Drone Operations Specialist / UAS Drone Pilot

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Drone Operations Specialist to support utility distribution inspections, infrastructure assessments, aerial data collection, and storm damage evaluations.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), capturing aerial imagery, processing drone data, and performing field inspections. This position involves both outdoor fieldwork and office-based data processing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in UAS, UAV, GIS, Engineering Technology, Surveying, Robotics, or a related technical field.

• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (Mandatory).

• Minimum 1 year of professional drone flying experience.

• Hands-on experience with commercial drone operations.

• Experience capturing aerial photographs, videos, and inspection data.

• Knowledge of drone imagery processing, photogrammetry, and/or LiDAR.

• Familiarity with GIS applications such as ArcGIS and mapping tools.

• Basic drone equipment troubleshooting skills.

• Good driving record and willingness to travel to field locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate commercial drones for utility distribution and infrastructure inspections.

• Capture aerial photos, videos, and geospatial inspection data.

• Process, review, and organize drone-collected imagery and data.

• Use GIS and mapping applications for flight planning.

• Conduct storm damage assessments and emergency inspections.

• Maintain drone equipment, batteries, flight logs, and operational records.

• Follow FAA regulations and established flight safety procedures.

• Securely store and share collected inspection data.

• Support new UAS technologies and inspection initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drones.

• Utility infrastructure or power distribution inspection experience.

• ArcGIS / GIS mapping experience.

• Photogrammetry and LiDAR data processing.

• Aerial surveying, drone mapping, and videography.

Additional Information

• Drone equipment will be provided.

• Initial training may take approximately 2–3 months.

• Fieldwork involves driving to different inspection locations.

• Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.

• Occasional overnight travel and emergency on-call availability required.

• Approved business-related fuel expenses will be reimbursed.

Interview Process

Approximately one-hour in-person interview, including a practical drone flight demonstration.

Mandatory Requirements: FAA Part 107 Certification, Bachelor's Degree, and at least 1 year of professional drone flying experience.