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Utility Pilot Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Utilities Lead (Remote)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

... for utility departments. * Influence and partner with site teams in maintenance, utilities, engineering and operations. * Manage corporate projects at several sites to pilot industry-leading ...

Directional Drilling Locator

Harmony, MN

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Maintain safe clearance from existing underground utilities. * Assist with pilot boring, backreaming, conduit installation, and pullback. * Operate a mud vacuum and support potholing, drilling-fluid ...

Directional Drilling Locator

Harmony, MN · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Maintain safe clearance from existing underground utilities. * Assist with pilot boring, backreaming, conduit installation, and pullback. * Operate a mud vacuum and support potholing, drilling-fluid ...

Project Coordinator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$49K - $53K/yr

... pilot initiatives, and Windsource enrollments during lower-volume periods. Process high-volume ... Utility or rebate program experience preferred. Familiarity with PDF handling, scanning, and ...

... carrier, pilot wire, transfer, transfer trip, fiber optic, CVT's, line tuners, line traps, etc ... The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and ...

... carrier, pilot wire, transfer, transfer trip, fiber optic, CVT's, line tuners, line traps, etc ... The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and ...

... pilot training, flight planning, and troubleshooting. * Develop and maintain survey documentation ... Support utility installation activities through accurately staking offsets, pipe alignments, and ...

Industrial Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

... utilities planning (power, air, vacuum, network) and footprint constraints. Conduct time studies ... Launch readiness: successful pilot/ramp with stable cycle times, improved first-pass yield, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Utility Pilot information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$22

$32

How much do utility pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility pilot in Minnesota is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility pilot?

A utility pilot is a professional pilot who operates aircraft for non-passenger, specialized missions such as aerial surveys, firefighting, powerline inspections, agricultural spraying, and other tasks supporting infrastructure and industry. These pilots often fly helicopters or small fixed-wing aircraft in challenging environments and conditions. Utility pilots require specialized training beyond standard commercial licenses, focusing on low-level flight operations and mission-specific skills. Their work plays a crucial role in supporting public safety, environmental monitoring, and essential services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility pilot?

To thrive as a Utility Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and proficiency in aircraft operation under diverse conditions. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial survey equipment, and possibly specialized certifications like instrument rating are often required. Excellent situational awareness, communication, and decision-making skills set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and adaptability during varied and often challenging utility flight operations.

What are some of the typical challenges utility pilots face in coordinating with ground crews during operations?

Utility Pilots often work closely with ground crews for tasks like aerial surveying, powerline inspections, or firefighting. A common challenge is maintaining clear and constant communication to ensure safety and precision, especially in remote or hazardous environments. Weather conditions, changing schedules, and varying terrains can also complicate coordination. Effective teamwork and strong situational awareness are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful operations.

What is the difference between Utility Pilot vs Flight Engineer?

AspectUtility PilotFlight Engineer
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific type ratingsFAA Flight Engineer Certificate, type-specific training
Work EnvironmentOperate utility aircraft, often in remote or agricultural settingsAssist pilots, monitor aircraft systems during flight
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, agricultural, firefighting, surveyCommercial airlines, cargo, military, specialized aircraft

Utility Pilots and Flight Engineers both require specialized certifications and work in aviation, but Utility Pilots primarily operate aircraft in utility roles such as agriculture or firefighting, while Flight Engineers assist with aircraft systems during flight. The roles differ in responsibilities and typical work environments, though both are essential in the aviation industry.

How much do utility pilot helicopter pilots make?

Utility pilot helicopter pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the operations. Experienced pilots with specialized certifications and skills in aerial work can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like construction, firefighting, or power line maintenance.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Pilot jobs in Minnesota?

For Utility Pilot jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Utility Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,181 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Utilities Lead (Remote)

Cargill

Minneapolis, MN • On-site, Remote

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 225 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.
This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Utilities Lead is a subject matter expert for several beef processing sites within North America. As a member of the Maintenance and Reliability Excellence team, you will partner collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external parties for preventative maintenance and audit readiness responsibilities. This work will include guiding several plant locations with recommendations for energy sources, energy efficiency, wastewater and other utilities: Ammonia refrigeration, Boilers, HVAC, and Electrical. You will be responsible for overseeing legal and company compliance for federal Process Safety standards and give guidance to plant management for recommended maintenance and action plans to ensure the plants are running efficiently and in compliance. You will partner on maintenance projects, advise on corrective actions, and non-destructive testing. Your work will improve the stability, capability and availability of utility processes while reducing variability and risk mitigation in Food North America. Your work will enable our plants to achieve variable, fixed cost, and operating efficiency targets while protecting our people, communities, environment and assets while honoring our business obligations.
This position will work remote from home office and travel to the following Cargill Food Enterprise locations in North America: Nebraska City, NE; Schuyler, NE; Fort Morgan, CO; Dodge City, KS; Friona, TX; Wyalusing, PA; Lake Odessa, MI; Big Lake, MN; Monticello, MN; Mason City, IA; London, Ontario; Guelph, Dunlop; High River, Alberta (locations are subject to change)
Key Accountabilities
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Analyze resource usage trends and develop more complex operational plans to assist in the optimization of systems for peak efficiency and develop and implement reporting to ensure consistent monitoring and early warning indicators for utility departments.
  • Influence and partner with site teams in maintenance, utilities, engineering and operations.
  • Manage corporate projects at several sites to pilot industry-leading technologies or ways of working to assess fit for operational execution. Advocate for continuous improvement. Bring curiosity, data and insights to team leadership.
  • Plan and schedule maintenance of plant utility systems using reliability models and predictive technologies in collaboration with regional maintenance leadership.
  • Assess and recommend upgrades to existing systems as needed, Monitor and manage variable and fixed utility and energy costs working closely with technology, finance, operations, compliance and third-party contracting teams.
  • Plan and monitor production shutdowns ensuring legal and preventive maintenance compliance of all utility equipment.
  • Partner with Capital Leads to align on budget needed to implement non-base capital investments for the plants as necessary.
  • Influence and mentor utilities teams providing recommendations for skills improvements and encouraging preparedness for high pressure decision-making.
  • Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field OR equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • A minimum of 4 years hands-on operator/ technician experience with ammonia refrigeration systems
  • Process Safety Management experience
  • Ability to travel at least 50%
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule when necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • RETA CIRO certification
  • Experience coordinating third-party resources to deliver business results.
  • Experience and understanding of site steam and condensate distribution systems, site compressed air supply, cooling towers and cooling tower water systems, and effluent system and potable water systems

Compensation Data
The expected salary for this position is $120,000-$150,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.
At Cargill we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Visit: https://www.cargill.com/page/my-health/mh-health-and-wellness to learn more (subject to certain collective bargaining agreements for Union positions).Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.
#LI-HS1 #themuse #fgb #LI-Remote
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US