Aerial Drone Operator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technological advancements, the role of aerial drone operators is gaining increasing prominence.

As technology elevates to new heights, the demand for skilled individuals capable of maneuvering, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of our aerial drones is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an aerial drone operator?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of drone operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a fully adaptable aerial drone operator job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Aerial Drone Operator Duties and Responsibilities

Aerial Drone Operators handle the functioning and maneuvering of drones for a variety of applications such as video production, surveillance, or aerial photography.

They have a detailed understanding of drone technology and regulatory standards.

Their tasks and responsibilities include:

Conduct pre-flight inspections of drones to ensure their readiness and safety
Operate drones for specific tasks such as aerial photography, inspection, survey, or mapping
Maintain and repair drone equipment as needed to ensure operational readiness
Understand and adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidelines related to drone operation
Plan flight paths and control drone movement during flights
Analyze and interpret drone footage for clients or relevant stakeholders
Maintain logs of drone flight hours, equipment maintenance, and repair records
Communicate effectively with clients or team members to understand their requirements and deliver accordingly
Keep up-to-date with advancements and changes in drone technology and relevant regulations

Aerial Drone Operator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Aerial Drone Operator to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for operating drones used in a variety of tasks, such as aerial inspections, surveying, and video production.

You will be expected to demonstrate strong technical acumen, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced drone pilot with a deep understanding of drone technology, aviation regulations, flight operations, and maintenance procedures.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain drones for a variety of tasks
Conduct pre-flight and post-flight checks as per standard procedures
Analyze flight plans and weather conditions
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and other relevant aviation laws
Coordinate with ground crew and other personnel during operations
Perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on drones
Produce high-quality images and video footage
Report on flight operations and any anomalies or malfunctions
Stay current with latest drone technology and aviation best practices

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a drone operator
FAA Part 107 Certification or equivalent
Excellent knowledge of drone technology, aviation safety, and relevant laws
Ability to produce high-quality images and video footage
Strong technical skills for drone maintenance and repair
Proficiency with GPS and other navigational systems
Ability to work in various weather conditions
High school diploma or equivalent; Degree in Aviation or related field is a plus

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Aerial Drone Operator
Work Environment: This job generally requires outdoor work in various weather conditions. Travel to different sites may also be required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Operations Manager or Director of Operations.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Aerial Drone Operator Do?

Aerial Drone Operators are professionals skilled in the operation and control of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.

Their primary role involves flying drones to capture aerial footage or photographs for a variety of uses including surveying land, aerial videography, and photography, monitoring wildlife, inspecting infrastructure, among others.

They are responsible for planning flight paths, considering factors such as wind speed, weather, and altitude, and ensuring the safety of the drone and the surrounding environment during flight.

They often use sophisticated software to control the drone and manipulate the camera for the best possible shots.

Aerial Drone Operators also conduct routine maintenance checks, troubleshoot technical issues and carry out necessary repairs on their drones to ensure they are in optimal flying condition.

In some cases, they may also be tasked with interpreting the data collected during drone flights, especially in industries like agriculture, construction, or environmental conservation.

Their job may require them to travel to different locations and work in various weather conditions depending on the nature of their projects.

Aerial Drone Operator Qualifications and Skills

An aerial drone operator should possess a range of technical skills, knowledge of regulations, and abilities to ensure safe and effective operation of drones, including:

Technical understanding of drone mechanics and operations to ensure safe flights and to troubleshoot any issues that may occur.
Experience in operating various types of drones and understanding their specific controls and features.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and precision to safely navigate drones in different environments and weather conditions.
Knowledge of federal aviation regulations and rules regarding drone flight, including flight restrictions and privacy laws.
Ability to use specialized drone software for flight planning, monitoring, and data analysis.
Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations such as equipment malfunction or changes in weather conditions.
Communication skills to liaise with clients and team members, to understand requirements and report on mission progress.
Ability to interpret aerial photographs and video footage for data collection and analysis.
Physical fitness to carry and set up heavy equipment as required.

Aerial Drone Operator Experience Requirements

Aerial Drone Operators, at an entry-level, are generally required to have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in operating drones.

This experience can be gained through specific drone operator training programs or through part-time work or internships that involve significant drone operation.

It is also important for drone operators to have a good understanding of aviation, weather patterns, and drone technology.

This knowledge can often be gained in university programs, online courses, or self-study.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are typically considered to be advanced drone operators.

They should have a deep understanding of drone operation, including complex maneuvers, drone maintenance, and advanced navigation techniques.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have substantial expertise and are often considered for supervisory or managerial roles in drone operations.

In these roles, they are expected to have experience in managing drone operations, planning complex drone tasks, and training and supervising other drone operators.

In addition, all drone operators are required to have an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, which necessitates passing an aeronautical knowledge test.

A background in photography or videography can also be beneficial for certain roles.

Aerial Drone Operator Education and Training Requirements

Aerial Drone Operators generally require a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace, or a related field.

The fundamental aspect of becoming an Aerial Drone Operator involves undergoing a comprehensive drone training course.

This course includes theoretical lessons on aviation rules and regulations, and practical sessions on drone operations, maintenance, and safety procedures.

Most countries mandate that Aerial Drone Operators possess a drone pilot license or certification to operate commercially.

For instance, in the U.S., operators must pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 test to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate.

In addition to these basic qualifications, skills in aerial photography and videography can be beneficial, especially for those looking to work in real estate, cinematography, or similar industries.

Although not always required, some Aerial Drone Operators may choose to pursue advanced certifications in specific drone models or specialized areas such as thermal imaging, 3D mapping, or agricultural drone usage.

Continual professional development and staying abreast of the latest technology and regulatory updates is essential in this rapidly evolving industry.

Aerial Drone Operator Salary Expectations

The average wage for an Aerial Drone Operator is $25.67 (USD) per hour.

Annual earnings typically range from $50,000 to $70,000, with the potential to earn more depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the operations conducted.

Factors such as certification, advanced technical skills, and working for high-demand industries can also significantly influence the income of a Drone Operator.

Aerial Drone Operator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aerial Drone Operator need?

Aerial Drone Operators need to possess strong technical skills to manage and control the drone.

They should have a good understanding of aeronautics, safety protocols, and weather patterns.

Additionally, they need to have excellent hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.

Some drone operations may require videography and photography skills for aerial footage capture.

Do Aerial Drone Operators need a license or certification?

Yes, Aerial Drone Operators often need to be licensed or certified to operate drones commercially.

In many countries, such as the United States, operators must have a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The requirements typically involve passing an aeronautical knowledge test and being at least 16 years old.

What should you look for in an Aerial Drone Operator’s resume?

In an Aerial Drone Operator’s resume, you should look for evidence of technical skills, such as experience with drone technology, operation, and maintenance.

Any relevant certifications or licenses should also be listed.

Additionally, look for any experience in videography or photography, if relevant to your needs.

Prior work experience that required high attention to detail, spatial awareness, and problem-solving will also be beneficial.

What qualities make a good Aerial Drone Operator?

A good Aerial Drone Operator is highly detail-oriented and is committed to safety.

They need to be able to make quick decisions and have excellent problem-solving skills.

A keen understanding of technology, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to learn new software and equipment are also important traits.

If the role involves capturing footage, they should also have a good eye for composition and an understanding of lighting and weather conditions.

What are the daily duties of an Aerial Drone Operator?

The daily duties of an Aerial Drone Operator can include pre-flight inspections to ensure the drone is in good working order, planning and executing flight plans, operating the drone to capture images or video, and performing maintenance tasks on the equipment.

They may also need to analyze and edit footage, and coordinate with clients or team members on project objectives and requirements.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve soared through the sky to uncover the real meaning of being an aerial drone operator.

Exciting, right?

It’s not just about piloting drones.

It’s about defining the future of aerial technology, one flight at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive aerial drone operator job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take off.

But why ground your ambitions now?

Elevate your understanding with our job description generator. It’s your next destination for meticulously-designed job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Each flight contributes to the bigger mission.

Let’s navigate that future. Together.

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