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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

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Drone Pilot In Command information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$49.1K

$129.9K

$199.4K

How much do drone pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Charlottesville, VA is $129,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $153,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot in command?

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 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 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 cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities near Charlottesville, VA 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 Charlottesville, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,877 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Digital Media Producer

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$59K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.
Digital Media Producer (Full-time)
Purpose:
Monticello is looking for a creative, curious, and technically skilled Digital Media Producer to help tell the stories of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello through video, photography, and digital storytelling. In this hands-on role, you'll create compelling content for marketing campaigns, social media, advertising, and institutional initiatives-capturing everything from sweeping mountaintop views and behind-the-scenes preservation work to educational programs, special events, and national celebrations.
The ideal candidate is an experienced visual storyteller with strong video production skills, a cinematic eye, and a passion for creating content that inspires, informs, and sparks conversation. You're equally comfortable behind a camera, in the editing suite, and collaborating with colleagues across the organization. Most importantly, you're excited by the challenge of bringing history to life for audiences across a wide range of digital platforms.
If you love telling meaningful stories, creating beautiful content, and working at one of America's most iconic historic sites, we'd love to hear from you.
To be considered for this position, please submit examples of both videography and photography work. If you have a portfolio website, include the link in your cover letter or resume. You may also email work samples to bgilliam@monticello.org.
Compensation:
$59,000 - $66,000
We will look to you to provide:
Video Production (Primary Emphasis)
  • Films and edits a wide range of video content to support marketing, advertising, and programming initiatives.
  • Leads the production of single- and multi-camera presentations by exercising creative and technical control of video and audio recording. This may require functioning independently as videographer, producer, and/or director, supervising supporting staff, directing on-camera and voice talent, and editing final deliverables.
  • Exercises creative and technical decision-making ahead of production by analyzing projects for artistic, editorial, technical, time, material, and budgeting requirements.
  • Plans and schedules productions, including determining equipment, crew, talent, and location requirements.
  • Produces both long-form and short-form content across a variety of aspect ratios and deliverables for web, social, broadcast, and internal platforms.

Photography Production
Supports photography production in support of Monticello's marketing, communications, retail, development, programmatic, and operational efforts to ensure comprehensive visual coverage beyond video needs.
Drone Operation
Maintains and actively uses an FAA Part 107 certification to pilot drones for videographic and photographic projects.
Creative Planning
Helps develop creative briefs, shot lists, and editorial strategies/calendars aligned with marketing and communications priorities.
Asset Management & Office Operations
  • Prepares, uploads, names, tags, categorizes video and photo assets in MediaValet in alignment with Monticello's style guide and metadata standards.
  • Maintains files, graphics, project assets, and records of expenses, supplies, and associated production costs.
  • Provides budget details for equipment costs and lifecycle replacement expectations.
  • Communicates with Monticello staff and outside vendors regarding asset standards, transfer protocols, and content requirements.
  • Collaborates with the Director of Marketing & Communications to identify gaps in visual coverage of Monticello's house, gardens, grounds, farm, retail operations, events, tours, educational initiatives, and preservation efforts.
  • Further develops Monticello's marketing image and media management system to improve access, organization, and public engagement.

Equipment & Technology
Ensures production equipment remains in good working order and technologically current by researching, evaluating, and recommending purchases as needed. This role requires strong familiarity with mirrorless camera systems, particularly Nikon equipment.
Event Support
Assists with coverage during special events (e.g., Founder's Day, July 4, media visits) as schedule allows.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Film, Television Production, Electronic Media, or related field, or significant professional experience in lieu of degree.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at any given time.
  • Exceptional communication skills; the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, collaboration, and problem solving.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.
  • High-level computer skills. Proficient with latest versions of Microsoft Office Suite. Must be able to learn and master event software. Experience with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and web design are preferred but not required.
  • Ability to receive constructive feedback and be flexible with last-minute event changes.
  • Strong organizational and budget management skills.

Physical Demands and Work Considerations:
  • Work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as production schedules require.
  • Carry, transport, set up, and break down production equipment.
  • Lift and carry up to 25 pounds of equipment including cameras, tripods, lights, mixers, microphones, and related tools.

We provide the following benefits for our full-time employees:
  • Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan plus 6% match, life insurance, and more!).
  • Fitness club membership discount.
  • Discount in the Monticello Café, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free for employee and dependents.
  • $500 employee referral bonus.

If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply!
To be considered for this position, please submit examples of both videography and photography work. If you have a portfolio website, include the link in your cover letter or resume. You may also email work samples to bgilliam@monticello.org.

Apply