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Remote Unmanned Aerial System Jobs in Riverside, CA

Remote Unmanned Aerial System information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$34

$87

How much do remote unmanned aerial system jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote unmanned aerial system in Riverside, CA is $34.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $39.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)?

A Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) refers to a set of components including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, and the remote control equipment used to operate it. UAS are operated without a pilot onboard and can be controlled remotely or flown autonomously with pre-programmed flight plans. These systems are widely used in various industries such as agriculture, construction, surveillance, and photography for tasks that require aerial data or observation. Remote UAS offer the advantage of accessing hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently while providing high-quality imagery and data. Operators must often comply with regulatory requirements and safety guidelines depending on their region and the type of use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operator, you need expertise in aviation principles, remote piloting skills, and a relevant certification such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, UAS control systems, GPS navigation, and data processing tools is typically required. Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe operations, regulatory compliance, and the successful collection and interpretation of aerial data.

What is the difference between Remote Unmanned Aerial System vs Remote Drone Operator?

AspectRemote Unmanned Aerial SystemRemote Drone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 Certification, Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Certification, Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentField operations, data analysis, system maintenanceRemote control, flight planning, data collection
Industry UsageAgriculture, surveying, inspection, filmmakingReal estate, media, inspection, agriculture

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating remotely controlled drones. The Remote Unmanned Aerial System typically encompasses broader responsibilities, including system management and data analysis, while the Remote Drone Operator focuses mainly on piloting and data collection. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job expectations and required skills in the drone industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals operating Remote Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and how can they be addressed?

Operators of Remote Unmanned Aerial Systems often encounter challenges such as maintaining situational awareness, managing technical malfunctions, and adhering to evolving regulations. Working remotely may require enhanced communication with team members to ensure mission objectives are met and safety protocols are followed. Staying up-to-date with the latest UAS technology, regularly participating in training, and fostering clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders can help address these challenges and contribute to successful operations.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Riverside, CA? For Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Remote Unmanned Aerial System job openings:

Professional Land Surveyor / City Surveyor

BKF

Riverside, CA โ€ข Remote

$139K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering, construction management, environmental, planning, and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

BKF Engineers is seeking an experienced City Surveyor to support our Government Solutions team. This role leads survey project delivery for public agencies, provides technical oversight, mentors staff, ensures quality standards, and supports client coordination. The position also contributes to business development through proposal support and identification of new project opportunities.

Responsibilities

  • Reviewing subdivision maps, lot line adjustments, lot mergers, and other private development applications.
  • Preparing legal exhibits including plats, legal descriptions, and survey reports.
  • Post-processing field data collected via total station, GPS, levels, 3D laser scanners, and unmanned aerial systems
  • Creating mapping deliverables including boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys
  • Preparing construction staking calculations by reading plans and interpreting CAD files
  • Travel to various job sites and offices may be required

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of office surveying experience with progressively increasing responsibility
  • Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) is required
  • Deep understanding and experience of surveying principles, techniques, and equipment
  • Proficient in CAD software, especially Autodesk Civil 3D
  • Construction staking experience, including reading plans, construction calculations, and preparing cut sheets
  • Experience processing laser scanning data, including registration and 3D modeling is nice to have
  • Lead and initiate special projects as needed
  • May require flexible hours
  • Travel between BKF offices and other off-site locations may be required

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

  • The typical base salary range for this position is $139,000.00 - $170,799.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
  • Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
  • Generous paid time off packages.
  • 9 Paid Holidays.
  • Flexible schedules.
  • Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
  • BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.

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