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Drone Photogrammetry Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation ... Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data. * Verify data ...

Drone Photogrammetry information

See Utah salary details

$14

$43

$72

How much do drone photogrammetry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone photogrammetry in Utah is $43.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.76 and $61.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone photogrammetry?

A Drone Photogrammetry job involves using drones equipped with cameras and sensors to capture aerial images and generate precise 2D maps or 3D models. Professionals in this role process the collected data using specialized software to analyze terrain, structures, and landscapes. This technology is widely used in industries such as construction, agriculture, surveying, and environmental monitoring. The job requires knowledge of drone operation, photogrammetric software, and geospatial analysis. Strong attention to detail and technical skills are essential for producing accurate and reliable results.

What does a drone photogrammetry specialist do?

As a Drone Photogrammetry specialist, your daily tasks often include planning drone flights, conducting aerial surveys, processing collected imagery into accurate maps or 3D models, and analyzing spatial data for project stakeholders. You may also be responsible for maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with flight regulations, and documenting flight logs. Collaboration with surveyors, engineers, and project managers is common to integrate photogrammetric outputs into broader project workflows. This role offers a dynamic mix of fieldwork and data processing, making attention to detail and adaptability especially important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone photogrammetry?

To thrive in Drone Photogrammetry, you need expertise in aerial drone operation, image capture, photogrammetric data processing, and a background in GIS, surveying, or related fields. Familiarity with software such as Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, or DroneDeploy, along with relevant FAA drone pilot certification (Part 107) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills are important for accurate data collection and effective client interaction. These competencies are crucial for producing high-quality geospatial data and ensuring project success in surveying, construction, and environmental monitoring applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Photogrammetry jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Drone Photogrammetry jobs in Utah are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Photogrammetry jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Photogrammetry jobs in Utah are:

Infographic showing various Drone Photogrammetry job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,265 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

$17.75 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days 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.
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.