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Drone Base Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Medford, OR · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role ... may vary Base Compensation: $75,000/yr - $85,000/yr (Actual compensation is subject to variation ...

The compensation package will include a base pay plus commission. Education, Experience, and ... Experience working with hyperscalers, major technology companies, data centers, drone manufacturers ...

Vocational/CTE Teacher

Tillamook, OR · On-site

$48K - $90K/yr

UAV (Drone) Operations * 3D Design and Printing * Python Coding and Robotics * Introduction to ... Start date - July 1, 2026 * 1.0 FTE - 220-day contract * 2026/27 school year base salary $48,577 ...

Survey Party Chief

Eugene, OR · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

... and drone lidar technology. The candidate must possess and accurately represent a minimum of 5 ... Additional Information Compensation The base salary for this role is competitive and will be ...

Survey Party Chief

Eugene, OR · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

... and drone lidar technology. The candidate must possess and accurately represent a minimum of 5 ... Additional Information Compensation The base salary for this role is competitive and will be ...

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime ... K-9 * sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) * Explosive Detection Unit (EDU) * Rapid ...

In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

Drone Base information

See Oregon salary details

$28K

$76.2K

$124.8K

How much do drone base jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone base in Oregon is $76,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $89,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone base?

A Drone Base job typically involves piloting drones for various purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, or inspections. These jobs can be freelance, contract-based, or full-time positions with companies that utilize drone technology. Pilots may work in industries like real estate, construction, agriculture, or infrastructure inspection. Requirements often include FAA certification (such as Part 107 in the U.S.), experience with drone operation, and knowledge of relevant software.

What are the typical responsibilities and work environment for a drone base operator?

Drone Base Operators are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights for purposes like aerial inspections, mapping, photography, or surveying. They often work both outdoors at various sites and indoors for mission planning and data analysis, sometimes traveling to client locations. Collaboration with engineers, surveyors, or project managers is common to ensure data accuracy and mission objectives are met. Roles can be dynamic, requiring adaptability to weather conditions and specific project needs, which keeps the work engaging and offers opportunities to develop expertise in specialized drone applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone base position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Base Operator, you typically need proficiency in remote piloting, strong spatial awareness, and an understanding of aviation safety protocols, often supported by FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone control software, GPS navigation systems, and real-time data collection tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators adapt to diverse scenarios and coordinate with teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient drone operations across various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Base jobs in Oregon?

For Drone Base jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Base job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,248 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection
Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role
Position Overview
Kiewit is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support inspection of overhead transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure for utility and energy projects across the U.S. This role focuses on conducting detailed aerial inspections of power line assets, capturing high-resolution data for condition assessment, and supporting maintenance, reliability, and engineering teams.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience performing UAV-based utility inspections, understands structure and conductor components, and is comfortable working in active utility corridors and construction environments.

Key Responsibilities
Aerial Inspection Operations
Operate UAVs to perform detailed inspections of transmission and distribution systems, including structures, insulators, conductors, hardware, and associated assets.
Power Line Asset Inspection
Capture high-resolution imagery and video (and thermal data, if applicable) to identify defects such as damaged components, corrosion, vegetation encroachment, and clearance issues.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Assessment
Inspect and document vegetation conditions, encroachments, access routes, and environmental constraints along utility corridors.
Data Capture & Quality Assurance
Ensure consistent, repeatable data collection aligned with inspection standards and client requirements, maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
Data Processing & Deliverables
Process and organize inspection data into actionable outputs, including annotated imagery, inspection reports, and geospatial datasets for engineering and asset management teams.
Safety & Compliance
Conduct all UAV operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, Kiewit safety protocols, and client-specific utility requirements, including energized line considerations.
Project Coordination
Collaborate with utility clients, engineers, asset managers, and field teams to plan inspection missions, define data requirements, and deliver timely results.
Equipment Management
Maintain UAV platforms, sensors (visual and thermal), and support equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable field operations.
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Other Requirements:
    Regular, reliable attendance
    Work productively and meet deadlines timely
    Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
    Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
    Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
    FIELD ROLES ONLY May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $75,000/yr - $85,000/yr

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884