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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$131K/yr

Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable. * Night Flying -- For in-service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the ...

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Drone Pilot In Command information

What is a Drone Pilot In Command?

A Drone Pilot In Command (PIC) is the individual legally responsible for the operation and safety of a drone flight. This person oversees the entire mission, makes operational decisions, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations. The PIC must hold the appropriate certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the U.S. They are also responsible for pre-flight planning, assessing risks, maintaining communication, and responding to emergencies. Ultimately, the Drone Pilot In Command ensures all aspects of the drone operation are conducted safely and legally.

Will drone pilots be in demand?

Drone pilots in command are expected to see increasing demand as industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection expand their use of unmanned aerial systems. Certification, technical skills, and knowledge of regulations are important for employment opportunities in this growing field.

What is the highest salary for a drone pilot?

The highest salaries for a drone pilot in command can reach over $100,000 annually, especially for experienced professionals working in specialized industries such as film production, surveying, or infrastructure inspection. Factors influencing high pay include advanced certifications, extensive flight hours, and expertise with high-end drone equipment and software.

How much do drone show pilots make?

Drone Pilot In Command salaries vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of drone shows, but they typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour. Experienced pilots with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher rates, especially for large or high-profile events.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically involve specialized roles such as drone cinematography for film and television, industrial inspection, or surveying in sectors like energy and construction. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, with salaries reaching six figures for experienced professionals working on large projects or in high-demand industries.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot In Command vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Pilot In CommandDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateMay also hold Part 107 or other certifications, but less emphasis on command authority
Work EnvironmentResponsible for flight operations, safety, and compliance during drone missionsAssists with drone setup, data collection, and post-flight tasks
Employer & IndustryCommercial drone services, aerial photography, surveying, inspectionSupport roles within the same industries, often working under the Pilot In Command

The main difference is that the Drone Pilot In Command holds the legal responsibility for drone flights, including safety and compliance, while the Drone Operator typically assists with operational tasks. Both roles often work together, but the Pilot In Command has the final authority and accountability during flights.

What are the common challenges faced by a Drone Pilot In Command when operating in diverse environments?

As a Drone Pilot In Command, you may frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, complying with evolving airspace regulations, and coordinating with on-site teams in unfamiliar or complex locations. Each environment—urban, rural, or industrial—presents unique obstacles, like signal interference or restricted access. Effective communication, strong situational awareness, and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to ensure safe and successful operations in any setting.

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

To thrive as a Drone Pilot In Command, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and various drone platforms is essential for safe and efficient operations. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling unexpected situations and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and successful drone missions across diverse industries.
What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Florida? For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:
Drone Pilot In Command jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Florida as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 19% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 39% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Drone Pilot - Lead Operations Technician, Mosquito Control

Clarke

Wellington, FL • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Do you enjoy working outdoors in challenging environments? Are you passionate about public health and cutting-edge drone technology? Join our team and help make communities safer and more comfortable by supporting aerial and ground mosquito control operations.
We're seeking a skilled Drone Operator / Operations Technician who will be responsible for operating UAVs for mosquito control, conducting ground-based surveillance and treatment, and supporting field data operations. This hybrid role blends hands-on environmental fieldwork with advanced drone flight and geospatial data responsibilities.
This is an emerging market for Clarke. As such, right now we expect about 10-15% of time spent on drone operations but this percentage should shift significantly over the next year or so.
Key Responsibilities:
Drone Operations
  • Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for mosquito surveillance and larvicide/adulticide applications.
  • Conduct pre-flight inspections, airspace coordination, safety briefings, and ensure FAA compliance.
  • Execute missions using RGB, thermal, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and mapping sensors.
  • Perform drone-based topographic surveys and volumetric analyses.
  • Maintain accurate post-flight records, maintenance logs, and mission reports.
  • Support aerial operations scheduling and coordination with the operations team.

Field Operations & Mosquito Control
  • Inspect mosquito breeding sites using standard field tools (dippers, sample cups).
  • Apply larvicides/adulticides via backpack sprayers, bicycles, or truck-mounted equipment.
  • Perform chicken surveillance (handling, bleeding, sample processing) training provided.
  • Ensure timely treatment intervals and accurate chemical usage reporting.
  • Monitor and maintain chemical inventory and equipment calibration.
  • Work independently or with seasonal teams in varied outdoor environments (heavy vegetation, uneven terrain, wildlife exposure, etc.).

Data & Quality Assurance
  • Process and validate field-collected geospatial data.
  • Monitor accuracy of GIS and remote sensing data (QGIS, ESRI).
  • Implement quality control measures for survey and application data.
  • Reconcile GIS and field data with chemical usage and calibration records.

Minimum Requirements:
    • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
    • FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate (ability to take and pass within 30 days of hire).
    • Florida Public Health Applicator's License (ability to take and pass exam within 60 days of hire).
      • Please note that some state licenses and some contracts do require a criminal background check
    • Florida Aerial Applicator's License (ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong math and computer skills.
  • Ability to wear a respirator at times (must be clean shaven on days respirator use is required)
  • Ability to work in adverse weather, handle live chickens, and lift up to 50-75 lbs.
  • Availability to deploy to Sarasota for drone work within 72 hours of notification.
  • Availability to travel as needed for the position, mostly within the state of Florida.
  • Comfortable navigating terrain with maps and GPS tools

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, Geomatics, Biology, or a related field.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of UAV experience and familiarity with FAA regulations.
  • Experience in mosquito control, pest control, or aquatics industries.
  • Knowledge of GIS platforms (QGIS, ESRI), remote sensing, drone mapping software.
  • Familiarity with systems such as Precision Vision, Map Vision.

PAY AND BENEFITS
This is a non-exempt hourly position and the hiring range for this position is expected to be $28/hour while performing drone activities and between $20-$21/hr while performing Operations Technician duties.
We offer an outstanding compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401k (Roth and traditional) with a generous match, tuition reimbursement and career development and training opportunities, LinkedIn Learning subscriptions, paid parental leave program, electric vehicle incentives, paid volunteer time, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid winter break between Christmas and New Years, and discretionary bonus.
Clarke is a privately held public health, global environmental products and services company. For over 80 years, Clarke has been making communities around the world more livable, safe and comfortable. We do this by pioneering, developing and delivering environmentally responsible public health mosquito control to help prevent disease and control nuisances. Our global customers include governments, commercial and residential groups and international institutions such as UNICEF, and U.S. AID.
Working at Clarke, you will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. You will learn from some of the most talented people in your field and make an impact on the world around us. With Clarke, you join an innovative and passionate team where people are the heart and soul of the organization, working together to create an environment where coworkers thrive and nature flourishes.
At Clarke, each individual can AND does make a difference. If you're looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills to impact the success and growth of a business...Clarke is the place!
If you're a drone pilot and interested in field experience with a desire to make a difference, we want to hear from you. Help us build a stronger, safer community-one drone mission at a time.
Apply now to lead new technology at the frontlines of mosquito control.
Clarke is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace
To apply, please submit resume at

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