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Entry Level Lidar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel ... LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment. * Conduct pre-flight and post-flight operations ...

This entry-level role involves working outdoors in support of a Land Survey crew. Prior survey ... What you will need: * 0 - 2 years of experience as a Survey Instrument Operator is preferred (land ...

Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level ... Hands-on work with perception sensors such as LiDAR, depth cameras, IMUs, GPS. * Systems Thinking:

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to join a fast-paced team that provides solutions ... Perform geologic desktop review of LiDAR mapping and field reconnaissance for the identification of ...

Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level ... Hands-on work with perception sensors such as LiDAR, depth cameras, IMUs, GPS. * Systems Thinking:

Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera ... Engineer for EMI/EMC robustness, thermal resilience, and fault isolation under field operating ...

Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level ... Hands-on work with perception sensors such as LiDAR, depth cameras, IMUs, GPS. * Systems Thinking:

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Entry Level Lidar Operator information

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$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level lidar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lidar operator in the United States is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lidar Operator vs Survey Technician?

AspectEntry Level Lidar OperatorSurvey Technician
CertificationsBasic GIS or remote sensing certifications, possibly OSHA safety trainingSurveying licenses or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentField data collection using lidar equipment, outdoor settingsField and office work, including data collection and processing
Industry UsageUsed mainly in geospatial, environmental, and infrastructure projectsUsed across construction, land development, and civil engineering

While both roles involve fieldwork and data collection, the Entry Level Lidar Operator specializes in operating lidar sensors for 3D mapping, whereas the Survey Technician may perform broader surveying tasks including traditional measurements. The lidar operator focuses more on remote sensing technology, making it ideal for projects requiring detailed spatial data.

More about Entry Level Lidar Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Lidar Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Lidar Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Operator jobs? The most popular types of Lidar Operator jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lidar Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lidar Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lidar Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.
IMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day's drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.
  • Develop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  • Employ thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
  • Employ proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.
  • Be prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.
  • Ensure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.
  • Perform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.
  • Serve as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.
  • Interact with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.
  • Manual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.
  • Strong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.
  • Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.
  • Must be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.
  • Perform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.
  • Willingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive for extended periods.
  • Working around industrial hazards

Qualifications and Skills
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License - Required
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Provided by Company:
  • Company Truck
  • Company Phone
  • Company Laptop
  • Company Drones
  • Hotels covered by company
  • Daily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel

Work Location: On the road.