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Drone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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:

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:

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:

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:

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Land Survey Party Chief

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This key leadership role will oversee survey operations, maintain project survey control ... drone/UAS survey technologies. Desired Attributes We are looking for a professional who: · ...

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This key leadership role will oversee survey operations, maintain project survey control ... drone/UAS survey technologies. Desired Attributes We are looking for a professional who: · ...

... operations of a construction site, ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the ... Inertia, Open space, Drone Deploy access. * OPC Reporting System (TID) * Inertia Checklists

... operations of a construction site, ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the ... Inertia, Open space, Drone Deploy access. * OPC Reporting System (TID) * Inertia Checklists

Showing results 21-34

Drone Operations information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$27

$55

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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 popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA? For Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,950 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Field Operator

Exodigo

Irvine, CA • On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description
Exodigo is the leading underground mapping solution for non-intrusive discovery. Our platforms combine multi-sensor fusion, 3D imaging, and AI technologies to create complete, accurate underground maps that enable confident decision-making for customers across the built world. We transform the project lifecycle for our customers, who include key community stakeholders in the utilities, transportation and government sectors.
We are experiencing sky-rocketing growth and closed a historically large $96M Series B round in July of 2025.
Job description
As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of this job:
• Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai)
• Identify underground assets using advance technology in a variety of sensors
(Electromagnetic, magnetic, metal, GPR, seismic and more)
• Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers
• Document interactions, site information and operation reports in organizational software.
• An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize the construction, transportation and utility industries.
Requirements
• Strong attention to detail
• Passion for accuracy
• Must have flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of the business, including domestic travel across the US (up to 100%).
• Physically demanding- must be able to stand and walk up to eight hours per day, and work at night shifts at times.
• Able to handle equipment when loading and unloading weighing between 20 and 40 lbs.
• Driver's License and the ability to ride in a vehicle up to four hours to travel to and from job sites
The Ideal Candidate
• 2 years of experience with field operations, preferably within a startup environment.
• Ability to travel domestically to jobs in urban and remote environments across the United States
• Comfortable with 100% travel schedule
• Background in earth sciences, engineering, construction or utility mapping is highly desired
• Technological savvy, ability to troubleshoot technological issues on-site
• Excellent English - mandatory (read/write/speak)
• Ability to work in a team-goal-oriented environment
• Comfortable working with a global team (U.S, Europe and Israel)
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to proactively recommend ideas and execute planned activities
• Experience with industries such as - transportation, utilities, and construction - a plus
• OSHA 10 Certificate- a plus
• FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus
Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT
Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday
Location: Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, San Jose, etc.
Exodigo encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants without regard to characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Learn more
Our mission is to power the next era of underground exploration - saving time, money, lives, and the planet. We are focused, intentional, confident, and hard working. We solve big problems, but we are approachable, open-minded, and love hard questions.
You can learn more about us on our website or check out this short video.
Apply on our careers page, via Linkedin or send your resume to taylor.pomerantz@exodigo.ai