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Visual Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About You and The Role Does being part of a Flight Operations team in the United States sound exciting to you? How about joining a team of dedicated, detail-oriented operators striving to be the best ...

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Visual Observer information

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$10

$26

$66

How much do visual observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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:

Visual Observer (Contract Opportunity)

Zipline

Greenville, TX

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Posted 2 hours ago


Job description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world's largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world's largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and The Role

Does being part of a Flight Operations team in the United States sound exciting to you? How about joining a team of dedicated, detail-oriented operators striving to be the best in the business?

The Flight Operations team at Zipline is growing, and we're looking for individuals with sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and exceptionally high standards. Success requires a process-minded approach on every flight, safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for using cutting-edge technology to help others.

Zipline believes access to medical care should not depend on your GPS coordinates. We are at the forefront of a logistics revolution, using autonomous aircraft to deliver just-in-time, lifesaving medical supplies on 3 continents around the world (so far), 7 days a week.

What You'll Do
  • Participate in all pre-operational briefings and other required crew activities.
  • Monitors assigned airspace along a flight route prior to launch, during flight and delivery phases of UAS testing.
  • Assists in collision avoidance activities (e.g. identification of non-cooperative traffic and communication with the RPIC), as well as the identification of hazardous weather conditions and other unforeseen hazards (e.g. open air assemblies).
  • Is an advocate for safety!
What You'll Bring
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this role.
  • FAA-issued P107 remote pilot certificate
  • A positive attitude, driven to solve problems and support teammates
  • Must be eligible to work in the US
  • Ability to work in varying weather conditions, outdoors and standing for long/extended periods of time.
  • Both part time and full time opportunities available.
  • Contract length is estimated to be 3 to 6 month time frame.
  • Must be able to pass a background and pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Random drug and alcohol testing is ongoing after initial employment. We screen for the following: Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, and Phencyclidine
  • Day Shift & Night Shift available
What Else You Need to Know
Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.
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!
Please Note

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

We have received reports stating that certain individuals are reaching out to people under false pretenses, claiming to be Zipline employees, affiliates, agents, or representatives. They may seek to gain access to your personal information or to acquire money from you by offering fictitious employment opportunities or by claiming that they are contacting you on Zipline's behalf.

Genuine Zipline employees or representatives will never ask you for money or payment in exchange for employment opportunities or other related services. Any such offer of employment or any other service in exchange for fees that claims to be from us is deceitful and part of a fraud.

If you believe you have been targeted by a fraudulent party, we ask that you immediately get in touch with us via email at security@flyzipline.com upon receiving a suspicious offer or claim.