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Drone Operator Job Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, company policies, and mine safety standards. This position requires strong technical ...

Posted today

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation: Commensurate with experience Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client Position Overview FocusPoint ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (72213)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join our team, operating the Lucid Bots Sherpa Drone to provide exceptional pressure washing and window ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the creation of commercials, local news features, branded content, and ...

Valcourt Group

Be Seen First

Drone Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). * Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance.

New

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73286)

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $35/hr

As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join our team, operating the Lucid Bots Sherpa Drone to provide exceptional pressure washing and window ...

Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.

Drone Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Drone Operator will deploy, operate, and support C-UAS platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, rapid response operations, and real-time video and data ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso Robles, CA. You'll pilot and supervise uncrewed aerial systems during test flights, autonomy trials ...

Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.

Drone Operator

Washington, DC

$80K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Drone Operator will deploy, operate, and support C-UAS platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, rapid response operations, and real-time video and data ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73294)

Anaheim, CA

$30 - $35/hr

FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). * Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance.

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All JobsDrone Operator Job Jobs

Drone Operator Job information

What do drone operators 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 those requiring certifications and specialized skills.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in operating drones and understanding regulations, with job opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

How to get a job as a drone operator?

To become a drone operator, you should obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license, gain experience with drone flight and maintenance, and develop skills in aerial photography or videography if applicable. Building a portfolio and understanding regulations can improve job prospects in this field.

What is the difference between Drone Operator Job vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Operator JobDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification often requiredFAA Part 107 certification typically required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, film sets, inspection sitesAerial photography, surveying, recreational flying
Employer & IndustryMedia, construction, agriculture, inspectionMedia production, real estate, surveying

While both roles involve flying drones, a Drone Operator generally manages drone operations, including setup and safety, often under supervision. A Drone Pilot usually refers to someone who actively flies the drone, especially for photography or surveying. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, but the term 'Drone Pilot' emphasizes the flying aspect more.

More about Drone Operator Job jobs

What cities are hiring for Drone Operator Job jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Operator Job job openings:

What states have the most Drone Operator Job jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Operator Job jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operator Job jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operator Job jobs are:

Drone Operator Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator Job job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Drone Operator

Mariana Minerals

Moab, UT • On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Position Summary
The Drone Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of mining operations. This role conducts and supervises continuous drone flight activities for surveying, inspection, monitoring, mapping, stockpile measurements, environmental compliance, security surveillance, and operational support. The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, company policies, and mine safety standards.
This position requires strong technical knowledge of drone systems, mining operations, aviation regulations, and emergency response procedures. Operators must maintain required certifications and be capable of working independently in a safety-sensitive environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Drone Operations
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections of drone systems and equipment.
  • Operate and monitor drones in a 24/7 mining environment during day and night shifts.
  • Execute automated and manual flight missions for mapping, surveying, inspections, and site monitoring.
  • Monitor telemetry, battery status, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions to ensure safe operations.
  • Maintain compliance with FAA, MSHA, and company safety and operational requirements.
  • Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data.
  • Verify data quality, process mission outputs, and distribute information to stakeholders.
  • Prepare reports and communicate operational findings to management and project teams.
  • Coordinate drone activities with mine supervisors, engineering, dispatch, security, and safety personnel.
  • Conduct mission risk assessments and maintain awareness of mining hazards, traffic, blasting schedules, and restricted areas.
  • Respond to equipment malfunctions, flight deviations, and emergency situations.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drones, sensors, batteries, and related equipment.
  • Coordinate repairs with vendors and technical support teams and maintain parts and supply inventories.
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, operational records, maintenance documentation, and compliance reports.

Required Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific mining and safety certifications.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial technology, engineering, surveying, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of professional drone operating experience preferred.
  • Experience operating drones in industrial, construction, mining, energy, or similar environments preferred.
  • Understanding of mining operations, mine safety procedures, and site hazards.
  • Experience with drone mission planning software and flight management systems.
  • Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.
  • Ability to read maps, site plans, and technical documents.
  • Familiarity with weather impacts on drone operations.

Required Skills & Competencies
  • Strong commitment to safety.
  • Excellent situational awareness and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.
  • Ability to remain alert and focused during extended monitoring periods.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to walk on uneven terrain and active mining sites.
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
  • Ability to maintain visual observation of aircraft during flight operations when required.

Work Environment
  • Active surface or underground mining operations.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and changing weather conditions.
  • Rotating 24/7 shift coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with autonomous drone operations.
  • MSHA training or mining industry experience.
  • GIS, surveying, photogrammetry, or LiDAR experience.
  • Experience managing multiple simultaneous drone missions.
  • Advanced drone certifications or manufacturer-specific training.
Our culture is built on three principles:
Extreme Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate - We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos - We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.

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