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Drone Video Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Medford, OR · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role ... Power Line Asset Inspection Capture high-resolution imagery and video (and thermal data, if ...

Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Medford, OR · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role ... Power Line Asset Inspection Capture high-resolution imagery and video (and thermal data, if ...

... video files, HSI imagery, satellite, aerial or unmanned aircraft data. High volume & bitrate content streams such as those from UHD drone videos or aerial imagery, as well as micro-record streams ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Learn more about the Tigard Police Department by watching our latest video and checking out our ... K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Learn more about the Tigard Police Department by watching our latest video and checking out our ... K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis ...

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting ... K-9 * sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) * Explosive Detection Unit (EDU) * Rapid ...

Drone Video information

See Oregon salary details

$16

$26

$42

How much do drone video jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone video in Oregon is $26.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone video operator?

Drone video operators are professionals who use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with cameras to capture aerial footage and photographs. They are skilled in piloting drones safely, planning flight paths, and following regulations for commercial drone use. Drone video operators work in various industries, including film and television, real estate, construction, agriculture, and event production. Their footage is often used for marketing, inspections, surveys, and creative projects. To operate commercially, most drone video operators must be licensed and comply with local aviation laws.

What are some typical challenges a drone video operator faces when working on location shoots?

Drone video operators often encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, local airspace restrictions, and unpredictable lighting. Navigating these factors requires strong pre-flight planning and adaptability on set. Operators must also coordinate closely with directors, producers, and sometimes location authorities to ensure safe and legal flights while capturing the desired footage. Additionally, managing battery life and real-time video transmission can be demanding, especially during long or complex shoots.

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

To thrive as a Drone Videographer, you need strong piloting skills, a solid understanding of cinematography, and often an FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone flight software, video editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, and various camera systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for capturing compelling aerial footage safely and producing high-quality video content that meets client expectations.

What is the difference between Drone Video vs Drone Photographer?

AspectDrone VideoDrone Photographer
Primary FocusCapturing moving footage from dronesCapturing still images from drones
Skills & CertificationsVideo editing, cinematography, drone pilotingPhotography, composition, drone piloting
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, real estate, eventsReal estate, landscapes, events
Industry UsageFilm, advertising, real estate marketingReal estate, travel, commercial photography

Drone Video specialists focus on capturing dynamic moving footage, often requiring video editing skills, while Drone Photographers primarily capture still images. Both roles involve drone piloting and share similar certifications, but their end products and industry applications differ.

How to become a drone video specialist?

To become a drone video specialist, you should gain experience operating drones and capturing high-quality footage, often through practice and training. Obtaining a drone pilot certification from relevant authorities and developing skills in video editing and cinematography are also important for this role.
Infographic showing various Drone Video job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 64% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,916 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Kiewit Corporation

Medford, OR • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction


Job description

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection
Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role
Position Overview
Kiewit is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support inspection of overhead transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure for utility and energy projects across the U.S. This role focuses on conducting detailed aerial inspections of power line assets, capturing high-resolution data for condition assessment, and supporting maintenance, reliability, and engineering teams.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience performing UAV-based utility inspections, understands structure and conductor components, and is comfortable working in active utility corridors and construction environments.

Key Responsibilities
Aerial Inspection Operations
Operate UAVs to perform detailed inspections of transmission and distribution systems, including structures, insulators, conductors, hardware, and associated assets.
Power Line Asset Inspection
Capture high-resolution imagery and video (and thermal data, if applicable) to identify defects such as damaged components, corrosion, vegetation encroachment, and clearance issues.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Assessment
Inspect and document vegetation conditions, encroachments, access routes, and environmental constraints along utility corridors.
Data Capture & Quality Assurance
Ensure consistent, repeatable data collection aligned with inspection standards and client requirements, maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
Data Processing & Deliverables
Process and organize inspection data into actionable outputs, including annotated imagery, inspection reports, and geospatial datasets for engineering and asset management teams.
Safety & Compliance
Conduct all UAV operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, Kiewit safety protocols, and client-specific utility requirements, including energized line considerations.
Project Coordination
Collaborate with utility clients, engineers, asset managers, and field teams to plan inspection missions, define data requirements, and deliver timely results.
Equipment Management
Maintain UAV platforms, sensors (visual and thermal), and support equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable field operations.
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Other Requirements:
    Regular, reliable attendance
    Work productively and meet deadlines timely
    Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
    Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
    Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
    FIELD ROLES ONLY May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $75,000/yr - $85,000/yr

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884