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Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hirani Group

Instrument Person

Hicksville, NY

$70K - $120K/yr

... Pilot Certification and experience operating UAVs for aerial mapping Hands-on experience with Leica LiDAR scanners for high-accuracy 3D data collection Familiarity with managing or working on ...

Hirani Group

Party Chief

Hicksville, NY

$85K - $154K/yr

... Pilot Certification and experience operating UAVs for aerial mapping Hands-on experience with Leica LiDAR scanners for high-accuracy 3D data collection Familiarity with managing or working on ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ... UAS Pilots on relevant projects, including driving and field support when necessary. * Support ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Seattle, WA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

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Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilot information

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How much do weekend aerial mapping pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend aerial mapping pilot in the United States is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilots, and how can they be managed?

Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict flight schedules, and the need to maintain precise flight paths for data accuracy. Managing these challenges requires strong pre-flight planning, close coordination with ground teams, and adaptability to changing circumstances. Additionally, effective communication with air traffic control and ongoing training in aerial mapping technology help ensure successful data collection and safe operations.

What are Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilots?

Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilots are professional pilots who specialize in operating aircraft equipped with mapping equipment, such as cameras or LiDAR sensors, primarily during weekends. Their main responsibility is to fly over designated areas to capture high-resolution aerial imagery or spatial data for use in creating maps, conducting surveys, or supporting environmental and infrastructure projects. These pilots must have a valid commercial pilot's license and often work for mapping companies, government agencies, or research organizations. The role requires precision flying, attention to safety protocols, and an understanding of geospatial data collection technologies.

What is the difference between Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilot vs Drone Survey Pilot?

AspectWeekend Aerial Mapping PilotDrone Survey Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107, Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107, Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-location, often in remote areasOutdoor, on-location, often in remote areas
Industry UsageMapping, surveying, construction, agricultureSurveying, construction, environmental assessment
Job FocusCapturing aerial imagery for mapping projectsConducting aerial surveys and data collection

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve outdoor drone operation in similar environments. The main difference is that Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilots focus specifically on capturing imagery for mapping purposes, while Drone Survey Pilots may perform broader surveying tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and interests.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, strong navigation skills, and knowledge of aerial survey procedures. Familiarity with GPS mapping systems, specialized camera equipment, and flight planning software is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient collection of aerial data during time-sensitive weekend operations.
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Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Aerial Mapping Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,624 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Arch Aerial LLC

Kermit, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in a Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) role to assist and execute drone-based data collection missions focused on aerial mapping data, leak detection data, and other hyper-spectral payload data, primarily on Arch Aerial's customers' energy assets in West Texas and New Mexico. Travel will be required from time to time.
The candidate should expect a majority of in-field work operating unmanned aerial systems. In-field work will be in industrial applications with West Texas (hot) conditions in the summer, and West Texas (cold) conditions in the winter, which are physically demanding.
This is an entry level position with immediate opportunities for training, however previous experience with the DJI M300/M350 specifically, and DJI aircraft in general, are a huge advantage to a candidate. Those with previous experience using leak detection equipment for methane scouting are also highly encouraged to apply.
Students, recent graduates, or those looking to enter the unmanned aerial systems field are appropriate candidates, however skills and requirements are listed further below, and preference will be given to those with the skills listed as primary and secondary traits. Integrity and organizational skills are highly valued (more so than a specific educational degree). This is a full-time position.
FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) will be responsible for:
Primary Duties
  • Assisting (the Operations Manager, Western Region) with the daily collection of drone-based aerial mapping (visible spectrum), drone-based aerial leak detection (methane laser), and drone-based aerial hyper-spectral data (OGI and other payloads).
  • Conducting UAS (drone) operations at construction sites, pipeline right of ways, pump stations, refineries, well pads, and other facilities.
  • Daily and monthly maintenance of drone and ground based equipment, and vehicles.
  • Assisting with daily compiling of inspection reports.
  • Assisting Jr. Data Technicians or Jr. UAS Pilots in the same region. These Jr. Data Technicians and Jr. UAS Pilots will assist both the West Texas region, but also overflow for data from other regions in times of high demand.
  • Assisting with creation, measurement, and delivery any additional reporting.
  • The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) applying for this position will also be required from time to time, to assist with daily data delivery for overflow data collected at other regions of the company's operational footprint.
  • Driving to and on Arch Aerial's customers' assets on relevant projects.
  • Assist with Arch Aerial LLC data management initiatives for current work and archival strategies.
  • Being a constant ambassador and sales-minded representative of the company when interacting with peers, other operators, or other service companies in the field.
  • Being a safety-minded operator that protects their own individual safety and the integrity of the equipment they are operating.

Requirements
Primary Requirements:
  • Adobe Acrobat Proficiency
  • Dropbox Proficiency
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Windows and Mac OS Proficiency
  • Safety-Minded Attitude
  • Ability and willingness to travel beyond West Texas and NM from time to time.

Secondary Traits (not required but will make the candidate highly competitive)
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement (current)

Tertiary Traits (not required, and not as important as secondary traits, but may be complimentary traits)
  • DJI M300 Piloting Experience
  • OGI Certification
  • TWIC Card (current)
  • Thermographer I Certification
  • Adobe Photoshop Proficiency
  • Adobe Premiere Proficiency
  • Adobe After Effects Proficiency
  • Ground Photography Proficiency

The ideal candidate will also possess the following character traits:
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organization skills.
  • Highly efficient.
  • Self - starter willing to develop and suggest improvements to process and method to managers when they observe such opportunities.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to create materials that communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively.

Training Opportunities
  • Although candidates with the Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train, and test for the Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement if not already held.
  • Although candidates with DJI M300 series experience will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train for DJI M300 series experience if not already held.
  • OQ Certification.
  • Methane detection and hyper-spectral payloads.
  • Cloud data management.
  • Photogrammetry.
  • LiDAR

Benefits
Not immediately eligible for benefits. Eligible for optional benefits program effective in the 2027 calendar year if employed with the company with the required amount of time prior to October 1, 2026 and maintaining full-time hours. Additional details provided upon interview.

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