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Surveying Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth, Texas (TX). This role offers a unique blend of field and office work-supporting aerial and terrestrial ...

Minimum Requirements Minimum education and experience required for UAS Pilot I position Associate's degree in surveying, Engineering Technology, or a related field of study or 2 years of flight ...

Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth, Texas (TX). This role offers a unique blend of field and office work--supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR ...

... 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 ...

... surveying equipment. * Calculate volumes moved by equipment, including stockpile volumes, truck/shovel yards, pond capacities, etc. * Establish control and targets for aerial surveys. * Pilot UAS ...

... surveying equipment. * Calculate volumes moved by equipment, including stockpile volumes, truck/shovel yards, pond capacities, etc. * Establish control and targets for aerial surveys. * Pilot UAS ...

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 ...

RFID Solutions Engineer

Riverside, MO · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

This position reports to the SVP, Product & Solution Architecture and is based onsite in Riverside, MO, with travel required for site surveys, pilots, and deployments. While this is not a remote role ...

Mate (Pilot) or Master's license of Towing vessels upon Western Rivers Radar certificate and FCC ... surveys. These physical demands are determined to represent essential functions of this job. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Surveying Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do surveying pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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 is a surveying pilot?

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth, Texas (TX). This role offers a unique blend of field and office work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional conventional survey data collection while assisting with post processing and CAD drafting preparing high-quality deliverables for our clients 

Responsibilities
  • Operate drones and terrestrial scanning equipment for survey data collection, including photogrammetry, aerial and terrestrial LiDAR capture, registration, and data extraction (occasional travel may be required).
  • Assist in processing and managing point cloud and other survey datasets, ensuring accuracy and usability for project needs.
  • Assist in translating field data (points, sketches, photos, and reference maps) into comprehensive survey deliverables.
  • Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and project teams to deliver high-quality, on-time survey products that support projects in land development, transportation, infrastructure, and more.
  • Assist in producing clear, detailed CAD drawings and survey exhibits (e.g., subdivision maps, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys) using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • Assist in researching boundary and easement title documents, perform boundary analysis, and prepare legal descriptions and exhibits for rights-of-way, easements, and acquisition parcels.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of survey operations.

#LI-TD

Qualifications
  • 3+ years of prior survey experience
    • Experience with conventional survey equipment a plus
    • Experience extracting LiDAR data is beneficial
    • Experience in CAD Survey Drafting preferred
  • FAA Part 107 certification or ability to obtain within 3 months
  • Strong communication and technical skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Ability to work on multiple projects at one time
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 18 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:High School Diploma/GEDEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967