Mining Drone Operator – Aerial Mapping & Inspection

marianaminerals; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided onsite

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking a Drone Operator to safely operate unmanned aerial systems in mining operations. You will conduct pre-/in-flight inspections, execute mapping and inspection missions, monitor telemetry and weather, and ensure FAA and MSHA compliance while coordinating with mine teams.

Applicants should have a FAA Part 107 certificate, a valid driver's license, and relevant drone experience in industrial settings. Housing is provided onsite.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific mining and safety certifications.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial technology, engineering, surveying, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of professional drone operating experience preferred.
• Experience operating drones in industrial, construction, mining, energy, or similar environments preferred.
• Understanding of mining operations, mine safety procedures, and site hazards.
• Experience with drone mission planning software and flight management systems.
• Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.
• Ability to read maps, site plans, and technical documents.
• Familiarity with weather impacts on drone operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections of drone systems and equipment.
• Operate and monitor drones in a 24/7 mining environment during day and night shifts.
• Execute automated and manual flight missions for mapping, surveying, inspections, and site monitoring.
• Monitor telemetry, battery status, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions to ensure safe operations.
• Maintain compliance with FAA, MSHA, and company safety and operational requirements.
• Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data.
• Verify data quality, process mission outputs, and distribute information to stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and communicate operational findings to management and project teams.
• Coordinate drone activities with mine supervisors, engineering, dispatch, security, and safety personnel.
• Conduct mission risk assessments and maintain awareness of mining hazards, traffic, blasting schedules, and restricted areas.
• Respond to equipment malfunctions, flight deviations, and emergency situations.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drones, sensors, batteries, and related equipment.
• Coordinate repairs with vendors and technical support teams and maintain parts and supply inventories.
• Maintain accurate flight logs, operational records, maintenance documentation, and compliance reports.

Skills

Safety commitment

Situational awareness

Independent work

Communication

Multitasking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Long-Shift focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial tech, engineering, surveying

Tools

Drone mission planning software

Flight management systems

GIS

LiDAR

Photogrammetry

Job description

Mariana Minerals is seeking a Drone Operator to safely operate unmanned aerial systems in mining operations. You will conduct pre-/in-flight inspections, execute mapping and inspection missions, monitor telemetry and weather, and ensure FAA and MSHA compliance while coordinating with mine teams.

Applicants should have a FAA Part 107 certificate, a valid driver's license, and relevant drone experience in industrial settings. Housing is provided onsite.