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Drone Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

... drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday Location : Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday - Friday Location: Remote (California-based preferred). Candidates should reside within a reasonable driving distance of ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday - Friday Location: Remote (California-based preferred). Candidates should reside within a reasonable driving distance of ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday - Friday Location: Remote (California-based preferred). Candidates should reside within a reasonable driving distance of ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday - Friday Location: Remote (California-based preferred). Candidates should reside within a reasonable driving distance of ...

Cosmo Appliances

Inventory Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Drone Piloting / Flying (Not required, but a plus) * Forklift Operating (Not required, but a plus) * WILL PROVIDE TRAINING Perks/Benefits! * Health Insurance * PTO/Paid Holidays * 401K (matching)

Cosmo Appliances

Inventory Assistant

Chino, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Drone Piloting / Flying (Not required, but a plus) * Forklift Operating (Not required, but a plus) * WILL PROVIDE TRAINING Perks/Benefits! * Health Insurance * PTO/Paid Holidays * 401K (matching)

Cosmo Appliances

Inventory Coordinator

Chino, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Drone Piloting / Flying (Not required, but a plus) * Forklift Operating (Not required, but a plus) * WILL PROVIDE TRAINING Perks/Benefits! * Health Insurance * PTO/Paid Holidays * 401K (matching)

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot duties and is responsible for supervisory activities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To view a full summary of ...

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All JobsDrone Pilot JobsDrone Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drone Pilot information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$51.6K

$136.6K

$209.7K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in Riverside, CA is $136,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,300.00 and $161,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot vs Drone Photographer?

AspectDrone PilotDrone Photographer
CertificationsFAA Part 107 licenseFAA Part 107 license (often required)
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including construction, agriculture, filmPhotography and videography projects
Job FocusOperating drones for data collection or inspectionCapturing images and videos with drones
Employer UsageCommercial companies, government agenciesMedia companies, event organizers, real estate

While both Drone Pilots and Drone Photographers operate drones, Drone Pilots focus on flying and operating drones for various purposes like inspections or mapping, often requiring a license. Drone Photographers specialize in capturing high-quality images and videos, often for media or marketing, and may also need certification. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their primary objectives and end-use of drone operations.

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

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need solid knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, and piloting skills, typically supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 in the U.S.) or equivalent. Familiarity with drone-specific software, GPS systems, and high-resolution cameras is essential for operating and maintaining UAVs effectively. Strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and legal operation of drones in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges Drone Pilots face when working in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict airspace regulations, and technical malfunctions. To address these, it's important to conduct thorough pre-flight planning, stay updated on local regulations, and carry backup equipment. Working closely with clients and team members to set clear expectations and maintain open communication also helps ensure smooth operations and successful project delivery.

What are drone pilots?

Drone pilots are professionals trained to remotely operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They use drones for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspection, agriculture, and delivery services. Drone pilots must follow aviation regulations and often require certification, depending on their country and the nature of their work. Their role involves planning flight paths, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and analyzing data gathered by the drone. As drone technology expands, the demand for skilled drone pilots continues to grow across multiple industries.

What Do Drone Pilots Do?

The primary responsibilities of a drone pilot are to control and maintain an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). You can find drone pilot positions with both the military and other governmental organizations, as well as private companies, such as agricultural operations, film and television production companies, surveyors and mapping specialists, and environmental scientists. As a pilot, you perform a variety of duties, such as flying reconnaissance and taking aerial photography and aerial videography. In the military context, drone pilots operate UAVs which bomb targets from across the world.

More about Drone Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? For Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drone Pilot jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drone Pilot job openings:
Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,581 per year, or $65.7 per hour.
Mining Engineer

Mining Engineer

CalPortland

Jurupa Valley, CA • On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
The Mining Engineer will assist the Mining Group in all aspects of mine engineering and mining operations.
Benefits
At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That's why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full-time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and a retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.
Compensation
$105k-$135k DOE
Responsibilities
  • Assist in performing mine engineering and mine planning activities
  • Learn and administer all company policies and safety procedures to maintain and promote a safe workplace
  • Work and communicate with other engineering disciplines to complete corporate projects in the mining department
  • Develop an understanding of the cement and aggregate manufacturing process to improve efficient mining methods; also understand changes to the plant's manufacturing chemistry and how it impacts the mineral requirements and reserves
  • Estimate mineral deposits and develop proper life of mine design for the resource
  • Develop and annually revise the one, five, and life of mine plans by using the Surpac and MineSched mining software
  • Oversee mining projects such as exploratory drilling or rock mechanics study
  • Analyze and evaluate mining operations to optimize equipment usage or performance of operations
  • Perform surveying and plant inventory functions as required with varying survey equipment e.g., GPS, drone, total station
  • Interface with, and assist plant, corporate personnel, and contractors as required
  • Perform exploration and exploratory work on prospects and new mining sites
  • Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies
  • Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work

Education
Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil Engineering or Geosciences may be acceptable depending on work experience.
Requirements/Qualifications
  • Familiarity with MSHA and OSHA regulations preferred
  • Supervisory experience in open pit mining preferred
  • Familiarity with Surpac mining software and AutoCAD preferred
  • Must have or willing to acquire FAA Part 107 sUAS drone pilot certification
  • Surveying knowledge preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Highly organized self-starter with an eye for detail and the ability to maintain multiple on-going projects simultaneously
  • Flexible attitude with the ability to work well in ambiguous, changing situations and able to reprioritize work accordingly
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate positive working relationships with all levels of management and staff
  • Able to exercise sound judgment in problem-solving
  • Physical requirements: able to walk/hike long distances, stoop, crawl under and into enclosed spaces, and climb on equipment to provide supervision during work
  • Able to walk on all types of surfaces (uneven and/or slippery ground), climb stairs, ladders, and stockpiles as high as 400 feet in elevation. May require exploratory work in hot or cold climates and high-altitude locations
  • Ability to drive to various plant sites and work locations
  • Must be able to travel overnight (air/auto)

Conditions of Employment
Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require FMCSA regulated on-going drug and alcohol testing.
Location:

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