Drone Survey Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of advanced technology, the focus on drone survey pilots has never been greater.

As technology soars to new heights, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, control, and ensure the safety of our aerial surveying systems grows significantly.

But let’s take a closer look: What’s truly expected from a drone survey pilot?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring pilot trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of drone surveying,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable drone survey pilot job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s take flight and dive right in.

Drone Survey Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Drone Survey Pilots conduct aerial surveys and collect data using unmanned aircraft systems (drones).

They are responsible for operating and maintaining drones, planning flight paths, and analyzing data.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting pre-flight inspections of drones to ensure they are in proper working order
• Planning and programming drone flight paths for survey operations
• Operating drones to conduct aerial surveys and capture high-quality images
• Monitoring drone flights to ensure they are conducted safely and within regulatory guidelines
• Analyzing and interpreting aerial data collected by drones
• Providing clients with data reports and visualizations
• Maintaining drone equipment and carrying out any necessary repairs or upgrades
• Staying current with advancements in drone technology and applications
• Adhering to all applicable laws and regulations regarding drone operation

 

Drone Survey Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Drone Survey Pilot to operate drones for conducting detailed surveys.

As a Drone Survey Pilot, your responsibilities will include preparing and operating drones, conducting flight tests and maneuvers, analyzing data collected from drone flights, and ensuring the safety of the drone operations.

Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail, outstanding coordination skills, and a deep understanding of drone technology.

Ultimately, the role of the Drone Survey Pilot is to contribute to the efficient operations of our company by conducting high-quality, precise, and safe drone surveys.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-flight checks and safety assessments before each operation.
• Operate drones safely and efficiently to carry out detailed surveys.
• Plan and execute flight paths accurately.
• Analyze and interpret data collected during drone flights.
• Perform regular maintenance checks and minor repairs on drones.
• Work with the surveying team to understand project requirements and objectives.
• Stay updated on the latest drone technology and regulations.
• Provide reports and feedback on drone performance and survey results.
• Perform emergency procedures when required.
• Collaborate with teams across different projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Drone Pilot or similar role.
• Familiarity with drone technology and safety protocols.
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent drone pilot license.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform minor repairs on drones.
• Strong understanding of privacy laws and regulations related to drone operation.
• Excellent coordination and navigation skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent. A degree in a relevant field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Drone Survey Pilot
• Work Environment: Primarily outdoor work in various environments. Travel to different locations may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Survey Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 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 a Drone Survey Pilot Do?

Drone Survey Pilots are specialized professionals who operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to conduct aerial surveys and inspections.

Working in a range of industries including construction, agriculture, real estate, and environmental conservation, they capture high-resolution images or videos from various angles and altitudes to provide a comprehensive view of a specific area.

The data they collect is used for purposes such as creating topographic maps, monitoring crop health, tracking wildlife, inspecting infrastructure, or showcasing properties for sale.

In addition to piloting the drone, they are responsible for planning the flight path, ensuring compliance with local and national airspace regulations, and maintaining the drone equipment.

Drone Survey Pilots also work with teams of data analysts, engineers, and other professionals to interpret the captured data and provide actionable insights.

They are responsible for the safety of the operations and need to stay updated with the latest drone technology and regulations.

 

Drone Survey Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A competent Drone Survey Pilot should have skills and qualifications that match the requirements of the role, these include:

• Technical skills to operate, troubleshoot and maintain various types of drones and the software used for drone navigation and data collection.
• Knowledge of geospatial data collection and processing, including aerial surveying and mapping.
• Understanding of civil aviation regulations and drone operating procedures to ensure safety and compliance.
• Proficiency in using GPS systems and other navigation tools to accurately pilot drones.
• Attention to detail to ensure the quality and accuracy of collected data.
• Problem-solving abilities to address any issues that may arise during the flight or data collection.
• Communication skills to effectively work with team members, explain flight plans and report any observed issues.
• Physical fitness and hand-eye coordination for handling and piloting drones.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions during adverse weather conditions or in case of technical issues.

 

Drone Survey Pilot Experience Requirements

Drone Survey Pilots typically require a significant amount of hands-on experience and technical knowledge in the field of drone operations.

They must have a deep understanding of aviation regulations, weather conditions, and the ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.

Entry-level candidates often have at least a year or two of experience, usually gained through a drone pilot certification program or through training courses in drone technology and operations.

This may also include experience obtained through internships, part-time roles, or even amateur drone operations.

Candidates with about 3 years of experience usually have a broader skill set.

They could have experience in complex tasks such as flight planning, maintenance tasks, and data analysis.

Furthermore, they may have experience in using drones for specific tasks like aerial photography, inspections, and surveys.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have a comprehensive understanding of drone technology and its applications.

They may have had exposure to various types of drone equipment and software, and may be familiar with more complex operations.

This level of experience can also suggest they have leadership skills, making them suitable for roles such as Drone Operations Manager or Team Leader.

Regardless of the level, most employers require Drone Survey Pilots to hold a Part 107 Certification or equivalent, reflecting their understanding of the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations for commercial drone operations.

 

Drone Survey Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Drone Survey Pilots typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education.

They must also successfully complete an FAA-approved drone training course, leading to a certification as a drone pilot.

The training course usually includes theoretical learning and practical flight training.

Theoretical learning covers topics such as airspace classification, flight restrictions, emergency procedures, and drone maintenance.

Practical training involves hands-on experience in flying drones under various conditions.

Drone Survey Pilots are required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The certification process involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test and an FAA background check.

In addition to the basic qualifications, many drone survey pilots enhance their skills by completing advanced training courses in aerial surveying, mapping, and 3D modeling.

Some also pursue associate or bachelor’s degrees in fields such as geography, geomatics, or geospatial sciences to gain a deeper understanding of surveying and mapping principles.

A strong background in GPS technology, understanding of photographic equipment, and knowledge of safety and privacy regulations are also beneficial for this role.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technological advancements in drones, mapping software, and surveying techniques is essential for career progression in this field.

 

Drone Survey Pilot Salary Expectations

A Drone Survey Pilot can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 to $70,000 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can vary depending on factors such as the pilot’s level of experience, the complexity of the surveys being conducted, the employing company, and the geographical location.

 

Drone Survey Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Drone Survey Pilot need?

Drone Survey Pilots need technical skills to operate, maintain and troubleshoot drone equipment.

They should also have good spatial awareness and understanding of geography and topography.

Familiarity with software used in data processing and flight planning is also beneficial.

Moreover, they should have excellent attention to detail to ensure accurate data collection and analysis.

 

Do Drone Survey Pilots need a degree?

A degree is not always required for Drone Survey Pilots, but a background in Geographical Information System (GIS), surveying or similar field can be advantageous.

Most importantly, pilots must have a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or a similar authority in their country.

 

What should you look for in a Drone Survey Pilot resume?

A Drone Survey Pilot resume should show a mix of technical skills, such as experience in flying drones and proficiency in software used for flight planning and data analysis.

Certifications, such as a Remote Pilot Certificate, are crucial.

Look also for any experience in conducting aerial surveys or similar projects.

 

What qualities make a good Drone Survey Pilot?

A good Drone Survey Pilot has strong problem-solving skills to handle unexpected challenges during flights.

They should be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in data collection.

Patience and focus are crucial as surveying tasks can be long and need precise execution.

They should also be able to work independently and be capable of taking quick decisions when necessary.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Drone Survey Pilot?

The hiring process can be challenging due to the unique mix of skills required.

It’s important to find someone who is not only technically proficient in flying drones and interpreting data but also has a keen understanding of surveying principles.

The candidate must also have the necessary certifications and abide by all relevant aviation regulations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the exciting world of being a drone survey pilot.

What’s the reveal?

It’s not just about operating drones.

It’s about surveying and mapping the world from a bird’s eye view, one flight at a time.

With our comprehensive drone survey pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready for takeoff.

But why ground your ambitions here?

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your runway to meticulously-drafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every flight you make contributes to a broader understanding of our world.

Let’s explore that world. Together.

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