Part 107 UAS Pilot/ Survey Party Chief

We are seeking an experienced Part 107 UAS Pilot / Survey Party Chief to support our growing survey and geospatial operations. This position is responsible for performing traditional survey tasks, and operating UAV platforms for aerial mapping, LiDAR, imagery, inspection, and related data collection. The ideal candidate has strong field leadership experience, understands survey workflows, and can safely execute UAS missions in accordance with FAA Part 107 requirements and company procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Survey Party Chief on field assignments, including topographic, boundary, construction, utility, route, and control surveys.
• Operate UAV systems under FAA Part 107 regulations for aerial mapping, LiDAR, photogrammetry, inspection, and data collection missions.
• Plan and execute UAS flights, including airspace review, mission planning, equipment checks, battery management, and field safety coordination.
• Establish and collect survey control, ground control points, checkpoints, and QA/QC observations using GNSS and robotic total station equipment.
• Lead field crews, assign daily tasks, verify field procedures, and ensure data is collected accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate field notes, digital records, flight logs, equipment logs, and project documentation.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Data Managers, and office staff to confirm scope, deliverables, schedules, and field requirements.
• Perform preflight inspections, equipment maintenance checks, and follow all company UAV safety procedures.
• Identify field conflicts, access issues, safety concerns, and scope changes, and communicate them promptly.
• Support data quality by ensuring proper control layout, scan/flight coverage, photo overlap, and field verification.

Required Qualifications

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Survey Party Chief experience with the ability to lead a field crew independently.
• Experience with GNSS receivers, total stations, data collectors, and standard field survey procedures.
• Strong understanding of survey control, topographic data collection, construction staking, and field QA/QC.
• Ability to read plans, survey scopes, maps, and project instructions.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to follow company, client, and FAA requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to travel, work outdoors in varying conditions, and lift/carry field equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAV LiDAR, photogrammetry, and mapping workflows.
• Experience with Trimble, QGround Control, DJI Pilot, UgCS, or similar systems.
• Knowledge of SUE, utility surveys, transmission corridors, renewable energy sites, or large-scale civil projects.
• Experience training or mentoring junior field staff.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a dependable field leader who can operate safely, think ahead, and produce high-quality survey and UAS data. This role requires someone who is comfortable managing both people and technology in the field, understands the importance of accurate control, and can represent the company professionally with clients and project teams.