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Drone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies * Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies * Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies * Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for ...

Quinn Company CAT

Be Seen First

Director of Technology

Riverside, CA · On-site

$171K - $219K/yr

... drone and geospatial tools, and emerging AI-enabled platforms, not just selling them, but ... You'll directly manage Technology Sales Specialists, Operations, Service, and Technician teams ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai) • Identify underground assets using advance ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai) • Identify underground assets using advance ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers ... FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday - Friday Location:

Exodigo

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers ... FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday - Friday Location:

Exodigo

Field Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai) • Identify underground assets using advance ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some ... drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai) • Identify underground assets using advance ...

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All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drone Operations information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$27

$55

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Riverside, CA is $27.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $31.59 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 job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drone Operations jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drone Operations job openings:

Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,950 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Mining Engineer

CalPortland

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary

The Mining Engineer will assist the Mining Group in all aspects of mine engineering and mining operations.

Benefits

At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That's why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full-time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and a retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.

Compensation

$105k-$135k DOE

Responsibilities
  • Assist in performing mine engineering and mine planning activities
  • Learn and administer all company policies and safety procedures to maintain and promote a safe workplace
  • Work and communicate with other engineering disciplines to complete corporate projects in the mining department
  • Develop an understanding of the cement and aggregate manufacturing process to improve efficient mining methods; also understand changes to the plant's manufacturing chemistry and how it impacts the mineral requirements and reserves
  • Estimate mineral deposits and develop proper life of mine design for the resource
  • Develop and annually revise the one, five, and life of mine plans by using the Surpac and MineSched mining software
  • Oversee mining projects such as exploratory drilling or rock mechanics study
  • Analyze and evaluate mining operations to optimize equipment usage or performance of operations
  • Perform surveying and plant inventory functions as required with varying survey equipment e.g., GPS, drone, total station
  •  Interface with, and assist plant, corporate personnel, and contractors as required
  • Perform exploration and exploratory work on prospects and new mining sites
  • Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies
  • Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work
Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil Engineering or Geosciences may be acceptable depending on work experience.

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Familiarity with MSHA and OSHA regulations preferred
  • Supervisory experience in open pit mining preferred
  • Familiarity with Surpac mining software and AutoCAD preferred
  • Must have or willing to acquire FAA Part 107 sUAS drone pilot certification
  • Surveying knowledge preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite 
  • Highly organized self-starter with an eye for detail and the ability to maintain multiple on-going projects simultaneously
  • Flexible attitude with the ability to work well in ambiguous, changing situations and able to reprioritize work accordingly
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate positive working relationships with all levels of management and staff
  • Able to exercise sound judgment in problem-solving
  • Physical requirements: able to walk/hike long distances, stoop, crawl under and into enclosed spaces, and climb on equipment to provide supervision during work
  • Able to walk on all types of surfaces (uneven and/or slippery ground), climb stairs, ladders, and stockpiles as high as 400 feet in elevation.  May require exploratory work in hot or cold climates and high-altitude locations
  • Ability to drive to various plant sites and work locations
  • Must be able to travel overnight (air/auto)
Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require FMCSA regulated on-going drug and alcohol testing.
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