ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Operator Safety Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

Operators must maintain required certifications and be capable of working independently in a safety-sensitive environment. Housing can be provided onsite. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Drone ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation ... Safety & Risk Management * Implement and uphold safety protocols for all drone operations.

Valcourt Group

Be Seen First

Drone Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt's safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational ... Experience operating the Drone or similar technology. * Familiarity with environmental compliance ...

New

Valcourt

Drone Operator (72213)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt's safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational ... Experience operating the Drone or similar technology. * Familiarity with environmental compliance ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73468)

Charlotte, NC

Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt's safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational ... Experience operating the Drone or similar technology. * Familiarity with environmental compliance ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73664)

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt's safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational ... Experience operating the Drone or similar technology. * Familiarity with environmental compliance ...

New

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$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 ... Enforce airspace, range, and safety protocols, and help maintain compliance with FAA and site ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsDrone Operator Safety Officer Jobs

Drone Operator Safety Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$71.2K

$100.5K

How much do drone operator safety officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone operator safety officer in the United States is $71,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone operator safety officer?

Drone Operator Safety Officers are professionals responsible for overseeing the safe operation of drones, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and implementing safety protocols to minimize risks during drone flights. They conduct risk assessments, monitor flight operations, and provide training and guidance to drone operators. Their role is crucial in industries where drones are used for inspections, surveying, photography, or deliveries, as they help prevent accidents and ensure public and airspace safety.

How does a drone operator safety officer typically collaborate with other team members during field operations?

A Drone Operator Safety Officer works closely with drone pilots, field technicians, and site managers to ensure all safety protocols are followed during drone operations. They are responsible for conducting pre-flight safety briefings, coordinating airspace usage, and monitoring real-time flight conditions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the Safety Officer must relay critical safety information and respond quickly to any incidents or hazards. Collaborative planning helps minimize risks and ensures compliance with regulations, making the role vital to successful and safe drone missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator safety officer, and why are they important?

A Drone Operator Safety Officer requires expertise in drone piloting, safety protocols, risk assessment, and a relevant certification such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and compliance with aviation safety regulations is typical for this role. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing operations and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe and efficient drone operations while minimizing risks and adhering to legal requirements.

What is the difference between Drone Operator Safety Officer vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Operator Safety OfficerDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107, safety trainingFAA Part 107, flight certification
Work EnvironmentSafety oversight, risk assessmentFlying drones, capturing footage
Employer & IndustryConstruction, inspection, safety agenciesMedia, filmmaking, surveying

The Drone Operator Safety Officer primarily focuses on safety protocols, risk management, and regulatory compliance during drone operations. In contrast, the Drone Pilot is responsible for flying the drone, capturing images or data. Both roles often require FAA Part 107 certification, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly, with the Safety Officer emphasizing safety oversight and the Pilot emphasizing flight operation.

How to become a drone operator safety officer?

To become a drone operator safety officer, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience in drone operation, understanding safety protocols, and completing specialized safety training are important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator Safety Officer jobs?

For Drone Operator Safety Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Operator Safety Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,228 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Drone Operator

Moab, UT • On-site

Mariana Minerals
See more jobs at Mariana Mineralsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

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.
Housing can be provided onsite.
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 four principles:
Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.
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!

Apply