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Weather Observer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Rose Technician

Damascus, MD · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

C. As a Rose Technician it is your responsibility to maintain, install, and observe our rose ... Start/end times change depending on weather conditions Work 40+ hours a week throughout the season ...

Be Seen First

Rose Technician

Damascus, MD · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

C. As a Rose Technician it is your responsibility to maintain, install, and observe our rose ... Start/end times change depending on weather conditions Work 40+ hours a week throughout the season ...

Able to walk or stand for extended periods, able to withstand extremes of weather. Visual ability: Sufficient to observe children, adults and vehicles, to observe traffic and safety violations taking ...

... coaching while parents observe close-by. This role requires strong communication: clear ... Weather-related changes * Facility or field updates * Practice plan adjustments * Any time/location ...

A qualified job candidate must observe all traffic regulations, and be able to plan the best routes ... Staying up-to-date with weather and road conditions * Adjusting routes based on road, traffic, and ...

A qualified job candidate must observe all traffic regulations, and be able to plan the best routes ... Staying up-to-date with weather and road conditions * Adjusting routes based on road, traffic, and ...

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Weather Observer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$22.5K

$57.8K

$117K

How much do weather observer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for weather observer in Washington, DC is $57,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,093.00 and $67,104.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Weather Observer vs Meteorological Technician?

AspectWeather ObserverMeteorological Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in weather observationAssociate's or bachelor's degree in meteorology or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, often in remote or weather-sensitive locationsIndoor and outdoor; may involve equipment maintenance and data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies, weather stations, airportsNational Weather Service, research facilities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Weather Observers primarily focus on collecting weather data through direct observation, often outdoors in various conditions. Meteorological Technicians typically have more advanced education and handle equipment maintenance, data processing, and analysis. Both roles are essential in weather forecasting and often work together within the same organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by weather observers during severe weather events?

Weather Observers often encounter significant challenges during severe weather, such as storms or extreme temperatures. These conditions may require extended hours of observation, quick and accurate data recording, and close attention to safety protocols. Additionally, Weather Observers must communicate rapidly with meteorologists and emergency services to ensure timely dissemination of critical weather information. Adaptability and a calm demeanor are essential to perform effectively under pressure.

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

To thrive as a Weather Observer, you need a solid understanding of meteorological principles, observational techniques, and typically a background in atmospheric sciences or related training. Familiarity with meteorological instruments, data collection systems, and weather reporting software is essential, and certification from organizations like the National Weather Service can be valuable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for accurately recording and reporting weather data. These skills ensure reliable weather observations that are critical for forecasting, safety, and operational decision-making.

What does a weather observer do?

A Weather Observer is responsible for monitoring and recording atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. They use specialized instruments and equipment to collect accurate weather data, which is then reported to meteorological agencies or used for forecasting purposes. Weather Observers may work at airports, weather stations, or other field locations, and their observations are crucial for aviation safety, public warnings, and climate research.

What does a weather observer do?

As a weather observer, your responsibilities are to collect, record, and analyze weather conditions. In this role, you may research information about your observations, predict changes in prevailing conditions, and help decide whether or not to recommend sending out weather warnings. Many weather observers specialize in particular areas, such as supporting the military or local news stations, and specialization can affect your future career options. Weather observation usually requires monitoring conditions at all times, so employers may ask you to work nights, weekends, or holidays as necessary. You may be asked to go out into poor weather to gather information, so the ability to work in the heat, cold, rain, wind, or other environmental conditions as necessary is essential to this job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Weather Observer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Weather Observer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Weather Observer jobs in Washington, DC? For Weather Observer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weather Observer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Weather Observer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Weather Observer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,761 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

$71K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 289 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
Serves as an Air Traffic Assistant/Flight Data Communications Team Lead at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and is responsible for providing flight data processing and communications service for the National Airspace System (NAS).
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Duties
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Performs multiple and varying specialized flight data assignments and provides support to complex air traffic control facilities under limited direction of a manager. Serves as the point of contact in the absence of the Supervisor of the Flight Data Communications Specialists unit.
Relays instrument flight rules (IFR) departure clearances including clearance and control information for satellite, uncontrolled airports and temporary military/civilian airports and special events operations. Relays cancellation of flight plans for satellite and uncontrolled airports to approach controls and ARTCCs. Supports large scale military exercises and military alert responsibilities by entering flight plans, notification procedures, and airspace configuration commands into the NAS. Responsible for the coordination and approval of airspace requests from military units. Tracks all requests and approvals and disseminates data to the appropriate air traffic sectors. Provides flight data processing and communications service for the NAS. Operates and maintains a variety of air traffic operational computer systems. Processes and monitors the input of proposed and active flight plans for ARTCC, terminal facilities, flight service stations, general aviation, and air carrier operations.
At the request of Air Traffic Operations Manager in Charge, assists with search and rescue efforts including pilot contact information, Information Requests (INREQs), and Alerts Notices (ALNOTs). Provides manual flight plan processing and coordination during Canadian Automated Air Traffic System (CAATS)/ERAM equipment failures. Amends proposed flight plans when requested. Monitors ERAM for duplicate flight plans and takes appropriate action. Responsible for ensuring the information in Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) is current. Utilizes Traffic Situation Display (TSD)/Departure List Program to aid in processing departure information.
Receives, acknowledges, and/or transmits ICAO alert messages which includes Uncertainty phase (INCERFA), Alert phase (ALERFA) and Distress message (DISTRESFA). Assigns a Departure Transition Area (DTA) to a flight plan when advised. Services as the focal point for weather dissemination and distributes the data to operations and NAS users. Monitors and updates Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and Surface Weather Observation Stations (AWOS) information in ERAM and AIS-R.
Formats and inputs Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRS) into the NOTAM Entry System (NES) as required. Receives, reviews, disseminates and logs newly issued and canceled FDC NOTAMs for interim IFR flight procedures and Temporary Flight Restrictions in accordance with FAA and local orders. Receives, reviews, and disseminates D NOTAMs to underlying or adjacent facilities which may include runway closure, field condition reports and airspace/obstruction NOTAM information.
Trains developmental FDCS in the performance of flight data and data communications system functional responsibilities. Serves as a point of contact for ARTCC national security messages, and designated as Alternate COMSEC Responsible Officer (ACRO), and/or Alternate Classified Information Security Manager (ACISM). Serves as the Training Coordinator (TA) for the Flight Data Unit, recommends certification or additional training when necessary. Reinforces and communicates policies relating to Standards of Conduct and local procedures.
Keeps Flight Data Specialists up-to-date on current and future assignments that will affect the FD unit. Assists managers and other employees to plan and identify resources to accomplish assignments, projects, and other tasks. May approve limited leave and assist with schedule development with guidance from management. Provides information to supervisor concerning personnel needs and training progress of employees. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.

Qualifications
Candidates must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band (FV-F or FG/GS-7/8) that demonstrates knowledge of and skill in the use of FAA Air Traffic Control procedures.
Specialized experience includes experience using NAS computer systems such as the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) system, and Digital Altimeter Setting Indicator (DASI) system; experience operating air traffic control operational computer and flight data equipment; experience amending proposed flight plans for flow control restrictions, Severe Weather Avoidance Plan (SWAP), and Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) restrictions/changes; or experience in positions such as a military or civilian air traffic controller, flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, command center operators (base ops), dispatcher for an air carrier, or as Flight Services Specialist.
Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work involving: (1) Civilian or military aircraft operations work, such as flight instructor, instrument rated pilot, flight engineer or air transport pilot; (2) FAA Certified Dispatcher for an air carrier; (3) Flight Information Expediter involved in determining flight times of airplanes and transmitting information to flight operations and command centers; (4) Civilian or Military Air Traffic Controller; and (5) Flight Data Processor.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
1. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
2. Interviews will be conducted IAW with applicable Agency Policy and/or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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