{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"cf11a65bd7261e4a05326e40","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/cf11a65bd7261e4a05326e40","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/cf11a65bd7261e4a05326e40","title":"Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot","description":"Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.\nIMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day's drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.\nDuties and Responsibilities:\nPerform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.\nConduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.\nDevelop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.\nEmploy thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.\nEmploy proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.\nBe prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.\nEnsure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.\nPerform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.\nServe as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.\nInteract with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.\nManual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.\nStrong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.\nHigh attention to detail and organizational skills.\nMust have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.\nPreference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.\nBe responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.\nMust be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.\nPerform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.\nWillingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.\nExposure to extreme weather conditions.\nAbility to drive for extended periods.\nWorking around industrial hazards\nQualifications and Skills\nFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License - Required\nJob Type: Full-time\nSalary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year\nBenefits:\n401(k)\nDental insurance\nHealth insurance\nPaid time off\nVision insurance\nProvided by Company:\nCompany Truck\nCompany Phone\nCompany Laptop\nCompany Drones\nHotels covered by company\nDaily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel\nWork Location: On the road.","company":"Turnermininggroupllc","rawCompany":"turnermininggroupllc","city":"Remote","state":"OR","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-19T15:22:29.191Z","occupations":[{"code":"53-2012.00","title":"Commercial Pilots","slug":"commercial-pilots"},{"code":"53-2011.00","title":"Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers","slug":"airline-pilots-copilots-and-flight-engineers"},{"code":"19-4099.03","title":"Remote Sensing Technicians","slug":"remote-sensing-technicians"}],"industries":[{"code":"541370","title":"Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services","slug":"surveying-and-mapping-except-geophysical-services"},{"code":"541360","title":"Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services","slug":"geophysical-surveying-and-mapping-services"},{"code":"481219","title":"Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation","slug":"other-nonscheduled-air-transportation"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot","description":"Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.\nIMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day's drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.\nDuties and Responsibilities:\nPerform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.\nConduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.\nDevelop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.\nEmploy thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.\nEmploy proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.\nBe prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.\nEnsure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.\nPerform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.\nServe as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.\nInteract with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.\nManual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.\nStrong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.\nHigh attention to detail and organizational skills.\nMust have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.\nPreference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.\nBe responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.\nMust be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.\nPerform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.\nWillingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.\nExposure to extreme weather conditions.\nAbility to drive for extended periods.\nWorking around industrial hazards\nQualifications and Skills\nFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License - Required\nJob Type: Full-time\nSalary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year\nBenefits:\n401(k)\nDental insurance\nHealth insurance\nPaid time off\nVision insurance\nProvided by Company:\nCompany Truck\nCompany Phone\nCompany Laptop\nCompany Drones\nHotels covered by company\nDaily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel\nWork Location: On the road.","datePosted":"2026-07-19T15:22:29.191Z","dateModified":"2026-07-19T15:22:29.191Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Turnermininggroupllc","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Remote","addressRegion":"OR","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"cf11a65bd7261e4a05326e40"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/cf11a65bd7261e4a05326e40"}}