Surveyor / Drone Operator Landfills

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Surveyor / Drone Operator to support landfill operations through accurate mapping, monitoring, and data analysis. This role is ideal for a surveying professional who enjoys working with advanced drone technology and wants to play a direct role in environmental compliance and site optimization.

In this position, you will utilize modern surveying techniques and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to collect precise topographical and volumetric data. You will transform this data into detailed maps and reports that guide operational decisions, ensure regulatory compliance, and support sustainable landfill management.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong surveying background, with extensive hands-on field experience and a solid understanding of geospatial data collection. You will collaborate closely with environmental engineers, site managers, and regulatory agencies, making this a great opportunity for someone who values teamwork and impactful work.

This role offers the chance to apply your surveying expertise in a meaningful way—helping improve operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact through innovative, technology-driven solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate or bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
• Valid Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for drone operation.
• Proven experience operating drones for surveying or mapping purposes, preferably in landfill or environmental settings.
• Proficiency with surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS/GNSS receivers, and data collectors.
• Strong knowledge of surveying principles, geospatial data collection, and mapping software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Familiarity with landfill operations, environmental regulations, and waste management practices.
• Certification in land surveying or geomatics from a recognized professional body.
• Experience with photogrammetry and 3D modeling software such as Pix4D or DroneDeploy.

• 2+ years of construction surveying experience required

• 2+years of drone operations preferred

Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain drone equipment to conduct aerial surveys of landfill sites, capturing high-resolution imagery and geospatial data.
• Perform ground-based surveying tasks using traditional and modern surveying instruments to complement drone data.
• Process and analyze collected data using specialized software to create accurate maps, 3D models, and volumetric calculations.
• Ensure all surveying activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including FAA drone operation guidelines.
• Collaborate with environmental and engineering teams to interpret survey results and support landfill management decisions.
• Maintain detailed records of survey data, flight logs, and equipment maintenance for reporting and auditing purposes.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues with surveying and drone equipment to minimize downtime.
• Stay updated on advancements in surveying technology and drone operations to continuously improve data collection methods.

Skills:

The required skills enable the candidate to effectively operate drones and traditional surveying equipment to gather accurate geospatial data critical for landfill management. Proficiency in data processing and mapping software allows the candidate to transform raw data into actionable insights and detailed reports. Strong analytical skills are essential for interpreting survey results and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support environmental compliance and operational efficiency. Preferred skills such as GIS and photogrammetry enhance the ability to create sophisticated spatial analyses and 3D models, improving the precision and utility of survey outputs. Continuous learning and adaptability ensure the candidate stays current with evolving technologies and regulatory requirements, maintaining high standards of safety and data quality.