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Aerial Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition. * Follow all FAA regulations and safety ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition. * Follow all FAA regulations and safety ...

Sheakley Workforce Staffing

Safety Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$56/hr

... aerial lift, scissor lift, and MEWP operationsConduct routine site inspections, audits, field observations, and hazard assessmentsReview Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), permits, and pre-task plansMonitor ...

FiOptix

Field Labor Inspector/Quality Control

Newark, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Schedule and complete a final inspection of work prior to customer walkthrough * Complete and ... One-year underground construction, aerial construction, and/or multi dwelling unit (MDU) experience

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All JobsAerial Inspection JobsAerial Inspection Jobs in California

Aerial Inspection information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$59.6K

$88.3K

How much do aerial inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial inspection in California is $59,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $69,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerial inspection?

Aerial inspection is the process of using aircraft, such as drones, helicopters, or planes, to survey and assess structures, land, or infrastructure from above. This method allows inspectors to safely and efficiently examine hard-to-reach areas like rooftops, power lines, pipelines, wind turbines, and large agricultural fields. Aerial inspection provides high-resolution images and data, which can be analyzed to detect damages, monitor changes, or ensure compliance with regulations. It is widely used in industries such as construction, energy, agriculture, and utilities for its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce human risk.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial inspection specialist?

To thrive as an Aerial Inspection Specialist, you need expertise in UAV/drone operation, knowledge of inspection protocols, and relevant certifications such as FAA Part 107. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, high-resolution imaging tools, and data analysis platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient inspection processes in industries like infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

What are some common challenges faced in an aerial inspection role and how can they be addressed?

Aerial Inspection professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining accurate data collection from difficult-to-access locations. To address these, inspectors typically undergo rigorous training on safety protocols, regularly maintain and calibrate their drones or aircraft, and collaborate closely with data analysts and engineers to ensure findings are actionable. Being adaptable and having strong problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring inspections are both safe and effective.

What is the difference between Aerial Inspection vs Drone Operator?

AspectAerial InspectionDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107, specialized inspection trainingFAA Part 107, general drone operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, infrastructure, agricultureVaried locations, recreational, commercial
Industry UsageInspection, surveying, monitoringPhotography, videography, recreational flying

While both roles involve drone operation, Aerial Inspection focuses on using drones for detailed inspections of infrastructure, buildings, or landscapes, requiring specialized training. Drone Operators may perform a broader range of activities, including photography and recreational flying, with less emphasis on inspection-specific skills.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Inspection jobs in California?

For Aerial Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Inspection jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Inspection jobs in California are:

Aerial Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,555 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Safety Manager - Santa Maria, CA

Sheakley Workforce Staffing

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$205 - $214/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Construction Safety Manager

Location: Santa Maria, CA

Duration: 1-2 Years (Start: 8/17)

Type: 1099 Contractor

Compensation & Schedule

Pay Rate: $63/hr

Per Diem: None

Completion Bonus: $150/month

Pay Frequency: Weekly

Schedule: Monday-Saturday | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 6x12s

Hours: 72 Hours Per Week | 1st Shift

Why This Opportunity?

Join a contractor supporting a major construction project at an existing Amazon warehouse in Santa Maria, CA. This long-term opportunity involves safety oversight for roofing activities and the installation of new conveyor systems within and around an existing facility.

The Construction Safety Manager will maintain a strong field presence while overseeing high-risk activities including roofing, fall protection, aerial lift operations, material handling, conveyor installation, and contractor activities. This role is ideal for an experienced safety professional who understands the challenges of performing construction work within an existing facility.

Required Qualifications

OSHA 500 Certification

Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience

Current CPR/AED & First Aid Certifications

Current Aerial Lift/MEWP Certification(s)

Strong knowledge of fall protection requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Roofing construction safety experience

Conveyor installation or material handling system experience

Amazon construction project experience

Fall Protection Competent Person experience

Experience supporting construction within existing or operational facilities

CHST, ASP, CSP, or other BCSP credential

What You’ll Be Doing
  • Oversee daily construction safety activities throughout the project
  • Maintain a highly visible field presence alongside contractors and project supervision
  • Provide safety oversight for roofing and conveyor installation activities
  • Monitor fall protection systems and elevated work
  • Monitor aerial lift, scissor lift, and MEWP operations
  • Conduct routine site inspections, audits, field observations, and hazard assessments
  • Review Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), permits, and pre-task plans
  • Monitor material handling and equipment installation activities
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and project-specific safety requirements
  • Identify unsafe conditions and coordinate immediate corrective actions
  • Lead or support incident investigations and corrective action implementation
  • Maintain required safety documentation, inspection records, and compliance reports
  • Provide field coaching and reinforce safe work practices with craft personnel
  • Coordinate safety activities with project management, field supervision, and contractors
  • Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the project
Technical Knowledge

Candidates should have working knowledge of:

  • OSHA Construction Standards
  • Roofing Construction Safety
  • Fall Protection Systems & Requirements
  • Aerial Lifts, Scissor Lifts & MEWPs
  • Conveyor & Material Handling System Installation
  • Elevated Work Activities
  • Material Handling Operations
  • Existing Facility Construction
  • Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
  • Pre-Task Planning
  • Safety Inspections & Field Observations
  • Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions
  • Contractor Safety Management
  • Construction Risk Assessment & Mitigation
What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is a highly visible, hands-on construction safety professional with strong knowledge of fall protection and elevated work who can effectively support roofing and conveyor installation activities.

Success in this role requires proactively identifying hazards, effectively communicating with contractors and field supervision, maintaining strong OSHA compliance, and ensuring high-risk work is safely executed throughout this long-term project.

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