and ability to interpret regulations from the following: U.S. Coast Guard, National Science Foundation, UNOLS and UAF, 33CFR, 46 CFR, SOLAS, IMO, and MARPOL.
3rd Mate:
Knowledge of chart plotters, GPS, GMDSS, radar, celestial or terrestrial fixes, navigational aids, ships logs and records. Ability to steer correct courses, and maneuver ships. Ability to ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed. Knowledge of shipboard safety systems and equipment. Knowledge of and ability to interpret regulations from the following: U.S. Coast Guard, National Science Foundation, UNOLS and UAF, 33CFR, 46 CFR, SOLAS, IMO, and MARPOL.
AB Special (or higher):
Advanced and pertinent knowledge and experience with safely over-boarding and recovering equipment at sea. Advanced deck equipment skills: crane, winch, davit and small boat launch, recovery and operation. Knowledge of life raft equipment and able to assume the duties of the cox'n or man in charge of the life raft or rescue boat. Experience in preventive maintenance of deck equipment, ship maintenance and upkeep, proper methods of prep/paint work, inventory of painting and preservation equipment. Line handling and warping during berthing and departing movement of vessels; rigging and handling of deck equipment and supplies. Small boat handling, proficiency as a rigger, loads and rigging/un-rigging ladders, brows, and gangways. Ability to create electronic documents and inventory spreadsheets. Stand navigation bridge watches at helm and lookout, and in port security watches. Adaptability to apply knowledge and skill to perform other mission-related duties as assigned, including duties related to the safety of the vessel and personnel. Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with all vessel and visiting personnel.
Minimum Qualifications:
2nd Mate: One year of experience as 3rd Mate on unlimited tonnage vessels. Prefer experience on research vessels, vessels with azimuthing thrusters, and dynamic positioning systems.
3rd Mate: One year of experience as AB or 3M on unlimited tonnage vessels. Prefer experience on research vessels, vessels with azimuthing thrusters, and dynamic positioning systems.
AB Special or higher: Prefer prior experience as an AB on vessels where deploying and retrieving gear over the side is routinely required. Graduation from a maritime academy with a license of 3M unlimited may be substituted for previous AB experience.
Applicants must have a U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) endorsed for qualified rating that is being applied for: 2nd Mate: Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans with endorsements of Radar Observer Unlimited, GMDSS, VI/1, VI/2, VI/3, VI/4, VI/6. STCW Rating I/2, II/1 II/3.
3rd Mate: Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans with endorsements of Radar Observer Unlimited, GMDSS, VI/1, VI/2, VI/3, VI/4, VI/6. STCW Rating I/2, II/1 II/3.
Able Seafarer: -Special (or higher) and RFPNW endorsements; Rating: I/2, II/4, VI/1, VI/6, I/9.
The following unexpired documents are also required for ALL applicants: U.S. Passport, TWIC card, unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical certification, and a valid drivers license. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.
Position Details:
New hires will be placed on the UA Temporary Salary Schedule , Grade 77 (AB), Grade 80 (3rd Mate), or Grade 81 (2nd Mate), based on education and experience.
This is a pooled position and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include the following documents with your application:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • The names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references
  • Copy of your MMC (all pages)
  • Copy of your TWIC card
  • Copy of your USCG Medical Certificate
  • Copy of your passport

  • If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Walters, Sikuliaq's HR Coordinator, at skwalters@alaska.edu.
    *To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
    The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.
    The University of Alaska ( www.alaska.edu ) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination ( www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination ) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
    The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
    Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
    * Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
    Access to the reports is available at:
    UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety . Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu .
    UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf . Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu .
    UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf . Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu .

    University of Alaska logo

    About University of Alaska

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    The University of Alaska is a prominent player in the education industry, located in Fairbanks, AK, US. Established in 1917, it is a well-known public research university providing a range of academic programs in various spheres like research, arts, technology, and natural sciences. As part of the broader University of Alaska System, the institution thrives in fulfilling its central mission - to inspire learning and to advance and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples.

    Industry

    Colleges, universities, and professional schools

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Fairbanks, AK, US

    Year founded

    1917

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