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Drone Operator Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Core Values & Competencies The ideal candidate ...

Emerald Staffing

Drone Operator

Medford, OR · On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Drone Operator Pay: $36.00 - $41.00 per hour Schedule: Full Time About the Company A leading ... 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required) 1-3+ years of experience conducting drone-based ...

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Drone Operator Pilot information

What are Drone Operator Pilots?

Drone Operator Pilots are professionals trained to control and navigate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They are responsible for planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight checks, and safely operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, or delivery services. In addition to piloting the drones, they may also be required to analyze data collected during flights and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. Drone Operator Pilots often work for private companies, government agencies, or as independent contractors, and must typically obtain relevant certifications or licenses to operate drones commercially.

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

AspectDrone Operator PilotDrone Technician
CredentialsRemote Pilot Certification, FAA Part 107Technical certifications, repair licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial operationsIndoor repair shops, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageAerial photography, surveying, inspectionsEquipment maintenance, repairs

Drone Operator Pilots focus on flying drones for various applications, requiring pilot certifications. Drone Technicians handle maintenance and repairs, requiring technical skills. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but serve different functions.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart has hired drone pilots for delivery and inventory tasks, with reported pay rates typically ranging from $15 to $25 per hour. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and the specific responsibilities of the drone operator role, which often requires certification and familiarity with drone technology and safety protocols.

Is becoming a drone pilot worth it?

Becoming a drone pilot offers opportunities in industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection, often requiring certification and knowledge of FAA regulations. The job can involve flexible schedules and operating in various environments, with earning potential depending on experience and specialization.

Will drone pilots be replaced by AI?

Drone pilots perform tasks that require human judgment, decision-making, and adaptability, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI and automation can assist with certain operations, skilled drone pilots are still essential for complex, dynamic environments and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges Drone Operator Pilots face when working on field assignments?

Drone Operator Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, maintaining compliance with evolving aviation regulations, and ensuring safe flight operations in complex environments. Field assignments may require quick troubleshooting of technical issues with the drone or its equipment and effective communication with team members and clients to meet project goals. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing these challenges is crucial for successful missions and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Operator Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Operator Pilot, you need strong technical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often backed by a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA or equivalent authority. Proficiency with drone control software, GPS systems, and aerial imaging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you adapt to changing environments and coordinate safely with teams or clients. These skills ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations that meet project objectives and regulatory standards.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for drone pilots is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services. Certified drone operators with skills in flight safety, regulations, and equipment maintenance are increasingly sought after as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.
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Drone Operator Pilot jobs near you
Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

Turner Mining Group

Remote

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.
IMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day's drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.
  • Develop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  • Employ thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
  • Employ proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.
  • Be prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.
  • Ensure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.
  • Perform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.
  • Serve as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.
  • Interact with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.
  • Manual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.
  • Strong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.
  • Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.
  • Must be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.
  • Perform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.
  • Willingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive for extended periods.
  • Working around industrial hazards

Qualifications and Skills
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License - Required
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Provided by Company:
  • Company Truck
  • Company Phone
  • Company Laptop
  • Company Drones
  • Hotels covered by company
  • Daily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel

Work Location: On the road.

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