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Drone Operator

Mariana Minerals· Plant Operations
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Moab, UTFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

The Drone Operator safely, efficiently, and compliantly operates unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support mining operations, including surveying, inspection, monitoring, mapping, stockpile measurements, environmental compliance, security surveillance, and operational support. Requires strong technical knowledge of drones, mining operations, aviation regulations, and emergency response; must maintain certifications and work independently in a safety-sensitive environment. Housing may be provided onsite.

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.

Qualifications

  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • High school diploma or GED required.

Skills

Required:Reading maps and technical documentsSafety awareness and reporting
Nice to have:FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateDrone mission planning softwareFlight management systemsGIS / LiDAR / photogrammetry

Benefits

  • Housing can be provided onsite.
Last updated Oct 7, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Mariana Minerals

We to the Future of Minerals, verify the mineral supply chain.

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company focused on supplying the minerals critical to modern energy, AI, and defense technologies.

software-firstmineralsenergyAIdefense
Company profileWebsite

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