ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aerial Survey Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sawtooth Mining

Surveyor

Winnemucca, NV

Pilot UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps, calculate quantities, and produce aerial photos. * Perform CAD applications such as volume ...

Sawtooth Mining

Surveyor

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

Pilot UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps, calculate quantities, and produce aerial photos. * Perform CAD applications such as volume ...

NCSL International

Field Engineer-Survey

Omaha, NE · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

In addition to traditional survey means and methods the Geomatics Field Engineer will be ... Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, IR, and multispectral ...

NCSL International

Field Engineer-Survey

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$65 - $100/hr

In addition to traditional survey means and methods the Geomatics Field Engineer will be ... Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, IR, and multispectral ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAerial Survey Pilot Jobs

Aerial Survey Pilot information

See salary details

$14

$31

$48

How much do aerial survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial survey pilot in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial survey pilot?

Aerial survey pilots are specialized aviators who operate aircraft equipped with cameras and sensors to capture images and data from the air. Their primary role is to fly specific routes over designated areas to collect information for mapping, environmental monitoring, land assessment, or resource management. These pilots work closely with survey teams and must ensure precise flight paths and altitudes to gather accurate data. They often fly small aircraft at low altitudes and may work in a variety of weather and terrain conditions.

What does an aerial survey pilot do?

An aerial survey pilot utilizes mapping or photographic equipment while operating an aircraft. As a survey pilot, you fly over an assigned area and capture images or record data for surveying or data collection purposes. Your duties include determining the best path to obtain the required images, checking your equipment to ensure they all work properly, and coordinating with air traffic control to carry out your flight plan. While flying, you may also need to trigger sensors or turn on equipment over a designated area, fly an operator in your aircraft, or carry remote-controlled or automated sensing equipment. Survey pilots often fly in fixed-wing aircraft, though some positions require you to operate a helicopter.

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

To thrive as an Aerial Survey Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and experience with low-altitude flight operations. Familiarity with aerial mapping tools, GPS systems, and specialized survey equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for managing complex missions and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital to accurately capturing data, maintaining safety standards, and delivering reliable results for survey projects.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial survey pilots during data collection missions?

Aerial Survey Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating restricted or complex airspace, and maintaining precise flight paths required for accurate data capture. Additionally, pilots must coordinate closely with survey technicians and ground crews to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and data is collected according to project specifications. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as missions may require adjusting flight plans or schedules at short notice to achieve optimal results.
More about Aerial Survey Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Aerial Survey Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Aerial Survey Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Survey Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Aerial Survey Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Aerial Survey Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Survey Pilot jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Aerial Survey Pilot jobs are:

Aerial Survey Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Survey Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Surveyor

Sawtooth Mining

Winnemucca, NV

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

CURRENT EMPLOYEES - Please apply using "Jobs Hub" in Workday. This career site is for external applicants only.

Employee Type: RegularJOB SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for conducting ground and unmanned aerial surveys, processing and managing survey data, and providing AutoCAD drafting support for mining operations. The role installs, maintains, and troubleshoots machine control systems to ensure accurate positioning and operational efficiency. Working closely with engineering, geology, and operations teams, the incumbent provides surveying and technical support essential to mine planning, development, and production activities, while adhering to all safety and regulatory requirements.
Work Location: Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, NV.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Perform job duties in accordance with MSHA law and regulations, established company safety procedures, and state and federal environmental regulations.
  • Collect field data using GPS and traditional surveying equipment.
  • Calculate volumes moved by equipment, including stockpile volumes, truck/shovel yards, pond capacities, etc.
  • Establish control and targets for aerial surveys.
  • Pilot UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps, calculate quantities, and produce aerial photos.
  • Perform CAD applications such as volume computations, haul/ramp designs, and 3-D modeling.
  • Manage data in spreadsheets as required.
  • Calculate monthly pit inventory and ore severed for royalty payments, as well as end-of-month reports and maps.
  • Construction staking of haul roads, ponds, boundaries, etc.

OTHER DUTIES:

  • Create GPS files for equipment in the operations department.
  • Draft using AutoCAD for mapping, permitting, mine plans, etc.
  • Install, maintain, and calibrate surveying and machine control equipment.
  • Provide various survey support to departments for special projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to work independently or cooperatively with co-workers on projects while organizing day-to-day activities.
  • Knowledge of land surveying and engineering principles and practices.
  • Proficient in technology (AutoCAD, Carlson/Trimble, Microsoft 365).
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience with surveying at a surface mining operation.
  • Ability to work safely in all weather conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • A Minimum of two years of post-secondary education in civil engineering technology, surveying, or a related discipline and/or appropriate surveying and computer experience.
  • Additional relevant surveying experience preferred.
  • An FAA Part 107 drone license is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION:

  • Intermittently: None
  • Occasionally (0 - 1/3 of workday): lifting to 60 lbs. (lath, GPS equipment, briefcase); pushing and pulling 30 lbs. (supply drawers in survey vehicle); stooping, kneeling (pounding stakes, work over drafting table); crouching and crawling (pounding stakes and pins); reaching and handling (pulling lath off pallet, equipment out of survey vehicles).
  • Frequently (1/3 - 2/3 of workday): carrying 50 lbs. (lath, GPS equipment, briefcase); climbing and balancing (spoils, pits survey, survey vehicles); fingering (run total station, data rec., computer work); depth perception (driving, all phases of surveying); color vision (AutoCAD, color coding maps, flagging, painting).
  • Continually (2/3 - 3/3 of workday): standing and walking (staking and surveying); sitting (drafting, computer, survey vehicles); repetitive motion (computer work, data recording, driving, lath); speaking and hearing (radio communication and office work); seeing (all phases of surveying).


EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate. You must meet at least the specific minimum requirements listed above to be considered a qualified applicant.

Apply