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Drone Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

RE/SPEC Inc.

Associate GIS Consultant

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

FAA Part 107 Drone License and familiarity with Imagery and LiDAR derivative products. * Experience applying GIS to engineering * Experience using REST APIs, ETLs, and GET/POST requests * Experience ...

RE/SPEC Inc.

Associate GIS Consultant

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

FAA Part 107 Drone License and familiarity with Imagery and LiDAR derivative products. * Experience applying GIS to engineering * Experience using REST APIs, ETLs, and GET/POST requests * Experience ...

AeroVironment

FPGA Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$126K - $161K/yr

Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the ...

AeroVironment

Infrastructure Cloud Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$104K - $136K/yr

Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the ...

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All JobsDrone JobsDrone Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Drone information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$15

$18

$22

How much do drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone?

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. They are commonly used for a variety of applications including aerial photography, agriculture, surveying, delivery services, infrastructure inspection, and even emergency response. Drones can be controlled remotely or fly autonomously using pre-programmed flight plans and sensors. Their versatility and ability to access hard-to-reach areas have made them valuable tools across many industries.

What are careers in the drone industry?

Careers in the drone industry include drone pilots, software or hardware designers, and positions that analyze and assess the data acquired by drones. As a drone pilot, you can work in a variety of fields, including the mapping, real estate, construction, photography and film production, and military industries. Your responsibilities differ depending on the industry, but your general duties are to operate the drone and return the data to your supervisor. As a designer, you typically only work for drone manufacturers. Your goal is to either improve existing products or produce new drones.

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

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need expertise in piloting drones, understanding airspace regulations, and often a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent licensing. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators adapt to changing environments and coordinate with teams. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by drone operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Drone operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, technical malfunctions, and navigating complex airspace regulations. To manage these, operators need to conduct thorough pre-flight checks, stay updated on local regulations, and maintain open communication with their team. Additionally, ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for ensuring both the drone's integrity and the successful completion of missions.

What is the difference between Drone vs Photographer?

AspectDronePhotographer
Required CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification (for commercial use), drone operation trainingPhotography certifications (e.g., CPP), portfolio
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial locations, remote areasIndoor studios, outdoor scenes, various locations
Industry UsageReal estate, filmmaking, surveyingEvents, portraits, commercial shoots

Both drones and photographers require specialized skills and certifications. Drones focus on aerial imaging and often involve remote operation, while photographers capture images from the ground. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their visual needs.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career as a drone operator, gain knowledge of drone technology, flight regulations, and safety procedures. Obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license if operating commercially in the United States, and develop skills in remote piloting, photography, or videography depending on your focus. Gaining practical experience through training programs or personal practice is also essential.

How much can you get paid for drone work?

Drone operators can earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Freelance pilots or those working for companies may also charge per project, with rates varying accordingly. Certification and specialized skills can lead to higher pay in this field.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

Yes, there is increasing demand for drone operators across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations are particularly sought after as drone usage expands in commercial applications.

What careers can you do with drones?

Careers with drones include roles such as drone pilot, aerial photographer, videographer, surveyor, inspector, and data analyst. These jobs often require knowledge of drone operation, FAA certification, and skills in photography, surveying, or data processing, depending on the industry sector. Drones are used in fields like agriculture, construction, filmmaking, real estate, and public safety.
More about Drone jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Drone jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Drone job openings:

Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,932 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Associate GIS Consultant

RE/SPEC Inc.

Albuquerque, NM • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Company Description

Big challenges need bold thinkers.

If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.

At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.

We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you're looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters.

Job Description

RESPEC is seeking an Associate GIS Consultant to join our DTS team in the Albuquerque, NM, Denver, CO or Roseville, MN offices. At RESPEC, a GIS Consultant is a strong independent contributor in geospatial data management, spatial analysis, cartography, and overall GIS solution delivery. You have solid foundational knowledge in geospatial concepts and best practices. You are comfortable applying Esri ArcGIS Pro advanced tools from the desktop as well as working within ArcGIS Online and/or ArcGIS Enterprise to develop Esri web apps and publish feature services. Experience supporting asset management initiatives, including spatially enabled inventories, data quality improvement, system integration, and workflows that help clients manage infrastructure and operational assets is preferred.

In addition to core GIS capabilities, the ideal candidate leverages programming and scripting to enhance efficiency, automation, and scalability of geospatial solutions. This includes proficiency in building Arcade expressions to customize app functionality and manipulate attributes, Python for geoprocessing, data manipulation, and automation using libraries such as ArcPy, GeoPandas, Pandas, and Shapely. Understanding of web languages such as JavaScript is beneficial.

As a GIS Consultant, you will operate within the Data and Technology Services (DTS) market sector of RESPEC. This role is well suited for candidates with a Master of GIS or similar advanced GIS training who can apply sound technical judgment across a range of projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Work in close collaboration as part of a GIS team to deliver complex geospatial solutions as requested
  • Work alongside project managers and technical leads to estimate level of effort for upcoming work
  • Develop GIS solutions as assigned
  • Provide clear and concise task status updates on scrum calls
  • Be polite and responsive to client requests
  • Learn new technologies and concepts quickly

About You:

  • You are looking for a team where you can grow as a mid-level GIS professional and deepen your consulting experience
  • You are comfortable speaking directly with clients, gathering requirements, and leading demonstrations
  • You can independently manage GIS tasks, including dataset design, spatial analysis using vector and raster data.
  • You enjoy designing and developing practical geospatial solutions that support client business needs
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum BA/BS in GIS, Geography or equivalent educational background and experience
  • 2+ years of professional GIS experience, including work that demonstrates increasing independence and exposure operational GIS applications
  • Advanced understanding of Esri’s geospatial tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online and Enterprise
  • Demonstrated experience conducting spatial analysis, including complex vector and raster workflows, with the ability to apply results to real-world planning, operations, or asset management needs
  • Experience using Python for geospatial process automation
  • Ability to leverage Arcade in ArcGIS Pro, Experience Builder, Dashboards, Web Maps, etc.
  • Knowledge managing geospatial data using relational databases (PostgreSQL/PostGIS or SQL Server)
  • Understanding of open-source GIS tools and software to solve spatial problems


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master of GIS degree strongly preferred
  • Experience supporting asset management programs, including asset inventories, data governance, condition or inspection workflows, and integration of GIS with enterprise asset management systems
  • FAA Part 107 Drone License and familiarity with Imagery and LiDAR derivative products.
  • Experience applying GIS to engineering
  • Experience using REST APIs, ETLs, and GET/POST requests
  • Experience with ArcGIS Experience Builder Developer Edition to build custom JavaScript Widgets.
  • Familiarity with setting up an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for efficient code development.
  • Strong understanding of Esri Enterprise architecture, including deployments, services definitions, distributed collaborations, and enterprise data management, with experience managing users, permissions, and system integrations

Additional Information

Compensation: Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is a 100 percent employee-owned company, and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.

Featured benefits:

  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) & ESOP (with company match up to 4%)
  • Professional Development and Training
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.