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Lidar Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation ... Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data. * Verify data ...

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

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 ...

Tex-Air Drone

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... operating DJI enterprise or agricultural platforms. * Background in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, CAD ...

Kiewit Corporation

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

This role is ideal for someone with hands-on drone and LiDAR experience who is passionate about ... Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work ...

Kiewit

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

This role is ideal for someone with hands-on drone and LiDAR experience who is passionate about ... Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work ...

CenterPoint Energy

Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate will have experience operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with ... Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors. * Knowledge of utility ...

Allan Myers, Inc

$60 - $80/hr

... responsible for operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support surveying, construction ... Capture high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data for topographic mapping, site analysis, and quantity ...

COOPER AERIAL SURVEYS CO

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Land Surveyor RLS - Experienced RLS w/ Drone

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Experience operating GPS, robotic total stations, and related survey equipment * Proven work ... Experience with Trimble workflows, photogrammetry, LiDAR, or aerial mapping is a plus, but we're ...

COOPER AERIAL SURVEYS CO

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Land Surveyor RLS - Experienced RLS w/ Drone

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Experience operating GPS, robotic total stations, and related survey equipment * Proven work ... Experience with Trimble workflows, photogrammetry, LiDAR, or aerial mapping is a plus, but we're ...

Gralph Architect

Site Survey Specialist

Green Brook, NJ · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Hands-on use of advanced scanning Lidar technology * Opportunity to obtain Part 107 Drone Operator license funded by the company * A visible role as a representative of the firm in the field Key ...

SA Recycling

Draftsman-Surveyor

Orange, CA · On-site

Drafting experience in Surveying (LiDAR, GPS, Total Stations) (Surveying equipment: Trimble ... Produce 2D drawings using AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D software. • Drone operating experience. • ...

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Lidar Drone Operator information

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How much do lidar drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar drone operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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Infographic showing various Lidar Drone Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.

Drone Operator

Moab, UT • On-site

Mariana Minerals
See more jobs at Mariana Mineralsexternal

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Position Summary
The Drone Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of mining operations. This role conducts and supervises continuous drone flight activities for surveying, inspection, monitoring, mapping, stockpile measurements, environmental compliance, security surveillance, and operational support. The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, company policies, and mine safety standards.
This position requires strong technical knowledge of drone systems, mining operations, aviation regulations, and emergency response procedures. Operators must maintain required certifications and be capable of working independently in a safety-sensitive environment.
Housing can be provided onsite.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Drone Operations
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections of drone systems and equipment.
  • Operate and monitor drones in a 24/7 mining environment during day and night shifts.
  • Execute automated and manual flight missions for mapping, surveying, inspections, and site monitoring.
  • Monitor telemetry, battery status, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions to ensure safe operations.
  • Maintain compliance with FAA, MSHA, and company safety and operational requirements.
  • Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data.
  • Verify data quality, process mission outputs, and distribute information to stakeholders.
  • Prepare reports and communicate operational findings to management and project teams.
  • Coordinate drone activities with mine supervisors, engineering, dispatch, security, and safety personnel.
  • Conduct mission risk assessments and maintain awareness of mining hazards, traffic, blasting schedules, and restricted areas.
  • Respond to equipment malfunctions, flight deviations, and emergency situations.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drones, sensors, batteries, and related equipment.
  • Coordinate repairs with vendors and technical support teams and maintain parts and supply inventories.
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, operational records, maintenance documentation, and compliance reports.

Required Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific mining and safety certifications.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial technology, engineering, surveying, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of professional drone operating experience preferred.
  • Experience operating drones in industrial, construction, mining, energy, or similar environments preferred.
  • Understanding of mining operations, mine safety procedures, and site hazards.
  • Experience with drone mission planning software and flight management systems.
  • Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.
  • Ability to read maps, site plans, and technical documents.
  • Familiarity with weather impacts on drone operations.

Required Skills & Competencies
  • Strong commitment to safety.
  • Excellent situational awareness and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.
  • Ability to remain alert and focused during extended monitoring periods.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to walk on uneven terrain and active mining sites.
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
  • Ability to maintain visual observation of aircraft during flight operations when required.

Work Environment
  • Active surface or underground mining operations.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and changing weather conditions.
  • Rotating 24/7 shift coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with autonomous drone operations.
  • MSHA training or mining industry experience.
  • GIS, surveying, photogrammetry, or LiDAR experience.
  • Experience managing multiple simultaneous drone missions.
  • Advanced drone certifications or manufacturer-specific training.
Our culture is built on four principles:
Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.
Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!

Apply