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Surveying Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will assist drone pilots with inspecting equipment and completing pre and post flight ... Knowledge of supervisory functions relating to heavy industrial construction surveying field ...

You will assist drone pilots with inspecting equipment and completing pre and post flight ... Knowledge of supervisory functions relating to heavy industrial construction surveying field ...

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

... survey cameras. In addition, the Vexcel Data Program brings world class imagery to internet-scale ... This role requires an experienced pilot with good interpersonal skills who enjoys working with and ...

Lineboat Pilot - St. Louis, MO This is a full-time, exempt-level position. Job Responsibilities ... surveys. These physical demands are determined to represent essential functions of this job. The ...

Lineboat Pilot - St. Louis, MO This is a full-time, exempt-level position. Job Responsibilities ... surveys. These physical demands are determined to represent essential functions of this job. The ...

Operate as pilot-in-command or supporting pilot during drone light shows. * Troubleshoot and ... Conduct site surveys, airspace assessments, and safety evaluations prior to operations. * Maintain ...

Overview NV5 is seeking an Assistant Chief Pilot to support the Director of Flight Operations by ... Aerial survey experience. * Experience in King Air 200, Cessna Conquest II, or Cessna Caravan

Overview NV5 is seeking an Assistant Chief Pilot to support the Director of Flight Operations by ... Aerial survey experience. * Experience in King Air 200, Cessna Conquest II, or Cessna Caravan

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Surveying Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do surveying pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for surveying pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Surveying Pilot typically collaborate with survey teams during aerial data collection missions?

Surveying Pilots work closely with survey technicians, data analysts, and project managers to ensure accurate and efficient data collection. Before each mission, the pilot participates in pre-flight briefings to review flight plans, coordinate with ground crews, and confirm equipment setup. During flight, the pilot maintains communication with the survey team to address any real-time adjustments or challenges, such as changing weather conditions or technical issues. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential to ensure the collected data meets project requirements and safety standards.

What is the difference between Surveying Pilot vs Survey Technician?

AspectSurveying PilotSurvey Technician
CredentialsFAA pilot license, surveying certificationsSurveying certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentOperate UAVs in outdoor, open areasFieldwork on survey sites, data collection
Employer & IndustrySurveying firms, construction, mappingSurveying firms, civil engineering
Job FocusFlying UAVs for aerial surveysCollecting survey data, setting up equipment

Surveying Pilots primarily operate UAVs for aerial surveying, requiring pilot licenses and specialized certifications. Survey Technicians focus on data collection and fieldwork, supporting survey projects. Both roles are essential in the surveying industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surveying Pilot, and why are they important?

To excel as a Surveying Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and experience with aerial data collection techniques. Familiarity with GPS systems, aerial mapping software, and remote sensing equipment is typically required for accurate data acquisition. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe flight operations and precise, reliable survey results for clients or research purposes.

What are surveying pilots?

Surveying pilots are professionals who operate aircraft, often drones or small planes, to capture aerial data and images for mapping, land surveys, construction, or environmental monitoring. They play a crucial role in collecting precise geospatial information that is used by surveyors, engineers, and planners. Surveying pilots must be skilled in flight operations, understand airspace regulations, and be proficient with specialized surveying equipment and software. Their work helps ensure accurate measurements and supports decision-making in various industries.
More about Surveying Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Surveying Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Surveying Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surveying Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Surveying Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Surveying Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Surveying Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surveying Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Survey - Drone Pilot

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Bechtel rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Requisition ID:  295174

  • Relocation Authorized:  National - Single
  • Grade:  24
  • Position to be Panel Interviewed?  No
  • Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project 
  • Work Location: Clay, NY
  • Employee Referral Amount:  
  • Salary Range: 78,000-119,000 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Bechtel’s Manufacturing and Technology (M&T) Business Unit is designing, building and commissioning a semiconductor fab in Clay, NY. M&T is an exciting and growing business unit that serves customers in the semiconductor, datacenter, life sciences, and electric vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility, innovative technologies, and world class talent. M&T solves the industry's toughest challenges, building both our company and the world for the future. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the M&T global business unit also includes colleagues working in Arizona, Ohio, Texas, India, and additional project locations around the world.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will support the administration of the survey work request program. You will assist drone pilots with inspecting equipment and completing pre and post flight checklists. You will calibrate survey instruments, review computations, prepare drawings, and provide technical support. Your work will ensure the accurate layout of construction work, data accuracy, and efficiency of survey activities. #LI-BH1

Major Responsibilities:
  • Assist with the survey team’s implementation of the project safety, quality, and environmental programs
  • Assist the PSM or ALS by providing support to other Office Surveyors
  • Support the implementation and administration of the Survey Work Request program
  • Ensure that survey office calculations activity execution supports construction schedule
  • Develop and maintain survey data
  • Review and approve survey data from field crews and ensure survey documentation is completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner
  • Provide office technical support to the survey team including processing of survey data and preparation of deliverables utilizing survey industry best practices
  • Support with the verification of the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary control points
  • Identifying the location of underground services and maintaining a drawing with as-built underground installations to support excavation permitting process
  • Prepare survey CAD drawings as required in the performance of duties, including generation of Digital Terrain Models (DTM) and volumes computations
  • Provide Civil project completion data and documentation including "As-Built" records
  • Plan and execute the projects UAV/Drone program, responsible for the overall quality and integrity of the project’s UAV program
  • Pilot the UAV and/or train and supervise other pilots
  • Submit the photogrammetric images/data captured from the flights for processing; check and confirm the quality of the UAV flight deliverables prior to submitting to the project
Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 2-5 years of relevant experience or 6-9 years of relevant work experience
Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Knowledge of Bechtel’s - Unmanned Aerial System Operations Procedure
  • Experience with Laser Scanning hardware and software
  • Knowledge of engineering and construction methods and processes customarily acquired over time through specialized instruction or practical experience
  • Knowledge of Bechtel’s “Zero Incidents” safety program. Must have a strong drive toward Safety, both on and off the job, a commitment to seeing everyone go home each day as well and healthy as they came to work that day.
  • Knowledge of Bechtel quality standards and must have a solid record of successful project completion with little to zero rework
  • Knowledge of heavy industrial construction survey principles
  • Knowledge of supervisory functions relating to heavy industrial construction surveying field & office activities
  • Working knowledge of Bechtel construction procedures
  • Displays effective communications skills crucial to motivating team members and presenting plans in a clear and concise manner
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment, able to formulate a working relationship with survey team members, other departments, and contractors
  • Demonstrated advanced proficiency in MS Office apps, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
  • Excellent problem-solving ability
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Survey CAD software, such as TBC (Trimble Business Center) and AutoCAD Civil 3D; including proficiency with construction layout computations and generation of Digital Terrain Models (DTM) and volumes computations; and drafting of as staked/as-built data
  • Demonstrated proficiency with transferring data to and from field data controllers
  • General awareness of environmental laws and government compliance standards
  • Must have demonstrated experience piloting UAV’s, both rotary and fixed wing
  • Must have working knowledge of UAV Flight Data / Photogrammetry processing software
  • Must be physically capable to participate in project walkdowns, which may require the following activities: extensive walking in and around a construction site, climbing ladders, climbing scaffolding, walking on elevated platforms, walking on uneven surfaces, climbing in, or maneuvering around small and/or confined spaces, and lifting up to 40lbs without assistance
  • This project may have multiple work schedules that are subject to change and may require employees to work overtime, weekends and/or night shift when a business need arises
Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent. We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well-designed 401K plan with matching and profit-sharing components

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com


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