How to hire a field observer

How to hire a field observer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step field observer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a field observer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new field observer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a field observer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a field observer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a field observer that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of field observers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Field Observer	Description	Hourly rate
   Field Observer	Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources, such as minerals, oil, and natural gas.	$11-33
   Data Technician	A data technician is responsible for handling the company's data management systems and ensuring the safety and security of the stored information. Data technicians write data reports, retrieve necessary information, and dispose of outdated data properly according to the company's guidelines... Show more	$12-32
   Summer School Teacher	A Summer School Teacher is a teacher who works during the summer period. They develop and implement schemes of work and lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives... Show more	$17-36

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Mathematics
   • Grade Class
   • Classroom Management

   Responsibilities:

   • Assist in taking patient medical history and managing clinical patients and participate in medical team discussions regarding patient treatment plans.
   • Acquire hand to hand combat and defense techniques used solely for the purpose of last resort when all else fails.
   • Establish and maintain appropriate systems to monitor, evaluate and report on all operational activities including logistics and program implementation.
   • Familiarize myself with immunization schedule, coding for pediatrics.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your field observer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A field observer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, field observers' average salary in colorado is 48% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field observers 67% less than senior-level field observers.
   • Certifications. A field observer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a field observer's salary.

   Average field observer salary

   $40,890yearly

   $19.66 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level field observer salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a field observer job description

   A good field observer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a field observer job description:

   Field observer job description example

   **Job Summary**
   
   **At AECOM, we're delivering a better world.**
   
   We believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it's improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.
   
   Our clients trust us to bring together the best people, ideas, technical expertise and digital solutions to our work in transportation, buildings, water, the environment and new energy. We're one global team - over 50,000 strong - driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world.
   
   Enterprise Capabilities is a service-led organization within AECOM, enabling access to a global talent pool. With offices in India, China, Spain, Poland, Romania, South Africa and the Philippines, our teams of technical professionals provide around the clock project support assisting AECOM teams around the world to deliver faster, smarter and better. Enterprise Capabilities supports AECOM's ability to work as one global team by standardizing design processes, deploying collaboration technologies, and utilizing a connected network of technical expertise. By joining Enterprise Capabilities, you will have the unique opportunity to work on AECOM's monumental projects located around the world, contributing to our purpose of delivering a better world.
   
   **AECOM** is seeking a Field Observer to be based in Denver, CO
   
   **Job Summary/Responsibilities**
   
   A field observer is a member of the ALSLR construction management Team that acts as the quality assurance for the Program's Management. In this role, the field observer's roles and responsibilities include:
   
   * Conduct themselves with professionalism and composure to interact with client customers while representing the client.
   
   * Work frequently with the public to successful complete tasks.
   
   * Document all work being performed by the Contractor using electronic forms.
   
   * Notify Field Supervisor of any concerns or problems encountered in the field.
   
   * Take measurements to calculate quantities for the work being performed by the Contractor.
   
   * Conduct and coordinate meetings with client customers.
   
   * Able to enter confined spaces (crawls spaces) to inspect water service line connections made by the Contractor.
   
   * Critically think and problem solve to resolve issues that arise from work.
   
   * Utilize air monitoring equipment for personnel safety.
   
   * Review and understand contract documents and specifications for the work being performed.
   
   * Provide clear and concise communications to the Contractor and Construction Management Team.
   
   * Responsible for monitoring conformance of quality, performance, specifications, contract documents, and/or code requirements by performing inspection duties.
   
   * Perform daily field observations and maintains observation records.
   
   * Participate in and create punch lists of work performed.
   
   * Drive in and between various neighborhoods where work is performed.
   
   * Review and disseminate contractor's work schedules.
   
   Physical Demands of Position:
   
   * Occasional work weeks exceeding standard 40 hours.
   
   * Minimal, but possible, off hour work (i.e., Nights and Weekends), to address emergencies.
   
   * Ability to stand and walk for several hours per day (minimal sitting / desk time).
   
   * Ability to climb or crawl to inspect low/high points or enter crawl spaces or basements.
   
   * Ability to frequently lift objects of 10+lbs and/or move up to 50lbs.
   
   * Ability to pass random drug test.
   
   Work Environment:
   
   * Routinely working in work truck/in field to review, complete, and submit daily reports through electronic forms.
   
   * Working near construction equipment.
   
   * Exposure to hot, cold, and wet conditions, fumes or airborne particles related to construction activities.
   
   * High noise levels requiring hearing protection.
   
   **Minimum Requirements**
   
   * HS + 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
   
   * Ability to drive and maintain a company vehicle.
   
   * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Adobe or PDF X-change.
   
   **Preferred Qualifications**
   
   * Previous experience in public works or private utility inspection.
   
   * ICC Plumbing Inspection Certified (P1 and/or P2) or ability obtain within 3 months of hire.
   
   **Additional Information**
   
   * This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization.
   
   * Relocation is not available for this position
   
   * Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location.
   
   * The hourly salary range is $23-39
   
   * AECOM is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D and disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, retirement benefits, voluntary benefits, perks, wellness
   
   **What We Offer**
   
   We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you're working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion - a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients. We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business. We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career. When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts - planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers - leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let's get started. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.
   
   **Job Category** Quality Assurance / Quality Controls
   
   **Business Line** Water
   
   **Business Group** Design and Consulting Services Group (DCS)
   
   **Stategic Business Unit** West
   
   **Country** United States of America
   
   **Position Status** Full Time
   
   **Requisition/Vacancy No.** 274835BR
   
   **Virtual:** No
   
   Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find field observers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your field observer job on Zippia to find and recruit field observer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit field observers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new field observer

   Once you've found the field observer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new field observer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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