The Drone Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of mining operations. This role conducts and supervises continuous drone flight activities for surveying, inspection, monitoring, mapping, stockpile measurements, environmental compliance, security surveillance, and operational support. The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, company policies, and mine safety standards.

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.

Requirements

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.
Understanding of mining operations, mine safety procedures, and site hazards.
Experience with drone mission planning software and flight management systems.
Ability to read maps, site plans, and technical documents.
Familiarity with weather impacts on drone operations.
Strong commitment to safety.
Excellent situational awareness and decision-making skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
Attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.
Ability to remain alert and focused during extended monitoring periods.

Nice to have

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.
Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.
Experience with autonomous drone operations.
MSHA training or mining industry experience.
GIS, surveying, photogrammetry, or LiDAR experience.
Experience managing multiple simultaneous drone missions.
Advanced drone certifications or manufacturer-specific training.