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Drone Operations Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Patrol Operations Criminal Investigations Real-time Information Center Regional SWAT Team Crisis Negotiations Team Drone Pilot Downtown Unit K-9 Mobile Field Force School Resources Disaster Response ...

Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret ... Oversee drilling operations and groundwater monitoring well installations. * Perform groundwater ...

Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret ... Oversee drilling operations and groundwater monitoring well installations. * Perform groundwater ...

POLICE OFFICER

Cary, NC · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Patrol Operations * Criminal Investigations * Real-time Information Center * Regional SWAT Team * Crisis Negotiations Team * Drone Pilot * Downtown Unit * K-9 * Mobile Field Force * School Resources

Showing results 21-25

Drone Operations information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$25

$51

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Raleigh, NC is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 typically requires certifications, technical skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations, making it a viable career option for those interested in technology and aviation. Job opportunities are expanding as drone technology becomes more widely adopted across sectors.

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.

How do you become a drone operations?

To become a drone operator, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety protocols, and mastering drone controls and regulations are important steps in the process.

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.

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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Drone Operations jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Drone Operations jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Drone Operations jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Drone Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,064 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

$65K - $89K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description It's an exciting time to join the Cary Police Department as we are now hiring: Cadets Police Officer I (BLET certified officer) Police Officer II Master Police Officer Senior Police Officer Our salaries and benefits are the best in the region. Our hiring range starts at $65,104 for BLET certified officers and we consider years of law enforcement experience, military experience, educational background, and applicable certifications/qualifications to determine rank and salary up to $89,128. Contact the Cary PD Recruitment Office to learn more about why you'd be a great fit for our team and have all your questions answered.

Visit http://www.joincarypd.org/. Are you dedicated and eager to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Are you passionate about protecting and serving your community

Have you dreamed of being on a team all working towards these same goals. Then now is the time to join Cary Police. Our officers come from all walks of life just like the community we serve.

We hire amazingly talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it enhances our organizational culture, making us stronger as we innovate and improve the ways we serve Cary citizens. Cary is a progressive community of over 190,000 people on a continuous journey of challenging the standard of how local governments operate. We exist to build community and take care of people by embracing the individual differences, strengths and talents across the organization to pursue excellence, drive innovation, challenge ourselves and continuously improve.

The OneCary approach empowers each employee to have a voice in a collaborative, adaptive work environment between departments, thinking creatively and strategically together as a team. As a partner with the community, the Cary Police Department provides exemplary policing to ensure Cary remains one of the nation's safest cities. As part of our geo-policing philosophy, patrol officers are assigned to a district team on a 12-hour day or night shift (night shift teams receive a shift differential bonus to be paid quarterly).

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package that includes a Career Ladder program with several levels of advancement possibilities, enhanced by a candidate's educational background. Our agency also offers a variety of specialty units and opportunities that include: Patrol Operations Criminal Investigations Real-time Information Center Regional SWAT Team Crisis Negotiations Team Drone Pilot Downtown Unit K-9 Mobile Field Force School Resources Disaster Response Team If you are committed to excellence, high quality service delivery, leadership development and looking for a great place to work, this is the opportunity for you. Visit the Cary Police Department Recruitment website, www.joincarypd.org, for more information on how Cary Police leads the way

Additional Benefits Comprehensive leave and reimbursement program Night Shift Pay Differential Take Home Vehicle Program Career Ladder, enhanced by educational background Robust Leadership Development and Training options Performance-based increases annually Variety of Extra and Off Duty Opportunities   Typical Tasks Proactive Patrolling: Engage in regular patrols of assigned areas to deter criminal activity, ensuring a visible and active law enforcement presence in the community. Crime Prevention Initiatives: Actively participate in and lead community outreach programs, workshops, and crime prevention initiatives to build positive relationships and enhance public safety awareness. Emergency Response: Respond promptly to emergency calls, demonstrating quick decision-making and crisis management skills to handle a variety of situations effectively.

Investigative Excellence: Conduct thorough investigations of criminal activities, accidents, and incidents, utilizing advanced investigative techniques and technology to gather evidence and ensure case resolution. Traffic Enforcement: Enforce traffic laws through observation, radar use, and proactive measures, ensuring road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents. Community Engagement: Establish and maintain positive relationships with community members, local businesses, and organizations through regular interactions, community meetings, and outreach events.

Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with fellow officers and law enforcement agencies to address complex issues, share information, and enhance overall public safety efforts. Professional Development: Actively participate in ongoing training programs, workshops, and skill-building activities to stay updated on the latest law enforcement practices, technology, and legal changes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with diverse community members.

Courage: Willingness to face danger and take smart risks to ensure public safety. Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with fellow officers and work effectively in a team. Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating conflicts and resolving disputes peacefully and respectfully.

Problem Solving: Ability to assess situations quickly, make informed decisions, and resolve problems effectively. Criminal Justice: Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and knowledge of investigative procedures and protocols. Effective Communication: Clear verbal and written communication that fosters trust and collaboration.

Interpersonal Skills: Building positive relationships within the community, colleagues, and other local agencies. Community Awareness: Understanding of local dynamics, cultural diversity, and other social factors impacting the area. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing situations, policies, and procedures.

Physical Requirements Work in the class requires considerable physical ability in order to maintain law enforcement certification. Work in this class is medium to heavy and requires exposure to the elements such as heat, cold and rain while wearing issued uniform, body armor and equipment. An employee in this class must not have a significant limitation of any major life activity in that work may include the physical ability to apprehend suspects.

This includes the physical ability to walk, run, stand for long periods, reach, climb, etc. Visual acuity is also necessary to read and write handwritten and typewritten reports and information. The employee must also be able to hear and speak normally in order to communicate with the public.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications Any combination of education and experience (minimum of high school graduation) supplemented by additional training and experience in the law enforcement field. Rank will be determined based on the minimum qualifications at each level considering these factors. Requires possession of a valid driver's license.

Personal History Statement: Form F-3 As part of the application process for Police Officer, you are required to fill out the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (FORM F-3). This form can be found by clicking the "Personal History Statement F-3" link on the NC DOJ website at: https://ncdoj.gov/download/114/law-enforcement/367080/f-3-le-personal-history-statement-04-2024-2.pdfForms that supplement the F-3 also are available at https://ncdoj.gov/law-enforcement-training/criminal-justice/forms-and-publications/#91-114-wpfd-law-enforcement-p1 Please complete this form prior to completing your Cary Application. It is recommended that you follow these steps for completing the F-3: Save the F-3 PDF form on your device first, then complete it

The 'form-fill' PDF will not retain your data if you fail to save the form first on your device. You do not need to notarize the document at this time. Simply fill out and attach.

Once completed, and as you are working on your town application, please attach the F-3 form to the Town's application. Prior to submitting your application, please ensure that you check and confirm that your fully completed F-3 is attached to your application. Conditions of Employment Requires successful completion of a physical and psychological exam, drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review), Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.