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Drone Gis Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$60 - $80/hr

... responsible for operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support surveying, construction ... Integrate drone outputs with survey, GIS, CAD, and BIM platforms. Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 ...

Collaborate with project managers, GIS teams, and field personnel to meet project objectives ... Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work ...

Conduct autonomous drone flights using advanced flight control software and hardware systems ... Familiarity with GIS software and data integration. * Great customer-facing skills. * Strong ...

Conduct autonomous drone flights using advanced flight control software and hardware systems ... Familiarity with GIS software and data integration. * Great customer-facing skills. * Strong ...

SC · On-site

Experience operating commercial drone platforms * Proficiency with drone mapping and photogrammetry ... GIS experience (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar). * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification. * Experience with ...

Showing results 41-60

Drone Gis Operator information

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$79.5K

$120.5K

$179.5K

How much do drone gis operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone gis operator in the United States is $120,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone GIS operator?

Drone GIS Operators are professionals who use drones equipped with cameras and sensors to collect geospatial data, which is then processed and analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. They play a key role in mapping, surveying, and monitoring land, construction sites, agriculture, and environmental changes. Their work involves piloting drones, capturing precise aerial imagery, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions. Drone GIS Operators must be skilled in both drone technology and GIS applications, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis. They often work for engineering firms, government agencies, environmental organizations, and agricultural companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone GIS operator?

To thrive as a Drone GIS Operator, you need expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and drone operation, typically supported by relevant certifications or a degree in geography, surveying, or related fields. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, GIS platforms like ArcGIS or QGIS, and UAV licensing requirements is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top operators apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe drone operation, and reliable spatial analysis critical to project success.

What are some common challenges faced by drone GIS operators when collecting and processing geospatial data in the field?

Drone GIS Operators often encounter challenges such as adverse weather conditions, technical malfunctions, and data quality issues while collecting geospatial data. Working outdoors means operators must adapt to changing environments, ensure compliance with local airspace regulations, and maintain safety protocols. Additionally, processing large datasets can be time-consuming and requires strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in mapping and analysis. Collaboration with GIS analysts, surveyors, and project managers is essential to meet project goals efficiently.

What is the difference between Drone Gis Operator vs GIS Technician?

AspectDrone Gis OperatorGIS Technician
CredentialsFAA drone license, GIS software knowledgeBachelor's in GIS, GIS software proficiency
Work EnvironmentFieldwork with drones, outdoor data collectionOffice-based, data analysis and mapping
Industry UsageConstruction, agriculture, surveyingUrban planning, environmental management

While both roles involve geographic data, the Drone Gis Operator primarily operates drones for data collection in outdoor environments, requiring drone licenses. The GIS Technician focuses on analyzing and managing GIS data in office settings. Both roles are essential in geospatial projects but differ in daily tasks and required certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Gis Operator jobs?

For Drone Gis Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Gis Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,527 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Construction Drone Pilot / UAV Pilot / UAS Technician

Richmond, VA • On-site

Allan Myers, Inc
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Allan Myers rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Responsibilities

The Construction Drone Pilot / UAV Pilot / UAS Technician is responsible for operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support surveying, construction operations, progress tracking, safety inspections, volumetric analysis, and digital project delivery. This role utilizes drone technology, GNSS equipment, photogrammetry software, and BIM integration to provide accurate and actionable data for construction projects.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Surveying & Data Collection

  • Perform aerial surveying and mapping operations using unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
  • Establish and verify Ground Control Points (GCPs) using GNSS/GPS receivers to ensure accurate survey-grade deliverables.
  • Capture high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data for topographic mapping, site analysis, and quantity calculations.
  • Generate orthomosaics, digital surface models (DSMs), digital terrain models (DTMs), and 3D models for project planning and execution.

Construction Progress Monitoring

  • Conduct weekly or bi-weekly drone flights to document project progress.
  • Provide aerial data and reporting to project managers to monitor schedules, productivity, and site conditions.
  • Identify and document deviations between planned and actual construction progress.

Safety & Inspection Services

  • Perform visual and thermal inspections of roofs, structures, facades, and construction sites.
  • Improve safety by reducing the need for personnel to access elevated or hazardous locations.
  • Support safety teams with aerial site assessments and documentation.

Quantities & Volumetric Analysis

  • Perform stockpile measurements and volumetric calculations using drone-generated point clouds and photogrammetry.
  • Provide accurate material quantity reports for earthwork, aggregates, and construction materials.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

  • Capture and maintain aerial documentation for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance reporting.
  • Support permitting requirements and project recordkeeping with aerial imagery and data.

Marketing & Project Documentation

  • Produce high-quality aerial photographs and video content for client presentations, proposals, project updates, and marketing materials.
  • Maintain an organized archive of drone imagery and project documentation.

Data Processing & Analysis

  • Process drone data using industry-standard software platforms, including:
    • Pix4D
    • DroneDeploy
    • Agisoft Metashape
    • Propeller
  • Generate accurate deliverables and reports from aerial datasets.
  • Integrate drone outputs with survey, GIS, CAD, and BIM platforms.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000, based on experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • FAA Part 107 required before start date
  • Two or more years of professional drone flight experience.
  • Knowledge on completing a Part 107 Waiver from the FAA
  • Preference for LiDAR experience
  • Knowledge of Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center
  • Ability to travel between job sites
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction, surveying, civil engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience operating UAVs/UAS in a professional environment.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Ability to walk 3-5 miles per day over rough and uneven terrain.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with GNSS/GPS surveying equipment.
  • Knowledge of photogrammetry, LiDAR mapping, and reality capture workflows.
  • Experience with BIM, digital twin, GIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or related construction technology platforms.
  • Strong computer and data management skills.
  • Completion of coursework or certifications related to photogrammetry, LiDAR, surveying, mapping, or construction-focused UAV applications.
Overview

Our Company Does Work That Matters

Allan Myers is a leading self-performing heavy civil construction and construction materials company with a strategic network of offices, quarries and asphalt plants covering the Mid-Atlantic from New Jersey to Virginia Beach. We build infrastructure: the highways and bridges that connect cities and towns, the public water and wastewater systems that provide clean water to your home and keep our streams clean. We take pride in meeting the highest quality standards because it ensures our work will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community. When you get home safe each night, you know that what you did that day matters. At Allan Myers, you are part of a team dedicated to making things better, including your career. We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If you have the drive, we will help you build a career in the thriving construction industry and reach your full potential.

Allan Myers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Notice to External, Third Party, Agency Recruiting Firms:Allan Myers maintains a preferred vendor list and does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies not under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from our Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the property of Allan Myers. We reserve the right to engage with such candidates (contact, interview and hire) without financial obligation. No other employee is authorized to approve resume submissions or bind Allan Myers to any fee arrangement.

Employment Type: OTHER

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