sUAS (Drone) Pilot - Utility Infrastructure Inspection in San Diego

Energy Jobline ZR; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting firm for energy professionals is seeking experienced UAS (Drone) Pilots for aerial inspections in California. The role demands exceptional safety adherence, FAA certification, and proficiency in data management and aerial operations. Candidates should expect extensive travel and must comply with safety protocols in varied environments. Competitive hourly rates, per diem, and opportunities for advancement are part of the offer.

Benefits

Per diem

Travel reimbursement

Field allowances

Qualifications

• Minimum 50 hours of manual flight time or 100 hours of relevant experience in utility sector.
• Proficiency in metadata organization for aerial data collection.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aerial inspections of electrical assets using UAS.
• Capture high-resolution imagery for inspections.
• Execute flight operations in compliance with safety standards.

Skills

FAA Part 107 operations

Aerial data management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

UAS platforms

GIS

Job description

Energy Jobline is the largest and fastest growing global Energy Job Board and Energy Hub. We have an audience reach of over 7 million energy professionals, 400,000+ monthly advertised global energy and engineering jobs, and work with the leading energy companies worldwide.

We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

Job DescriptionJob Description

Overview

Pride Resource Partners is seeking experienced and safety-driven UAS (Drone) Pilots to perform aerial inspections of transmission and distribution infrastructure. This role involves capturing high-resolution imagery and inspection data to support detailed condition assessments and risk-informed maintenance programs for critical utility assets.

The position requires exceptional attention to safety, operational precision, and regulatory compliance in both urban and remote field environments, including High Fire Risk Areas (HFRAs). Candidates must be proficient in FAA Part 107 operations with experience in executing structured aerial inspection missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct aerial inspections of overhead electrical assets using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) under FAA Part 107.
• Capture and document high-resolution imagery following established 360&degree; inspection and shot-sheet requirements.
• Execute all flight operations in accordance with company and FAA safety standards, maintaining strict adherence to operational risk assessment protocols.
• Complete all pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures, including flight logs, FRATs, and safety briefings.
• Coordinate airspace deconfliction and flight schedules to ensure safe integration with other aerial activities.
• Upload inspection data and imagery to secure cloud platforms using standardized file-naming and metadata conventions.
• Report any incidents, near-misses, or anomalies immediately per internal Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.
• Participate in all required training and safety meetings.
• Comply with environmental and site-specific fire-prevention requirements, maintaining readiness to respond to field conditions.
• Interact professionally with landowners, agencies, and the public to facilitate property access and inspection completion.
• Work as part of a 2-person team to conduct all inspections while maintaining strict adherence to safety policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate & Recurrency documentation if certificate is older than 2 years (required).
• Minimum 50 hours of manual flight time for aerial inspection or related field experience in the utility or critical-infrastructure sector within the last 12 months (documented and verifiable), or greater than 100 hours of non-inspection related manual flight time within the last 12 months (automated mapping missions do not count towards manual flight hours).
• Demonstrated skill operating NDAA-compliant UAS platforms such as Skydio X10, Inspired Flight IF800/IF1200, or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of airspace classifications, LAANC, COA procedures, and deconfliction planning.
• Proficiency in aerial data management, including photo capture, metadata organization, and cloud-based upload workflows.
• Solid understanding of electrical infrastructure components, pole construction, and defect identification principles.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; ability to travel extensively throughout California and the western region for extended periods of time (up to 100% travel).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in utility inspection, vegetation management, or aerial condition assessment programs.
• Familiarity with General Orders 95 & 165 or equivalent overhead construction standards.
• OSHA 10 or 30 Construction Safety Certification.
• Experience with GIS and map based work assignment systems for inspection data collection.
• Background in electrical, civil, or mechanical inspection disciplines.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Field-based role with work in outdoor and remote environments.
• May include extended hours or weekend work to meet inspection schedules.
• Must maintain compliance with all safety protocols and SMS.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 65 lbs. of equipment.

Compensation & Schedule

• Full-time position with competitive hourly rate.
• Per diem, hotel, travel reimbursement, and field allowances paid per project guidelines.
• Multi-year inspection programs with opportunity for advancement and extended project assignments.

About Pride Resource Partners

Since 2015, the team at Pride Resource Partners has delivered high-value project management, inspection services, and aerial operations support for major utility and infrastructure clients across the western United States. Our team integrates advanced technology, data analytics, and safety best practices to deliver precision, reliability, and operational excellence across every project we manage.

Our inspection teams uphold the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and quality to help our clients maintain a reliable, resilient, and wildfire-safe electrical grid.

Learn more about our team: www.PrideRP.com

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