Drone Operator

Holland Code:

Help

Drones overall will be more impactful than I think people realize, in positive ways to help society.

Bill Gates

In A Nutshell

I fly drones over fields to take photos and videos that show what’s happening on the farm from above.

I use special mapping software to create maps that help farmers find the best areas for crops, check soil conditions, and plan irrigation.

I analyze crop health by spotting signs of disease or problems early using drone images.

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Potential Salary Range

$50,000 - 71,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland & Labrador

Nova Scotia

Ontario

PEI

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskwatchewan

Most of my work happens from my vehicle. I drive out to the site, set up, and run the drone using the charging systems in my vehicle. The best part? The ideal days for drone mapping are usually sunny and calm, so I get to spend time outside in great weather. I also do some office work, but since the drone season is short, that usually happens in the evenings.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

Conduct pre-mission planning meetings with customers
Develop flight plans, which includes checking for any sign of potential flight hazards and coordinating airspace
Pilot drones for 4–8 hours per day to complete mission objectives
Complete safety risk assessments prior to flight and after-action reviews post-flight
Review and analyze drone data, then explain the results in a way that’s easy for customers to understand
Organize, process, and package the collected data into a clear report to share with customers

Education & Training

A college diploma or bachelor’s degree in an agriculture or technology related study, such as crop science, agronomy, or plant science is recommended.
You must have a basic or advanced certificate for drone operation.

Job Outlook

Drone operation in agriculture is a growing field with more and more opportunities. As technology becomes a bigger part of farming, more farmers are using drones to plan their fields and check crop health. As a result, the demand for agricultural drone operators is expected to grow.
There will likely be strong competition from others who are also passionate about this unique area of agriculture.

Related School Subjects

Ed. Prof. et Tech.

Math

Career Education

Science

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Drone Technology Crops

Important Skills

Customer Service

Since I work closely with customers, it’s important to be professional, friendly, and easy to talk to.

Detail-Oriented

Accuracy to detail is so important for good data collection - and data analysis is a big part of this job!

Independence

A typical workday is spent alone in the field, so being comfortable trusting your own instincts is a must.

Computer & Technological

A drone is a piece of technology, so it helps if you enjoy working with computers and software to diagnose any problems that arise.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Independent Work

Work Changes Daily

Opportunity to Travel

Seasonality

Flexible Work Environment

References

Quality Data for Profitable Management. (2018).

Drone Operator Salary

Ag Drone School. (2018).

Disclaimer

All career information has been gathered from a variety of sources and compiled to provide a general idea as to what each career could entail. Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is committed to doing our best to ensure the information is current and reliable. However, we will not be liable for the accuracy of the information. Please contact us if you notice errors or would like to provide feedback.