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Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot information

What does an entry level Duke Energy drone pilot do?

An Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to assist with inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of Duke Energy’s infrastructure such as power lines, substations, and renewable energy sites. They are responsible for conducting safe and efficient drone flights, collecting aerial data, and supporting engineering and maintenance teams with visual information. This role may also involve maintaining drone equipment, following safety regulations, and assisting with data processing and reporting. Entry-level pilots work under the supervision of experienced pilots and may receive on-the-job training to develop their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Duke Energy drone pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot, you need a strong understanding of drone flight operations, basic electrical or utility knowledge, and a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, mapping tools, and data collection systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe and accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with field teams at Duke Energy.

What is the difference between Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot vs Entry Level Duke Energy Lineman?

AspectEntry Level Duke Energy Drone PilotEntry Level Duke Energy Lineman
Required CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateApprentice Lineman Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentAerial inspections, remote locations, office supportUtility poles, underground facilities, outdoor work
Industry UsageInspection, monitoring, data collectionInstallation, maintenance, repair of power lines

The Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot primarily focuses on aerial inspections and data collection using drones, requiring FAA certification. In contrast, the Entry Level Duke Energy Lineman involves physical work on power lines and infrastructure, requiring specialized safety and technical training. Both roles are essential in the energy industry but differ significantly in work environment and skill sets.

Are drone pilots paid well?

Entry level drone pilots, such as those working for companies like Duke Energy, typically earn wages that are competitive for technical roles, often ranging from minimum wage to higher hourly rates depending on experience and certifications. Salaries can increase with skills in operating advanced drones, understanding of safety protocols, and relevant licenses. Compensation varies by employer and location but generally reflects the specialized nature of drone piloting work in industries like energy, infrastructure, and surveying.

Is there a demand for entry level Duke Energy drone pilots?

There is a growing demand for entry-level drone pilots in utility companies like Duke Energy, especially for tasks such as infrastructure inspections and maintenance. These roles often require basic drone operation skills and relevant certifications, with opportunities increasing as companies adopt drone technology for safety and efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Senior Electric System Inspector

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Fontana, CA • On-site

$60.03/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Senior Electric System Inspector at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll be in the Integrated Inspections group within SCE's Transmission and Distribution Operating Unit. You will be responsible for inspecting and identifying safety, reliability and environmental hazards on Transmission and Distribution assets, including utilizing drone technology.
As a Senior Electric System Inspector, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Identify General Orders 95 and 128 infractions, safety deficiencies, environmental and reliability hazards and wood pole integrity to ensure compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations and company requirements.
  • Perform public level repairs on poles and related structures.
  • Perform annual patrols on overhead circuits and prioritize repairs.
  • Reconcile differences between actual field conditions.
  • Identify and evaluate hazardous conditions, safety deficiencies, violations, and unsafe work practices.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 months experience of electrical inspections or completion of the equivalent of Journeyman Lineman 4th step apprenticeship.
  • Posses a valid Class C Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications
  • Three or more years of experience conducting electric utility industry construction and maintenance inspections.
  • Foundational knowledge of overhead electric infrastructure construction with the ability to learn detailed technical requirements quickly.
  • Experience conducting electric utility construction and maintenance inspections, including the use of drone inspection technologies. Less than 1
  • Certification in FAA Small UAS Rule (Part 107).
  • Experience with safe work practices, basic electrical theory, construction/maintenance standards (i.e., GO95 and GO128).
  • Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience interacting with customers and stakeholders to provide information, resolve issues, or address inquiries related to utility services.
  • Ability to learn and effectively use technology and software tools used for inspections.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is on-site. The employee will report to an SCE facility or in the field location. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • The primary work location for this position is Foothill S/C. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time throughout service territory.
  • Position will require up to 20% traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory.
  • This position has been identified as a NERC/CIP impacted position - Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must pass a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) or Background Investigation. Once hired, the candidate must complete specified training prior to gaining un-escorted access to assigned work location and performing necessary job duties.
  • This position is a 4/10 (Mon-Thurs) schedule.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
  • Must successfully pass the SCE required training program within one year of hire date, minimum of 600 inspections with a QC rating of 95% or higher within one year of hire date, and successful Drone pilot certification within two test attempts as a condition of continued employment.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.