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Uas Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Reality Capture Specialist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requires successful passing of the FAA Part 107 UAS Operator Exam Your Capabilities and Credentials * Background in traditional or 3D surveying with extensive project experience * Demonstrate an ...

Reality Capture Specialist

Woodbury, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requires successful passing of the FAA Part 107 UAS Operator Exam Your Capabilities and Credentials * Background in traditional or 3D surveying with extensive project experience * Demonstrate an ...

Police Officer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$43.84 - $64.38/hr

We offer many opportunities, including Detective, K-9 Officer, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Community Support and Impact Units, Field Training, Bike Patrol, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operator ...

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Minneapolis ...

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

Virginia, MN · On-site

$128 - $195/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Contribute to the design and implementation of the next generation of C-UAS systems utilizing the ... Extensive Linux operating system experience, with focus on software integration, package building ...

Ability to read and follow technical documentation, schematics, and standard operating procedures ... Experience with small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) (e.g., DJI, FPV), unmanned underwater vehicles ...

Field Service Specialist

Duluth, MN · On-site +1

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We specialize in building and operating advanced test ranges for low Technology Readiness Level ... Experience with small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) (e.g., DJI, FPV), unmanned underwater vehicles ...

Uas Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do uas operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for uas operator in Minnesota is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAS operator?

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Operator is responsible for piloting drones for various applications, such as aerial surveying, reconnaissance, photography, and inspections. They ensure safe and legal operation by following aviation regulations and mission-specific protocols. UAS Operators may work in industries like defense, agriculture, construction, or emergency response. Their tasks include flight planning, equipment maintenance, data collection, and reporting. Some positions require specialized training or certifications, depending on the type of drone and industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a UAS operator?

As a UAS Operator, your daily responsibilities often include pre-flight checks, mission planning, navigating and piloting the drone during operations, and collecting or analyzing aerial data. You may also be responsible for troubleshooting equipment, maintaining logs, and ensuring all flights adhere to regulatory safety standards. Depending on the industry, you could collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, public safety officials, or media teams. Flexibility is important, as tasks can vary based on client needs, weather conditions, and site locations. This dynamic work environment offers opportunities to continually develop new technical and team-based skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAS operator?

To thrive as a UAS Operator, you need strong piloting skills, situational awareness, and a deep understanding of drone technology, typically supported by an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or relevant military/commercial credentials. Familiarity with ground control software, flight planning tools, GPS systems, and UAS maintenance procedures is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators excel in both independent missions and collaborative operations. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of unmanned aerial systems operations across various applications.

Do Uas Operators make good money?

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operators can earn a competitive salary, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified operators with specialized skills in drone technology and regulations tend to have higher earning potential, especially in sectors like surveying, agriculture, or film production.

How to become a UAS operator?

To become a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operator, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing an aeronautical knowledge test. They should also be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and adhere to regulations regarding drone operation, including maintaining visual line of sight and flying below certain altitude limits.

How to get a job as a Uas Operator?

To become a Uas (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Operator, candidates typically need a combination of relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and specialized training or certification in drone operation. Many employers prefer applicants with FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent, along with experience using remote sensing tools and understanding airspace regulations.

What does a Uas Operator do?

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Operator is responsible for flying and managing drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, often for tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or data collection. They operate remote controls, monitor flight systems, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often requiring certification or training in drone operation. UAS Operators work in various industries including agriculture, construction, and media, typically following regulations set by aviation authorities.

What are popular job titles related to Uas Operator jobs in Minnesota?

For Uas Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Uas Operator jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Uas Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Uas Operator jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Uas Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Uas Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,879 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Reality Capture Specialist

Stantec

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Strong communities don't just happen. They're thoughtfully planned and future-ready. We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs, small towns, and rural areas through master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, parks, and recreation facilities. The result: vibrant economic centers, resilient neighborhoods, and welcoming places that feel like home.
If you're passionate about empowering communities, join us to discover a career with endless opportunities to make communities more equitable, resilient, and livable.
Accurate data is the top priority for our Geomatics team. Through our work, we measure, process, and analyze spatial data and define land boundaries. We provide our clients a full range of Geomatics, surveying, and mapping services. Join a team of inspired and talented professionals who continually find inventive ways to get the job done safer, better, faster, and smarter.
Your Opportunity
The field-focused Reality Capture Specialist operating within Stantec's Geospatial team is responsible for working with the Senior Reality Capture Manager in the execution of day-to-day operations for the Reality Capture Team. The Manager will primarily serve as the field crew chief and point of contact for the execution of various Reality Capture, drone and/or surveying projects, subsequent data post-processing, and creation of various survey-based deliverables. The Reality Capture Specialist will also be responsible for the training, supervising, and growth of the Reality Capture Technicians with a primary focus on UAS systems and UAS data collection
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Demonstrate leadership and managerial skills for a rapidly growing team
  • Ability to foster, promote, and lead a team/collaborative environment
  • Works independently and able to make decisions with limits of authority
  • Demonstrate an ability to meet project specific deadlines for both the team and the individual
  • Laser Scanning & Registration - perform field-based capture of 3D spatial point cloud data using terrestrial laser scanners
  • Surveying - perform field-based project control using Total Stations, Static GNSS and Base Station GNSS to maintain accuracies in the laser scanning and photogrammetry processes; perform QA/QC and layout on various construction projects
  • LiDAR/Photogrammetry - perform field-based drone LiDAR and photography for use in LiDAR and 3D photogrammetry data capture. Requires successful passing of the FAA Part 107 UAS Operator Exam

Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Background in traditional or 3D surveying with extensive project experience
  • Demonstrate an ability to lead 3D surveying projects
  • Background in UAS systems, UAS data collection, drone flight planning and drone safety
  • Demonstrate experience in required software (AutoCAD, Navisworks, Revit, Trimble Business Center, etc.)
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal English language communication skills
  • Demonstrate leadership ability
  • Ability to use independent judgement, problem-solving ability, self-starting, and ability to prioritize based on relevant factors
  • Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record

Physical Requirements:
  • Applicants must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position which may include:
  • Lifting of equipment (10-25 pounds)
  • Occasional confined space work
  • Extended periods of standing
  • Exposure to outdoor elements (cold, rain, snow, heat)
  • Travel 75% of time

Preferred Skills:
  • Applicants are preferred but not required to demonstrate knowledge in the following software, hardware, and programs (training available): - Autodesk AutoCAD
  • UAS Flight Planning and Data Collection Software
  • Autodesk RECAP
  • Autodesk Navisworks
  • Autodesk Point Layout
  • Trimble Business Center, Access and Perspective
  • Leica Register 360 and Field 360
  • 3D Laser Scanning Equipment
  • 3D Registration Software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Trimble/Leica Total Stations

Physical Demands:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Education and Experience
  • Associate degree or Bachelor's Degree in related field. 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Position will primarily be field work with exposure to the elements including inclement weather. Travel maybe necessary. Dependent on experience, office duties would be available. This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
Pay Range:
• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, ME, NY, VA Areas-$57,200.00 - $80,100.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | MN | Woodbury
Other Locations: United States | MN | Minneapolis
Organization: BC-1903 CommDev-US North Central
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 27/07/2026 02:07:03
Req ID: 1006894
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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