Drone Operations Specialist

Job Title: Drone Operations Specialist (UAS Pilot)

Location: St. Charles, MO (Onsite) (Need Local)
Duration: Contract
Employment Type: W2
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours/week)
40 hours a week with OT available most weeks.
(4) 10 hour days Mon-Thurs.
Bachelors degree and Part 107 Cert required.  SHORTLISTING 11/19 at 11:00am CST

Job Summary

We are seeking a Drone Operations Specialist (UAS Pilot) to support aerial inspection operations for utility infrastructure. This role involves operating company-provided drones to capture high-quality aerial imagery and data, processing inspection results, and assisting with infrastructure assessments. The ideal candidate will have professional drone flight experience, an FAA Part 107 Certification, and a passion for aviation technology and data collection.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate company-owned DJI drones to perform aerial inspections of utility infrastructure.
• Capture high-quality photos, videos, and other inspection data for engineering and operations teams.
• Process, review, organize, and validate collected drone imagery and inspection data.
• Plan and execute flight missions using mapping and flight planning software.
• Maintain accurate flight logs and ensure compliance with FAA regulations and company safety standards.
• Perform routine drone maintenance, equipment inspections, battery management, and basic troubleshooting.
• Support storm damage assessments and emergency response operations when required.
• Utilize additional inspection tools such as handheld cameras, scanners, and related field equipment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver timely and accurate inspection reports.
• Stay current with FAA regulations and emerging drone technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Engineering Technology, GIS, Surveying, Robotics, Mass Communications, or a related technical field.
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (Required).
• Minimum 1 year of professional commercial drone flying experience.
• Experience operating DJI drones or similar commercial UAS platforms.
• Knowledge of drone imagery processing, photogrammetry, GIS, or LiDAR technologies.
• Experience with mapping tools such as ArcGIS, Apple Maps, or similar applications.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing utility, infrastructure, construction, or surveying inspections.
• Familiarity with Pix4D, DroneDeploy, ESRI ArcGIS, or similar drone data processing platforms.
• Experience with aerial mapping, orthomosaic generation, or LiDAR processing.
• Ability to work independently after completing training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to travel locally to inspection sites throughout the workday.
• Flexibility to work overtime and respond to emergency call-outs when needed.