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Drone Visual Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA

$70K - $91K/yr

... Visual Observer in flight tests. The ideal candidate has a strong FPV drone background, is comfortable building a variety of drone sizes, has excellent organizational skills, and a genuine passion ...

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

... Visual Observer in flight tests. The ideal candidate has a strong FPV drone background, is comfortable building a variety of drone sizes, has excellent organizational skills, and a genuine passion ...

Mariana Minerals

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation ... Ability to maintain visual observation of aircraft during flight operations when required. Work ...

Apidel Technologies

Analyst 1

Nashville, TN · On-site

Secondary Duties Serve as a visual observer during drone flights. Watch the drone, surrounding airspace, people, vehicles, and airport activity. Communicate with the drone pilot and field staff ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA · On-site

Safely and securely pilot Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), act as a Visual Observer (VO), or Sensor ... In lieu of degree, 2-4 years of flight experience as a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and 200 ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA · On-site

Safely and securely pilot Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), act as a Visual Observer (VO), or Sensor ... In lieu of degree, 2-4 years of flight experience as a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and 200 ...

The Talmadge Group

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot - GSDF 911th Support BN

Ellenwood, GA · On-site

$32K - $41K/yr

Visual imaging * Thermal imaging * Infrared (IR) capabilities * LiDAR technology * Real-time aerial reconnaissance and observation systems What You'll Do As a Volunteer GSDF Drone Pilot, you may have ...

Percheron LLC

Survey Drone Pilot

Katy, TX · On-site

Serve as Pilot-in-Command and/or Visual Observer of the sUAS. * Operate Percheron aircraft safely and effectively in accordance with all Percheron policies and procedures. * Facilitate hazard ...

Percheron LLC

Survey Drone Pilot

Katy, TX · On-site

Serve as Pilot-in-Command and/or Visual Observer of the sUAS. * Operate Percheron aircraft safely and effectively in accordance with all Percheron policies and procedures. * Facilitate hazard ...

Webforge

UAS Associate Pilot

... end drone systems used for aerial inspections of transmission line structures, among other ... Often, UAS Pilots work in conjunction with a camera operator and a visual observer (VO), and must ...

Percheron LLC

Survey Drone Pilot

Katy, TX

Serve as Pilot-in-Command and/or Visual Observer of the sUAS. * Operate Percheron aircraft safely and effectively in accordance with all Percheron policies and procedures. * Facilitate hazard ...

Percheron LLC

Survey Drone Pilot

Katy, TX

Serve as Pilot-in-Command and/or Visual Observer of the sUAS. * Operate Percheron aircraft safely and effectively in accordance with all Percheron policies and procedures. * Facilitate hazard ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

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Drone Visual Observer information

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$15

$26

$69

How much do drone visual observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone visual observer in the United States is $26.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone visual observer?

Drone Visual Observers are individuals who assist drone pilots by maintaining visual contact with the drone during flight operations. Their primary responsibility is to monitor the drone for potential hazards, ensure it remains within legal line-of-sight requirements, and communicate any safety concerns to the pilot in real time. Visual Observers play a critical role in safe drone operations, especially during complex or beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions. They help prevent collisions and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone visual observer?

To thrive as a Drone Visual Observer, you need a solid understanding of FAA regulations, strong situational awareness, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drone operations, radio communication systems, and sometimes completion of the FAA Part 107 certification are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods are crucial soft skills. These abilities are important to ensure safe drone operations by effectively identifying hazards and maintaining compliance with aviation regulations.

How does a drone visual observer typically collaborate with the drone pilot during operations?

A Drone Visual Observer works closely with the drone pilot to ensure safe and compliant flight operations. The observer maintains continuous visual line-of-sight with the drone, monitoring for obstacles, air traffic, and any hazards that could affect the mission. Regular, clear communication between the observer and the pilot is essential, as the observer relays real-time information and alerts the pilot to any safety concerns. This teamwork is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the safety of people and property in the vicinity.

What is the difference between Drone Visual Observer vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Visual ObserverDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Certification often requiredFAA Part 107 Certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists drone pilots in various outdoor settingsOperates and controls drones directly
Job RoleSupports safety and situational awarenessManages drone flight operations

The Drone Visual Observer and Drone Pilot roles often overlap in certifications and work environments, but the Visual Observer primarily supports safety and monitoring, while the Pilot controls the drone directly. Both roles are essential in drone operations, especially in industries like construction, surveying, and film production.

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Drone Visual Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Visual Observer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,612 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Visual Observer - Flight Test Operations Esparto

Zipline

Esparto, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About You and The Role 

The Flight Test Operations team at Zipline is growing, and we're looking for individuals with sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and exceptionally high standards.  Success requires a process-minded approach on every flight, safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for using cutting-edge technology to deliver goods and lifesaving medical supplies on 3 continents around the world (so far), 7 days a week.

You will monitor assigned airspace and conditions around UAS flights, communicate hazards clearly to the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), and speak up when a flight condition requires attention, a pause, or escalation. Your judgment directly supports safe, disciplined flight execution.

What You'll Do 
  • Attend pre-operational briefings and complete required crew activities before assigned flights.
  • Monitor assigned airspace along flight routes before launch and throughout UAS testing, flight, and delivery phases.
  • Identify non-cooperative aircraft, hazardous weather, local fire events, and other conditions that could affect flight safety.  Initiate escalation and immediate mitigations per crew procedures and stop operations when required.
  • Call out safety concerns, request a pause when conditions warrant, and escalate unresolved hazards through the flight crew.
  • Maintain reliable observation, communication, and procedural discipline during assigned flight operations.
  • Maintain operational readiness for day, night, and weekend shifts; participate in recurrent training, competency checks, and any required regulatory training.
What You'll Bring
  • Sound judgment, close attention to detail, and a process-minded approach to every flight.
  • Ability to follow flight procedures, retain situational awareness, and communicate observations accurately under operational conditions.
  • Ability to work independently in isolated conditions for extended periods while remaining attentive and communicative.
  • Availability for full-time shifts, including days, nights, and overnight shifts.
  • Clear interpersonal communication and the confidence to raise safety concerns directly.
  • Part 107 certification or prior drone, UAS, or aviation experience is preferred.
What Else You Need To Know
Please Note

The starting pay for this role is $22/ hour. 

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!

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