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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For technically minded people interested in the rapidly growing commercial drone industry. Use the tools below to see which unmanned aircraft systems roles fit your background and goals.

Commercial drone operation legally requires FAA Part 107 certification, making licensure a hard requirement rather than optional. Use the tools below to explore Unmanned Aircraft Systems-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Drone Operator Trainee, or look ahead to advanced roles such as UAS Program Manager or UAS Systems Engineer. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers/jobs, (2) Find Unmanned Aircraft Systems job listings, (3) Prepare for Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers, and (4) Provide Unmanned Aircraft Systems career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, so relevant Unmanned Aircraft Systems jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 22 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

2 Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Unmanned Aircraft Systems-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 24.1% Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Camera Operator; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.1% Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Camera Operator; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians -1.7% Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roboticist (UAS Roboticist); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1.7% Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roboticist (UAS Roboticist); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)

5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Unmanned Aircraft Systems-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs

Software Developers $ 132,270 Commercial Drone Software Developer; Drone Software Development Engineer
Occupation: Software Developers National Median Salary: $ 132,270 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Software Developer; Drone Software Development Engineer
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists $ 112,280 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator); Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)
Occupation: Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists National Median Salary: $ 112,280 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator); Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $ 65,080 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roboticist (UAS Roboticist); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians National Median Salary: $ 65,080 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roboticist (UAS Roboticist); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $ 61,800 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Camera Operator; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film National Median Salary: $ 61,800 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Camera Operator; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Remote Sensing Technicians $ 58,350 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (sUAS Technician); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Remote Sensing Technicians National Median Salary: $ 58,350 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (sUAS Technician); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)

5 Unmanned Aircraft Systems careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Unmanned Aircraft Systems-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists 4 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator); Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)
Occupation: Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists Education/Preparation: 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator); Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)
Remote Sensing Technicians 4 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (sUAS Technician); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Remote Sensing Technicians Education/Preparation: 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (sUAS Technician); Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Software Developers 4 Commercial Drone Software Developer; Drone Software Development Engineer
Occupation: Software Developers Education/Preparation: 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Software Developer; Drone Software Development Engineer
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 3 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Camera Operator; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Education/Preparation: 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Drone Camera Operator; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians 3 Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roboticist (UAS Roboticist); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)
Occupation: Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Related Jobs: Commercial Drone Operator; Commercial Drone Pilot; Commercial Drone Technician; Drone Operator; Drone Pilot; Drone Technician; Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator); Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator); Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roboticist (UAS Roboticist); Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician); Unmanned Aircraft Technician (UA Technician)

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 22 specific Unmanned Aircraft Systems job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Description: Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Participate in fieldwork.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
Assess equipment functioning.
Attend conferences or workshops to maintain professional knowledge.
Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Collect geographical or geological field data.
Compile geographic or related data.
Create images or other visual displays.
Develop environmental research methods.
Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
Develop specifications for new products or processes.
Develop technical or scientific databases.
Develop technical specifications for systems or equipment.
Direct technical activities or operations.
Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel.
Evaluate new technologies or methods.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Record research or operational data.
Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
Set up laboratory or field equipment.
Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on the design or use of technologies.
Activity: Analyze environmental or geospatial data.
Activity: Collect environmental or biological samples.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Design computer or information systems or applications.
Activity: Design databases.
Activity: Develop research plans or methodologies.
Activity: Develop systems or practices to mitigate or resolve environmental problems.
Activity: Develop technical specifications for products or operations.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Monitor equipment operation.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Set up equipment.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Object or component oriented development software:
Python
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
The MathWorks MATLAB
Application server software:
Docker
GitHub
Business intelligence and data analysis software:
Tableau
Cloud-based management software:
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
Configuration management software:
Puppet
Customer relationship management CRM software:
Salesforce software
Data base management system software (scroll table below):
Amazon DynamoDB
Apache Hadoop
Apache Hive
Elasticsearch
Microsoft SQL Server
MySQL
NoSQL
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
Amazon Redshift
Amazon Web Services AWS software
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software (scroll table below):
Apache Kafka
C
Go
Microsoft Azure software
Microsoft Visual Studio
Ruby
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Expert system software:
Ansible software
File versioning software:
Git
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Medical software:
Epic Systems
Object or component oriented development software (scroll table below):
C#
C++
Oracle Java
Perl
R
Scala
Swift
Object oriented data base management software:
PostgreSQL
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Bash
Linux
Microsoft Windows
UNIX
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Program testing software:
Selenium
Project management software:
Atlassian JIRA
Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software:
JavaScript
JavaScript Object Notation JSON
Node.js
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
Agisoft Metashape
Calibration software
CloudCompare
FLIR Thermal Studio Suite
Kitty Hawk
Litchi
LP360
Pix4D Pix4Dmapper
RSI ENVI
UgCS
Application server software:
Apache HTTP Server
Aviation ground support software:
ArduPilot Mission Planner
Charting software:
Aeronautical charts
Computer based training software:
Learning management system LMS
Development environment software:
Interface definition language IDL
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS systems
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Image processing software
Microsoft Image Composite Editor
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Map creation software (scroll table below):
BAE Systems SOCET GXP
ESRI Site Scan for ArcGIS
Gamma remote sensing software
Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
OpenDroneMap
PCI Geomatics Geomatica
Medical software:
Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
Mobile location based services software:
Global positioning system GPS software
Object or component oriented development software:
Objective C
Project management software:
Airdata
Storage networking software:
Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
Video creation and editing software:
YouTube
Web platform development software:
Hypertext preprocessor PHP
Ruby on Rails
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 60.0 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 20.0 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 16.0 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 32.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 16.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 12.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Certified Defense All-Source Analysis External Link
Certified Remote Sensing Technologist External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
All Source Intelligence Analyst
Commercial Drone Operator
Commercial Drone Pilot
Drone Operator
Drone Pilot
Geospatial Image Analyst
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
Image Scientist
Imagery Remote Sensing Scientist
LIDAR Analyst (Light Detection and Ranging Analyst)
LIDAR Scientist (Light Detection and Ranging Scientist)
MASINT Analyst (Measurement and Signatures Intelligence Analyst)
Microwave Remote Sensing Scientist
Radar Exploitation Scientist
Radar Scientist
Remote Pilot
Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
Remote Sensing Analyst
Remote Sensing Certified Mapping Scientist
Remote Sensing Engineer
Remote Sensing Research Scientist
Remote Sensing Scientist
Remote Sensing Specialist
Remote Sensing Technologist
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Controller (RPAS Controller)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operator (RPAS Operator)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Pilot (RPAS Pilot)
Research Scientist
Scientist
Sensor Assembler
Sensor Specialist
Signal Intelligence Analyst (SIGINT Analyst)
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator)
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot)
Spectral Scientist
Thermal Intelligence Analyst
Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator)
Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Operator (UAV Operator)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Pilot (UAV Pilot)
Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator)
Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)
Unmanned Systems Operator
Unmanned Systems Pilot
Weather Algorithm Scientist
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

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Resumes

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Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

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Jobs

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Classifieds

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Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists" occupation.






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