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Drone Operations Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

ZenaTech Inc.

Land Survey CAD Technician

Beaverton, OR · On-site

ZENA | FSE: 49Q) is a technology company specializing in AI drones, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS ... Produce clear technical manuals describing project features, operations, and maintenance * Review ...

KPFF Consulting Engineers

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 ... The candidate should have knowledge in the maintenance of field equipment, setup, operations, and ...

KPFF Consulting Engineers

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 ... The candidate should have knowledge in the maintenance of field equipment, setup, operations, and ...

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All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Oregon

Drone Operations information

See Oregon salary details

$11

$25

$52

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Oregon is $25.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $29.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are drone operations?

Drone operations refer to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, mapping, delivery, and surveillance. These operations involve planning flight paths, piloting drones, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collecting or analyzing data captured by the drone. Drone operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, public safety, and logistics, depending on the mission and type of drone used. Safety, accuracy, and adherence to legal requirements are key aspects of successful drone operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operations specialist?

To thrive as a Drone Operations Specialist, you need strong piloting skills, a solid understanding of aviation regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and various drone platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you manage missions safely and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations across a range of industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in drone operations, and how can they be addressed?

Drone operations professionals frequently encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, regulatory compliance, and maintaining equipment reliability. Adapting flight plans to sudden weather shifts and staying updated on evolving FAA regulations are essential for safe and legal operation. Additionally, effective pre- and post-flight maintenance routines help minimize technical issues. Collaborating closely with team members, such as airspace coordinators and data analysts, ensures that missions are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Drone Operations vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDrone OperationsDrone Pilots
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, safety trainingFAA Part 107 certification, flight training
Work EnvironmentTeam coordination, planning, and managementFlying drones, on-site or remote
Employer & Industry UsageMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilming, surveying, inspection

Drone Operations involves managing drone missions, coordinating teams, and planning flights, often requiring additional project management skills. Drone Pilots focus primarily on flying drones and capturing footage or data. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Drone Operations emphasizes coordination and planning, whereas Drone Pilots concentrate on piloting skills and flight execution.

Are drone operations in high demand?

Drone operations professionals are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and film production due to the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Skills in piloting, maintenance, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects as the industry expands.

How do you become a drone operations?

To become a drone operator, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the relevant aviation authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety regulations, and mastering drone controls and maintenance are important steps in the process.

Is a drone operations a good career?

Drone operations is a growing field that involves piloting and managing unmanned aerial vehicles for various industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety regulations, making it a viable career option with increasing demand. Job prospects depend on industry growth and regional regulations.

What do drone operations get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $35,000 to over $70,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with certifications and specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. Pay may also vary based on whether the work is freelance or employed by a company.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Drone Operations jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Drone Operations job openings:

Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,573 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Senior VDC Engineer

Slayden Constructors, Inc.

Central Point, OR • On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Slayden Constructors Inc. (SCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of MWH Constructors, Inc. (MWH), is searching for a Senior VDC Engineer to support our project in Medford, Oregon.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior VDC Engineer to support digital construction delivery across multidisciplinary projects. The ideal candidate will have deep experience with Autodesk tools � including Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, Recap, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) - and a strong understanding of surveying and reality capture technologies, particularly Trimble survey instruments and software, Laser Scanning, Drone Mapping, etc. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on execution of model creation & coordination, drafting/detailing, field integration, and advanced visualization workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Model Coordination & BIM Execution
  • Lead project VDC/BIM coordination, constructability analysis, and model integration across disciplines using Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, ACC, and other BIM platforms.
  • Enforce and assist in development of VDC standards, workflows, templates, and best practices for model creation, clash detection/coordination, and self-perform construction deliverables.
  • Create and QC self-perform deliverables such as concrete lift drawings, pipe shop drawings, earthwork modeling, etc.

Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) Implementation
  • Set up and maintain project model environments in Autodesk Construction Cloud for VDC deliverables, model collaboration, coordination workflows, and issue tracking.
  • Support integration between ACC and other tools for field communication, RFIs, submittals, and model deliverables.

Survey Technology & Field Integration
  • Collaborate with field survey teams to support accurate field layout, control networks, and real-time model-to-field delivery.
  • Integrate survey and reality capture data into VDC workflows to update as-built conditions and verify constructability.
  • Process and utilize point clouds captured from scanning technologies using Autodesk Recap, Trimble RealWorks, or similar reality capture platforms.
  • Leverage drone mapping workflows and datasets to further inform decision making, estimating, and quantity tracking.

Advanced Visualization & Scheduling Support
  • Create 3D visualizations, renderings, and animations using TwinMotion (or equivalent real-time visualization tools).
  • Support 4D construction sequencing and schedule integration using tools like cmBuilder, Synchro, or similar to visualize project phasing and site logistics.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Lead coordination meetings and interface with design, estimating, pre-construction, field operations, and client teams to ensure accurate model deliverables and construction outcomes.
  • Mentor junior VDC/BIM staff and provide training on software tools, workflows, and industry best practices.

Documentation & Reporting
  • Prepare presentations, reports, and summaries for leadership, project teams, and stakeholders.
  • Maintain documentation of workflows, standards, and project deliverables.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years professional experience in VDC/BIM or digital construction roles.
  • Expert proficiency with Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks Manage, Autodesk Recap, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
  • Hands-on experience with survey instruments, survey data, and related software (preferably using the Trimble ecosystem: Trimble Business Center, Trimble WorksManager).
  • Strong understanding of model coordination, clash detection, and VDC based construction workflows.
  • Proven ability to manage complex multi-disciplined model environments and deliver digital construction outcomes.
  • Ability to build strong working relationships internally with project staff and field crews.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other normal business applications.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with customer facing experience.
  • Strong desire and ability to self-learn and implement new technology.

Nice-to-Have / Preferred Skills
  • Experience with laser scanners and point cloud processing workflows.
  • Drone mapping, FAA Part 107 certification, and aerial survey data integration.
  • Experience with 4D planning and scheduling tools (e.g., Synchro, cmBuilder).
  • Familiarity with TwinMotion (or Unreal/Unity real-time rendering platforms) for visualization.
  • Programming or automation skills (e.g., Dynamo, Python) to improve workflows.
  • Prior experience with advancing AI strategy in the construction industry.

Work Environment & Expectations
  • Hybrid office and field support depending on project demands.
  • Collaboration across disciplines with an emphasis on digital construction delivery.
  • Some travel is required to support project coordination on site, and departmental functions in the office.
  • Must have a valid driver's license, and reliable transportation.
  • Possess U.S. Work authorization�such as US citizenship, permanent residency (Green Card), or a valid work visa�to work for any US employer immediately.

Benefits
  • Group health & welfare benefits including options for medical, dental and vision
  • 100% company-paid benefits including Employee Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Spouse and Dependent Life & AD&D, Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD) (after 60 day waiting period for STD & LTD only), Employee Assistance Program and Health Advocate
  • Voluntary benefits at discounted group rates for accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
  • Flexible Time Off Policy (includes vacation, sick and personal time)
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Plan (company matching contributions up to 4%)

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
Please note that all positions require pre-employment screening, including drug and background check, as a condition of employment.
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