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Drone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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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:

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.

Police Officer Lateral or Academy Graduate

City of Irvine

Irvine, CA • On-site

$106K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Patrol designated areas of the City and respond to calls or complaints.

  • Investigate crimes against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.

  • Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other law enforcement duties.


City Of Irvine (California) rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description Current Employees Use the Workday Internal Jobs Hub to view and apply to opportunities. Do not use the external career site to apply. External Applicants: Use the Workday External Jobs Hub to view and apply to opportunities.

**You must be POST certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered as a Police Officer Lateral** At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer position would be an excellent opportunity. Expedited Process: as a Lateral or an Academy Graduate applicant, the written examination and physical agility test is waived.

Out-of-State laterals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but are required, at a minimum, to complete the California POST Waiver course within the last 3 years." The Irvine Police Department's geographic policing model ensures a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving. As a Police Officer, you will patrol designated areas of the City and respond to calls or complaints while taking necessary action. Incentive Pay Specialty Pay Shift Differential * Swing 2% * Graveyard 4% SWAT, CNT, DRE, MAIT, EMT, Drone Team, and Mounted Unit 1.5% Bilingual 2% Field Training Officer 8% Intermediate POST 5% Detective, SRO, Traffic, and DARE 6% Advanced POST 15.5% (Combined with Intermediate) K9 Unit 7.2% Annual Health and Wellness Benefit $1,000 Annual Equipment Reimbursement $300 LONGEVITY PAY (for all law enforcement time) will be assigned at the following benchmarks: Completion of 9 years: 3% Completion of 14 years: 6.09% Completion of 19 years at 10.33% Our Impact: Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations

Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties. Interface closely with all segments of the community. Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, regulations, and City procedures.

Complete a Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the City. Find additional information in the Police Officer job description. Minimum Qualifications: You must be POST certified* or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position.

High school diploma or equivalent, completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Legally authorized to work in the United States. Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.

*Please attach a copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate if you are not currently working for a California law enforcement agency. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process

The City Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine has the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of more than 100,000, based upon FBI statistics on violent crime. Your Team The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).

Irvine is committed to a full community-oriented policing concept that interfaces closely with all segments of the community. The Process The selection process will include an expedited oral examination process, and background investigation prior to appointment. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process.

This includes, but is not limited to, the review of legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, and performance reviews. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. 2025/2026 Calendar Oral Interviews* 10/23/2025 11/19/2025 12/17/2025 1/29/2026 2/26/2026 3/26/2026 4/23/2026 5/28/2026 6/25/2026 7/23/2026 8/20/2026 9/24/2026 10/22/2026 11/19/2026 12/17/2026 *Oral Interview dates are subject to change.

* Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. E-Verify The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify.

In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.


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