Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technological advancement, the focus on UAV inspectors in the oil and gas industry has become increasingly significant.

As the industry continues to modernize, the need for skilled professionals who can operate, maintain, and ensure the safety of our unmanned aerial vehicles grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a UAV inspector in the oil and gas industry?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of UAV inspection in the oil and gas industry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable UAV inspector job description template for the oil and gas industry, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Duties and Responsibilities

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Inspectors in the oil and gas industry perform the critical task of inspecting and monitoring oil and gas infrastructure using drone technology.

The role requires technical acumen, detailed understanding of the oil and gas industry, and proficiency in handling and interpreting data from UAVs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Operate and maintain UAVs to carry out inspections of oil and gas infrastructure
• Analyze data collected by UAVs to identify potential issues, such as leaks or structural weaknesses
• Provide detailed reports on findings, including recommendations for necessary repairs or maintenance
• Ensure all UAV operations comply with safety and regulatory standards
• Collaborate with engineering teams to understand inspection requirements and coordinate follow-up actions
• Conduct regular tests and maintenance on UAVs to ensure they are in optimal condition
• Stay informed about latest UAV technologies and advancements relevant to the oil and gas industry
• Train other team members on UAV operation and data interpretation, if required
• Ensure that all data and findings are stored securely and are easily accessible for future reference

 

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a professional and experienced UAV Inspector with specialization in the Oil and Gas industry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting inspections and monitoring operations using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones) to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the Oil and Gas industry, coupled with skills in UAV piloting, data collection, and analysis.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct UAV inspections of oil and gas infrastructure including pipelines, platforms and drilling sites
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data from UAV inspections
• Ensure UAV equipment is in good working order and perform routine maintenance
• Produce detailed reports and provide recommendations based on inspection results
• Follow all safety regulations and guidelines during UAV operations
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams for any necessary corrective actions
• Keep abreast of new technologies and updates in the UAV and Oil and Gas industry

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a UAV Inspector in the Oil and Gas industry
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAV piloting license
• Proficiency in using UAV technology and related software for data analysis
• Knowledge of safety regulations and standards in the Oil and Gas industry
• Strong reporting skills with the ability to present technical information clearly
• BSc degree in Engineering, Geology, or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector
• Work Environment: Field work with occasional office reporting. Travel to various oil and gas sites may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Inspection Supervisor or Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 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, a copy of your UAV piloting license, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Do?

Oil and Gas Industry UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Inspectors work primarily in the energy sector, using UAV technology to conduct inspections of oil and gas infrastructure.

These inspectors operate drones to perform aerial surveys of pipelines, platforms, and other industrial structures.

They use the data collected by the drones to identify potential issues, such as leaks or structural damage, which could pose safety risks or hinder operations.

In addition to flight operations, UAV inspectors also manage the data collected during inspections.

They may analyze photos, videos, and sensor data to identify potential issues.

Following the analysis, they generate reports summarizing the inspection findings.

They also perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on their drones to ensure they are in proper working order.

This can include tasks such as replacing parts, updating software, and testing equipment.

UAV inspectors are responsible for adhering to all relevant safety and regulatory standards.

This includes keeping current with industry regulations, maintaining appropriate certifications, and ensuring all drone operations are conducted in a safe and legal manner.

In many cases, they work closely with other professionals in the oil and gas industry, such as engineers and safety officers, to coordinate inspections and address identified issues.

 

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Qualifications and Skills

An Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector requires a diverse set of skills to conduct unmanned aerial vehicle inspections for oil and gas facilities, including:

• Technical skills to understand and operate UAVs or drones for inspection purposes, including knowledge of different drone models, their specifications, and capabilities.
• Strong familiarity with oil and gas industry operations, including understanding of potential hazards, common issues, and standards for safety and maintenance.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data gathered from UAV inspections, identifying potential issues and proposing solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure thorough and accurate inspections, identifying small issues before they escalate into larger problems.
• Communication skills to effectively relay findings and recommendations to team members and management, including the ability to create clear and concise inspection reports.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that arise with the UAV equipment or during the inspection process.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and physically demanding environments, as the role often requires fieldwork in outdoor settings.
• Understanding and adherence to privacy laws and regulations related to UAV operation, as well as industry-specific safety and environmental regulations.
• Current drone operator certification or license, if required by law.

 

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Experience Requirements

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspectors generally have 2 to 3 years of experience in UAV piloting or related fields, and this is often gained through an internship, part-time role, or full-time employment in UAV operation or inspection jobs.

In addition to piloting skills, these professionals also need to have a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry, which can be obtained from on-the-job training or through relevant studies in petroleum engineering or geosciences.

Professionals who have more than 3 years of experience often have extensive knowledge in performing UAV inspections of pipelines, drilling rigs, platforms, and other oil and gas infrastructures.

They are also proficient in using a variety of inspection tools and technologies, including thermal imaging and LIDAR.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership skills and have the ability to manage inspection teams or projects.

They have the experience needed to train new inspectors, ensuring that they adhere to safety regulations and industry standards.

Some companies may require UAV Inspectors to hold specific certifications such as a commercial pilot license, a UAV Pilot Certificate, or a UAV Inspection Certificate.

In addition, it is advantageous for these professionals to have knowledge in areas like industrial safety, emergency response, and environmental regulations.

 

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Education and Training Requirements

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspectors typically need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, aviation technology, or geosciences.

These programs equip students with a foundational understanding of the principles of flight, unmanned aerial systems, and related technologies.

In addition to formal education, extensive knowledge and experience with UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or drones are critical.

This includes proficiency in drone operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.

Certifications in UAV operation, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the United States, are required.

Advanced knowledge of oil and gas industry practices, including inspection procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory standards, is important.

Some positions may require advanced certifications in industrial safety or inspection disciplines, such as API (American Petroleum Institute) or NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) certifications.

Continuing education and training in emerging drone technologies and changing industry regulations is also beneficial.

While not compulsory, a master’s degree in a related discipline or industry-specific certifications can demonstrate commitment, leadership potential, and advanced expertise.

 

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Salary Expectations

An Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector can expect to earn an average salary of $79,000 (USD) per year.

Actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors like experience, certification, the complexity of the inspection work, and the location of the job.

 

Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector need?

UAV Inspectors in the Oil and Gas industry should have a solid understanding of oil and gas operations.

They must have strong technical skills to operate and maintain UAVs or drones.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail are also crucial for identifying and assessing potential issues during inspections.

They should also possess good communication skills to report their findings effectively.

 

Do Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspectors need a degree?

While a degree is not always mandatory, a bachelor’s degree or diploma in a related field like engineering, geology or environmental science can be beneficial.

Most importantly, UAV Inspectors must have the necessary certifications to operate UAVs or drones legally and safely, which typically involves passing an examination.

 

What should you look for in an Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector resume?

Check for relevant UAV certifications and experience operating drones, especially in an industrial context like the oil and gas industry.

Look for a strong technical background and familiarity with oil and gas operations.

Experience in safety protocols, regulatory standards, and risk assessment could be beneficial.

Any additional skills like data analysis, GIS mapping, and knowledge of thermographic or multispectral imaging can be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspector?

A good UAV Inspector in the Oil and Gas industry is meticulous and detail-oriented, as the job involves detecting and assessing potential issues that could impact operations or safety.

They should be technically adept with a strong understanding of UAV operations and maintenance.

They should be comfortable working in varying weather conditions, as drone inspections often take place outdoors.

Responsiveness and good decision-making skills are also valuable, given the potential for emergencies or unexpected situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Oil and Gas Industry UAV Inspectors?

Hiring UAV Inspectors in the Oil and Gas industry can be challenging due to the specialized skill set required.

These professionals need a unique combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and certification.

However, offering competitive salaries, growth opportunities, and comprehensive training programs can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truth behind what it truly means to be a UAV inspector in the oil and gas industry.

Guess what?

It’s not just about operating drones.

It’s about safeguarding our energy resources, one inspection at a time.

With our handy oil and gas industry UAV inspector job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why stop here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every drone inspection is a piece of a larger, critical process.

Let’s safeguard our energy future. Together.

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