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Drone Surveying Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position involves construction surveying, GPS layout, staking, drone surveying. Working closely with project managers and field crews on a variety of civil construction projects. Heimes ...

Outdoor Field Work & Construction Sites About Us We are a professional Civil Engineering and Surveying firm specializing in land surveying, aerial (drone) surveying, land planning, site design ...

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Drone Surveying information

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$30.5K

$51.3K

$79.5K

How much do drone surveying jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone surveying in the United States is $51,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drone surveying?

A Drone Surveying job involves using drones equipped with cameras and sensors to capture aerial data for mapping, land surveying, construction, and environmental monitoring. Drone surveyors collect high-resolution images, create 3D models, and analyze terrain features with specialized software. This role requires knowledge of drone operation, GIS software, and data analysis. It is commonly used in industries like agriculture, civil engineering, and real estate for efficient and cost-effective surveying.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in drone surveying?

A typical day in Drone Surveying often involves planning flight paths, operating drones in the field to collect geospatial data, and processing imagery or data using specialized software back at the office. You may coordinate with project managers, engineers, or clients to understand survey requirements and deliver high-quality results. Field conditions and project timelines can vary, so adaptability and effective collaboration are important. Over time, you can expect to take on more complex projects or advance into supervisory or technical specialist roles as you gain experience and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone surveying, and why are they important?

To thrive in Drone Surveying, you need a solid background in geospatial technology, data analysis, and drone piloting, usually supported by training in surveying, GIS, or a related field. Expertise with UAV flight controls, photogrammetry software, GPS systems, and relevant certifications such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential for success in field operations and data reporting. These skills help ensure that drone surveys are accurate, safe, and deliver actionable insights to clients or project teams.

More about Drone Surveying jobs

What cities are hiring for Drone Surveying jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Surveying job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Surveying jobs?

The most popular types of Drone Surveying jobs are:

What states have the most Drone Surveying jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Surveying jobs include:

Infographic showing various Drone Surveying job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,283 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Survey Party Chief - UAS / Drone Technology

RETTEW

Uniontown, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Opportunity

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to lead field survey operations while having the opportunity to expand into UAS/drone technology and aerial data collection.


We're looking first for a strong survey professional: someone who can independently lead a field crew, operate modern survey equipment, solve problems in the field, and consistently deliver accurate data to project teams.


Already have an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or professional UAS experience? Great. If not, we're interested in experienced Party Chiefs who want to develop those capabilities and incorporate drone technology into their surveying career.


Work Environment

Workplace Designation: Field-Based / Hybrid

Locations: Williamsport, Mechanicsburg, or Pittsburgh, PA; Akron-Canton, OH; or Morgantown, WV

This position is primarily field-based and includes regional travel to project sites throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and surrounding areas. Office or remote flexibility may be available for applicable project coordination and documentation responsibilities.


What You'll Do

As a Survey Party Chief, you will independently lead field survey operations supporting land development, transportation, infrastructure, energy, environmental, and other multidisciplinary projects.


You'll plan and execute field assignments, operate survey equipment, oversee data collection and quality, communicate with project managers and office teams, and provide direction to survey crew members.


You'll also have opportunities to develop or expand your capabilities with UAS/drone technology, aerial data collection, and modern geospatial workflows.


As a Party Chief in this position, you will:

  • Lead survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction, control, and other field surveys.
  • Plan and independently execute field survey assignments in accordance with project requirements.
  • Operate GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, electronic data collectors, and related survey technology.
  • Establish and verify survey control and collect accurate field data.
  • Review field information for accuracy, completeness, and consistency before delivery to office teams.
  • Maintain clear and accurate field notes, records, sketches, and electronic data.
  • Interpret project plans, survey information, and field instructions to complete assignments.
  • Identify and troubleshoot field conditions that may affect survey accuracy, efficiency, or project delivery.
  • Coordinate with Survey Project Managers, Professional Land Surveyors, CAD professionals, engineers, and other project-team members.
  • Direct, train, and mentor survey crew members.
  • Maintain survey equipment and support proper equipment care and calibration.
  • Perform field work safely in active construction, infrastructure, and other project environments.
  • Support UAS/drone field operations based on project needs and individual experience.
  • Develop additional capabilities in drone operations, aerial data collection, and related geospatial technologies.


Qualifications

Required
  • Professional field-survey experience with demonstrated ability to independently perform survey assignments.
  • Experience leading or providing direction to survey field crews.
  • Hands-on experience with GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, and electronic data collectors.
  • Professional experience performing field surveys such as boundary, topographic, construction, control, or similar survey work.
  • Ability to review field data and identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information.
  • Ability to read and interpret project plans and survey-related information.
  • Strong field problem-solving and organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with project managers, office teams, and field personnel.
  • Interest in learning or expanding professional UAS/drone surveying capabilities.
  • Ability to perform outdoor field work in varying terrain and weather conditions.
  • Ability to travel regionally based on project needs.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles as required.
Additional Experience We Value
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Professional UAS/drone flight experience.
  • Aerial mapping or photogrammetry experience.
  • Drone-based survey data collection.
  • Point-cloud or other geospatial-data experience.
  • Experience with boundary, ALTA/NSPS, topographic, construction, and control surveys.
  • Experience training or mentoring developing survey professionals.
  • Survey Technician certification or progress toward professional survey licensure.

Previous professional drone or aerial-mapping experience is not required. RETTEW is interested in experienced survey professionals who want to expand their skills into UAS technology.


Safety & Compliance Requirements

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of applicable pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment.


Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction, infrastructure, and other project environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW's safety policies, client requirements, and applicable regulatory standards is required throughout employment.


What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving employees a stake in RETTEW's long-term success.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
  • Opportunities to expand traditional surveying expertise into UAS/drone and geospatial technologies.
  • Access to modern survey equipment and technology.
  • Professional development and technical training.
  • Opportunities to mentor developing survey professionals and grow into broader technical or project leadership.
  • Exposure to transportation, land development, energy, environmental, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary projects.
  • A collaborative, employee-owned culture focused on technical quality, safety, and professional growth.

About RETTEW

RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering and consulting firm providing multidisciplinary services across transportation, land development, water and wastewater, environmental and geotechnology, energy, surveying, and facilities and construction.

Our culture is grounded in our core values — Act Like an Owner, Value Relationships, and Exemplify Excellence. Our employee-owners collaborate across disciplines to solve complex challenges, deliver meaningful results for clients, and build rewarding careers.


RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


#LI-Hybrid

Requirements:

Requirements listed above