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Drone Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73294)

Anaheim, CA

$30 - $35/hr

Operate the Drone for pressure washing and window cleaning, delivering exceptional results on mid-rise to high-rise buildings. * Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the drone ...

Amazon

Prime Air Ops Manager , Amazon Prime Air

Beaumont, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key job responsibilities Prime Air is seeking an experienced Drone Operations Manager to own the end-to-end operation at our drone delivery hubs. This person will act as the leader of the Prime Air ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

SA Recycling

Draftsman-Surveyor

Orange, CA · On-site

Produce 2D drawings using AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D software. • Drone operating experience. • Bilingual in English and Spanish *= Requirements for position. NOTE: Items without a "*" are not ...

Amazon

Safety and Compliance Officer, Prime Air

Beaumont, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the local safety and flight operations expert, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and compliant operation of our drone delivery fleet. Key job responsibilities - Audit flight monitors ...

Quinn Company CAT

Director of Technology

Riverside, CA · On-site

$171K - $219K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Director of Customer Technology & Worksite Solutions, you'll lead Quinn's full ecosystem of Cat integrated machine technology, Trimble and SITECH grade control, VisionLink connected fleet, drone ...

Exodigo

Field Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai) * Identify underground assets using advance technology in a variety of sensors ...

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All JobsDrone JobsDrone Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drone information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$18

$21

$26

How much do drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone in Riverside, CA is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $23.08 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Drone jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drone jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drone job openings:

Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,034 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Drone Operator (73294)

Valcourt

Anaheim, CA

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Key Responsibilities 

  • Operate the Drone for pressure washing and window cleaning, delivering exceptional results on mid-rise to high-rise buildings. 

  • Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the drone to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. 

  • Analyze building surfaces to develop efficient cleaning strategies tailored to unique structural challenges. 

  • Maintain precise control of the drone during cleaning operations to ensure safety and effectiveness without property damage. 

  • Adhere to all FAA regulations, such as maintaining line-of-sight and avoiding restricted airspaces. 

  • Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt’s safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational safety. 

  • Prepare and execute site-specific work plans, including risk assessments and hazard mitigation strategies. 

  • Ensure environmental compliance, including proper management of runoff and adherence to regulations. 

  • Perform routine maintenance on the Drone, including cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting to ensure operational readiness. 

  • Document project processes, including capturing before-and-after photos, preparing client reports, and maintaining detailed operational logs. 

  • Promptly report technical issues, accidents, or near-misses to management and participate in resolution processes. 

  • Collaborate with operations and site teams to coordinate access, water sources, and project schedules. 

  • Maintain professional and clear communication with clients, providing updates and addressing any questions or concerns during the project. 

Skills and Qualifications Required: 

  • FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). 

  • Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance. 

  • In-depth knowledge of drone operation laws and building safety standards. 

  • Strong technical skills for troubleshooting and maintaining drone equipment. 

  • Exceptional attention to detail, spatial awareness, and operational precision. 

  • Physical ability to transport, set up, and manage drone equipment. 

  • Basic understanding of building facades, pressure washing techniques, and water management. 

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for team collaboration and client interaction. 

Preferred: 

  • Experience operating the Drone or similar technology. 

  • Familiarity with environmental compliance regulations for runoff and water management. 

  • Background in window cleaning, pressure washing, or related building maintenance services.  

Working Conditions: 

  • Outdoors work in various weather conditions. 

  • Frequent travel to job sites. 

  • Adherence to Valcourt’s comprehensive safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

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