Post job

How to hire a flight communications specialist

Flight communications specialist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring flight communications specialists in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a flight communications specialist is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new flight communications specialist to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a flight communications specialist, step by step

To hire a flight communications specialist, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a flight communications specialist:

Here's a step-by-step flight communications specialist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a flight communications specialist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new flight communications specialist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
jobs
Post a flight communications specialist job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The flight communications specialist hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A flight communications specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, flight communications specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents flight communications specialist salaries for various positions.

    Type of Flight Communications SpecialistDescriptionHourly rate
    Flight Communications Specialist$12-45
    Communications OperatorA communications operator is responsible for receiving incoming calls from customers and clients and transferring them to the appropriate department for their needs and concerns. Communications operators perform administrative duties, such as organizing directory, updating customers' information on the database, and pulling-up reports... Show more$11-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • FAA
    • Emergency Operations
    • In-Flight
    • Flight Operations
    • EMS
    • CAD
    • Helicopter
    • Ambulances
    • Flight Line
    • Customer Service
    • GPS
    • Patient Transport
    • Secret Security Clearance
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage 39 asset ADPE account worth $22k.
    • Monitor security surveillance at BDOC and TASS as well as dispatched units and run safety drills.
    • Dispatch emergent and non emergent ambulances to specific locations.
    • Demonstrate a working knowledge of joint service CSAR tactics, techniques, and procedures.
    • Manage 39 asset ADPE account worth $22k.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your flight communications specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A flight communications specialist salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, flight communications specialists' average salary in wyoming is 44% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level flight communications specialists earn 74% less than senior-level flight communications specialists.
    • Certifications. A flight communications specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a flight communications specialist's salary.

    Average flight communications specialist salary

    $49,414yearly

    $23.76 hourly rate

    Entry-level flight communications specialist salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 23, 2026
  4. Writing a flight communications specialist job description

    A flight communications specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a flight communications specialist job description:

    Flight communications specialist job description example

    • Maintains current status of local weather conditions and weather trends as they influence mission support.
    • Communicates with the TARS Control Center, Meteorological Forecast Facilities, and other Government agencies as appropriate.
    • Makes significant event and data entries in the mission flight log.
    • Prepares and maintains the flight system weight logs and the weight and balance records for the operational aerostat.
    • Maintains cognizance of system performance.
    • Conducts routine aerostat performance computations as necessary to acquire data results relative to aerostat system state-of-health trends.
    • Determines when helium addition is required and computes the quantity to be added.
    • Keeps and provides reports of on-hand helium assets and helium usage.
    • Evaluates aerostat lift and purity trends. Reports any unusual trends to management and recommends remedial action.
    • Provides supervision for the flight operations and maintenance crew during assigned shift.
    • May serve as the Site Manager in his/her absence.
    • Ensures that site security functions are accomplished and that any unusual security conditions are reported. Directs actions of security guards as necessary.
    • May perform duties associated with site safety, security, training, and maintenance control.
    • Applies advanced technical knowledge to solve unusually complex problems (i.e., those that typically cannot be solved solely by reference to manufacturers' manuals or similar documents) in working on electronic equipment.
    • Examples of such problems include location and density of circuitry, electromagnetic radiation, isolating malfunctions, and frequent engineering changes.
    • Maintains a thorough understanding of digital design as relates to radar signal generators, MTI, IF receivers, clutter rejection, mixers, multipliers, low noise amplifiers, and digital displays.
    • Exercises independent judgment in performing such tasks as making circuit analyses, calculating wave forms, tracing relationships in signal flow, and regularly using complex test instruments (e.g., dual trace oscilloscopes, Qmeters, deviation meters, pulse generators).
    • Directs and performs corrective and preventive maintenance on the aerostat telemetry and control subsystems, power and control subsystems, tether subsystem, meteorological equipment, ground station electronic subsystems, payload and communications subsystems, and site facility electronics as appropriate.
    • Directs and performs all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections as required.
    • Coordinates resupply and repair logistics activities for the aerostat electronics subsystems.
    • Performs and directs activities to fulfill Civil Engineering site tasks related to electrical services and equipment.
    • Trains and certifies other personnel in selected aerostat electronic subsystem procedures.
    • May be assigned Quality Control duties as required.
    • May be required to work in special man-lift vehicles. Functions as a key member of the flight crew for inflation, deflation, launch, recovery, maintenance, and in-flight activities.
    Qualifications

    BS 0-2 Years or HS 6-8

    Peraton Overview

    Peraton drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted and highly differentiated national security solutions and technologies that keep people safe and secure. Peraton serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies across the intelligence, space, cyber, defense, civilian, health, and state and local markets. Every day, our employees do the can't be done, solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers.

    An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Veteran.

    For Colorado Residents Colorado Salary Minimum: $39,500
    Colorado Salary Maximum: $95,900

    The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position, and is just one component of Peraton's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Peraton provides a variety of benefits to employees.
  5. Post your job

    To find the right flight communications specialist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with flight communications specialists they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit flight communications specialists who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your flight communications specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit flight communications specialist 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 flight communications specialists, 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 flight communications specialist

    Once you've decided on a perfect flight communications specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new flight communications specialist. 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.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a flight communications specialist?

Recruiting flight communications specialists involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $49,414 per year for a flight communications specialist, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for flight communications specialists in the US typically range between $12 and $45 an hour.

Find better flight communications specialists in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring flight communications specialists FAQs

Search for flight communications specialist jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs