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Visual Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zipline

Visual Observer Dallas

Dallas, TX · On-site

$22/hr

Own visual observation for assigned flights from pre-launch through handoff/recovery and until the aircraft is secured; maintain continuous, unaided line-of-sight of the aircraft and surrounding ...

NorthShore

Patient Safety Observer - Nights

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $23.85/hr

Maintains visual observation of patient at all times, either monitoring at the bedside within an arm's length of assigned patient or using video monitors in the virtual patient observation unit.

Moffitt

PATIENT OBSERVER PRN

Long Beach, CA · Remote

$16.75/hr

Observation may include more than one patient at a time at the remote visual monitoring station. The Patient Observer must be able to clearly see all patients for which he/she is responsible at all ...

Moffitt

PATIENT OBSERVER PRN

Long Beach, CA · Remote

$16.75/hr

Observation may include more than one patient at a time at the remote visual monitoring station. The Patient Observer must be able to clearly see all patients for which he/she is responsible at all ...

MSCCN

UAS Pilot II/I - Kenner, LA

Kenner, LA · On-site

Job Duties/Responsibilities Safely and securely pilot Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), act as a Visual Observer (VO), or Sensor Operator (SO) in accordance with federal, state, and local laws as well ...

Samaritanhealth

VISUAL OBSERVATIONS STAFF

Watertown, NY

$16 - $24.75/hr

Ability to successfully complete the self-learning modules related to Visual Observation Staff (VOS) responsibilities. * May require Medium to heavy lifting at times. * Applicants must be able to ...

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Visual Observer information

See salary details

$10

$26

$66

How much do visual observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual observer in the United States is $26.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are visual observers and what do they do?

Visual observers are individuals who assist drone pilots by maintaining a visual line of sight with the drone during flight operations. Their main role is to help ensure the safety of the flight by spotting potential hazards, such as other aircraft, people, or obstacles, and communicating these to the remote pilot. Visual observers are especially important in operations where the drone may be flying beyond the pilot's direct view, such as in complex or extended operations. They work as part of a team to comply with regulations and enhance situational awareness. In many cases, their presence is required by aviation authorities like the FAA to maintain safe drone operations.

What are some common challenges Visual Observers face when supporting drone operations, and how can they be managed?

Visual Observers often face challenges such as maintaining constant situational awareness, communicating clearly with remote pilots, and adapting to changing weather or lighting conditions. Staying alert for extended periods and scanning for potential hazards, such as other aircraft or obstacles, can be demanding. Effective teamwork, regular communication, and practicing standard procedures help address these challenges and ensure the safety and success of drone missions.

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

To thrive as a Visual Observer, you need keen observational skills, situational awareness, and a thorough understanding of relevant aviation regulations, often supported by completion of FAA training or Part 107 certification. Familiarity with flight planning software, two-way radios, and drone operation systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork help Visual Observers effectively coordinate with Remote Pilots and maintain safety. These skills ensure compliance with safety protocols and help prevent accidents during drone operations.

What is the difference between Visual Observer vs Signal Person?

AspectVisual ObserverSignal Person
CertificationsOften requires OSHA or industry-specific safety trainingRequires OSHA or industry-specific safety training, including hand signals
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, crane operations, or outdoor workConstruction sites, crane operations, or outdoor work
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, crane, and rigging industriesCommonly used in crane operations, construction, and heavy equipment work
Primary RoleTo observe and communicate hazards visuallyTo communicate signals to crane operators or equipment operators

Both Visual Observers and Signal Persons work in construction and crane environments, often requiring safety training. While Visual Observers focus on hazard detection and communication, Signal Persons primarily give hand signals to guide equipment operators. Understanding these roles helps ensure safety and efficiency on job sites.

More about Visual Observer jobs
What cities are hiring for Visual Observer jobs? Cities with the most Visual Observer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Observer jobs? The most popular types of Visual Observer jobs are:
What states have the most Visual Observer jobs? States with the most job openings for Visual Observer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Visual Observer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Observer jobs are:
Visual Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Observer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,759 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Visual Observer Dallas

Visual Observer Dallas

Zipline

Dallas, TX • On-site

$22/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About You and The Role

You will join Zipline's Flight Operations team as a Visual Observer based in Dallas, supporting safe, repeatable autonomous aircraft operations that deliver medical supplies. This role exists to ensure public and crew safety during launches, flights, and deliveries by detecting, reporting, and mitigating airborne or ground-based hazards. You'll operate at outdoor field sites supporting scheduled and test flights, working on a crew with Fleet Command (RPIC) and other operators. Your work directly enables Zipline's mission to provide reliable, lifesaving logistics under real-world weather, traffic, and community conditions.

What You'll Do
  • Own visual observation for assigned flights from pre-launch through handoff/recovery and until the aircraft is secured; maintain continuous, unaided line-of-sight of the aircraft and surrounding airspace.
  • Detect and call out non-cooperative air traffic, people, vehicles, wildlife, and surface hazards; initiate escalation and immediate mitigations per crew procedures and stop operations when required.
  • Monitor and report hazardous weather, smoke, or environmental conditions that affect launch/recovery; provide concise go/nogo inputs to the RPIC and site lead.
  • Conduct and record preoperational site checks per checklist; verify clear launch/recovery corridors, markings, and safety equipment before each flight.
  • Communicate realtime observations and coordinate with RPIC, site lead, and crew during briefings and dynamic events using standard radio/hand signals and logs.
  • Complete incident reports, flight logs, and postflight safety documentation accurately and on time; support safety reviews and corrective actions to reduce repeat occurrences.
  • Execute routine site setup and teardown tasks during shifts, including deployment of visual markers and safety barriers, and maintain site readiness for operations.
  • Maintain operational readiness for day, night, and weekend shifts; participate in recurrent training, competency checks, and any required regulatory training.
What You'll Bring
  • Required: Must be 18+ and able to pass background and preemployment drug/alcohol screening and ongoing random testing.
  • Required: Availability for assigned day, night, and weekend shifts at the Dallas site; both part-time and full-time schedules considered. Contract length ~3-6 months as-stated by the hiring manager.
  • Required: Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in varying weather (heat, rain, wind); able to stand and visually scan for entire shifts and perform repetitive, safetycritical tasks.
  • Required: Clear, calm radio and facetoface communication under operational stress; English fluency for safetycritical exchanges.
  • Required: Ability to enforce safety rules with the public and crew and to make decisive hazard calls during operations.
  • Preferred: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or prior UAS/aviation experience; candidates without Part 107 will complete Zipline's training and competency checks as required for the role.
  • Working constraints: Onsite work at Austin launch/recovery sites with occasional schedule changes due to weather or flight demand; reliable local transport to assigned sites during shift windows.
  • Measurable success outcomes: timely and accurate hazard detection and reporting, zero preventable airspace incursions during assigned shifts, 100% completion of required checklists and incident documentation, and consistent shift attendance and readiness.
What Else You Need To Know
Please Note

The starting pay for this role is $22/ hour. 

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!

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