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Drone Inspection 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 Position Overview Kiewit is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support inspection of overhead ...

Drone Inspection information

See Oregon salary details

$11

$20

$32

How much do drone inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone inspection in Oregon is $20.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone inspection?

A Drone Inspection job involves using drones equipped with cameras and sensors to assess structures, equipment, or land. Inspectors collect aerial data for industries like construction, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. This role helps identify issues such as damage, wear, or inefficiencies in hard-to-reach areas. Operators need skills in piloting drones, analyzing data, and following safety regulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drone inspection specialist?

As a Drone Inspection specialist, your daily tasks often include planning and executing drone flights, capturing high-quality images or sensor data, and reviewing that data for anomalies or issues related to the inspected structures or sites. You may also be responsible for maintaining the drone equipment, updating logs and flight documentation, and preparing detailed reports for stakeholders. Collaboration with engineers, safety officers, or project managers is common to ensure that inspection results meet project goals and regulatory requirements. The role can involve outdoor work in a variety of environments depending on the industry, from construction sites to energy infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone inspection position?

To thrive in Drone Inspection, you need in-depth knowledge of UAV flight operations, strong observational skills, and a background in fields such as engineering, construction, or utilities. Familiarity with drone piloting certifications (such as FAA Part 107 in the US), flight planning software, and high-resolution imaging or thermal sensors is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for analyzing data and reporting findings to clients or team members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient inspections that meet regulatory and client standards.

How much do drone inspectors get paid?

Drone inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified drone pilots with specialized skills may earn higher salaries, especially in sectors like infrastructure inspection or energy.

How to get into drone inspection?

To pursue a career in drone inspection, individuals typically need a drone pilot certification, such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States, and experience operating drones safely. Developing skills in aerial photography, data analysis, and understanding industry-specific inspection procedures can improve job prospects. Gaining hands-on experience through training programs or internships is also beneficial.

Is drone inspection certification worth it?

Drone inspection professionals often benefit from certification, as it demonstrates knowledge of safety protocols, regulations, and drone operation skills. Certification can improve job prospects and credibility but is not always mandatory, depending on industry and employer requirements.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Drone Inspection jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Inspection jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Drone Inspection jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Drone Inspection job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Inspection job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,604 per year, or $21 per hour.

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd 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.
Position Overview

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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