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Aerial Pilot Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

NCSL International

Field Engineer-Survey

Omaha, NE · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, IR, and multispectral sensors in support of project deliverables * Utilize utility locate equipment to mark out underground ...

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Aerial Pilot information

What is an aerial pilot?

Aerial pilots are licensed professionals who operate aircraft for purposes other than commercial airline transportation. Their work often includes aerial photography, surveying, agricultural applications (like crop dusting), firefighting, search and rescue, and banner towing. Aerial pilots must have specialized training and certifications that depend on their specific area of work, and they must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. They often work in varied and sometimes challenging environments, and their skills are critical for tasks that require precision flying. Aerial pilots play an essential role in industries ranging from agriculture to emergency services.

What does an aerial pilot do?

The job duties of an aerial pilot involve operating an aircraft to perform different airborne tasks. Your responsibilities vary depending on the industry. An aerial survey pilot performs data acquisition and mapping tasks while they fly over an area. As an aerial photography pilot, you take images from the air or fly a photography team over the site or event they want to photograph. An aerial firefighter pilot releases water or fire suppression liquid over a forest fire. Crop dusters release fertilizer or pesticide over farm fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aviation knowledge, and excellent flight proficiency, often supported by specialized training for aerial operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS technology, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 61 or 141 license. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong decision-making skills set exceptional aerial pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring flight safety, regulatory compliance, and effective execution of specialized missions like photography, surveying, or agricultural work.

What are some common challenges aerial pilots face when operating in diverse weather conditions?

Aerial Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather patterns that can significantly affect flight safety and mission success. Navigating through turbulence, low visibility, and unexpected wind shifts requires quick decision-making and constant communication with ground control and co-pilots. Staying updated on weather reports and having contingency plans in place are essential parts of the job. Pilots must also be adept at adjusting flight plans on the fly to maintain safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Aerial Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectAerial PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA pilot license, commercial pilot certificateRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentAircraft in various outdoor settings, often in aviation or film industriesRemote control, often indoors or in designated outdoor areas
Industry UsageAviation, aerial photography, surveying, firefightingFilmmaking, inspections, agriculture, real estate

While both roles involve flying devices, Aerial Pilots operate manned aircraft requiring pilot licenses and often work in aviation or aerial services. Drone Operators control unmanned drones with remote licenses, mainly used for filming, inspections, or agricultural purposes. The key differences lie in certification requirements, work environment, and industry applications.

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For Aerial Pilot jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Pilot jobs in Nebraska look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Pilot jobs in Nebraska are:

Aerial Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Pilot job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Field Engineer-Survey

NCSL International

Omaha, NE • On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Geomatics Field Engineer is responsible for the execution of all field survey related activities on assigned projects including but not limited to establishing and maintaining project control, topographic data collection, construction layout (staking), as-built documentation, equipment calibration, machine control calibrations & tech support, GIS, utility locating, and drone flight planning & operations. In addition to traditional survey means and methods the Geomatics Field Engineer will be responsible for all flight operations and necessary means of aerial data collection. The Geomatics Field Engineer will report to the jobsite for the projects they are assigned and integrate with the operational management of the project with a focus on cost and schedule enhancement, Quality, adherence to design intent and collaboration with the design team. The Geomatics Field Engineer will directly report to and take direction from their respective Geomatics Manager from whom they will receive operational support, direction on means and methods, and learning and career development. The Geomatics Field Engineer is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of surveyed data and laid out or constructed components and instrumental to overall success of the projects they support.

RESPONSIBILITIES Safety & Quality
  • Ensure adherence to all safety best practices and McCarthys Safety Guidelines
  • Adhere to all QA/QC processes and procedures to ensure the accuracy and quality of all deliverables and services provided.
Operations
  • Utilize GNSS Equipment and survey best practices to provide Data Collection, Layout, As-Built and Machine Control Calibration support for all assigned projects
  • Perform site calibration and maintain project control network
  • Work with Pile Operators and Supervisors to provide technical support and ensure proper calibration of all pile driving equipment
  • Coordinate with Operations and Design teams to ensure adherence to design intent
  • Provide Survey Data collection to support the design team with critical site topographic and planimetric survey data using traditional and aerial survey means
  • Document Existing and As-Built site conditions to support grading optimization and development of Pile Design.
  • Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, IR, and multispectral sensors in support of project deliverables
  • Utilize utility locate equipment to mark out underground utilities and support the utility avoidance program
  • Maintain Civil base files and ensure site layout and machine control files align with design documents
  • Maintain Electrical AsBuilt CAD files and mark out utilities in response to Dig Tickets per our Critical Work Environment policy.
  • Support the GIS program with quality survey data and as an onsite subject matter expert
  • Participation in regularly scheduled Project and Design team meetings throughout the project lifecycle to support design development and construction operations
  • Support the overall site-specific quality program with accurately surveyed data
  • Work with Geospatial management and leadership staff to continuously improve project workflows and field procedures
  • Participation in technical training and development opportunities
QUALIFICATIONS
  • 2+ Years of Geodetic Survey experience utilizing GNSS equipment.
  • Experienced remote pilot in possession of FAA part 107 Certificate
  • Experienced in Autodesk Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center (Preferred)
  • Strong ability to Communicate and Integrate with Project Teams
  • Developmentally minded and focused on continuous improvement
  • Knowledgeable in aspects of Design and Construction

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

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