UAS / Drone Pilot

The Survey Association; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading surveying firm in the UK is seeking a UAS / Drone Pilot to join their Geospatial team. In this outdoor-oriented role, you will operate drones for inspections and surveys while ensuring compliance with regulations. The position offers opportunities for career progression and a competitive salary, along with a supportive team that prioritizes innovation.

Benefits

Company vehicle

Personal development plan

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in operating UAS for aerial inspections, photogrammetry, or LiDAR surveys.
• Proficient with UAV flight planning and data processing software.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAS flights for inspections and surveys.
• Process and analyze aerial data to produce deliverables.
• Lead geospatial survey projects ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

UAS operation

Data processing software

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Relevant drone pilot certification (GVC, PfCO, or equivalent)

Tools

Pix4D

DJI

Job description

RPS has an exciting opportunity for a UAS / Drone Pilot to join our Geospatial team. In this dynamic, field-based role, you’ll work both independently and as part of a collaborative team on projects ranging from routine to highly complex. You’ll utilise state-of-the-art UAS technology to deliver precise aerial data for inspections, photogrammetry, LiDAR surveys, and a variety of advanced geospatial services.

About The Team:

The RPS Asset, Surveying and Inspection (AS&I) team delivers industry-leading geospatial and surveying services across a wide range of sectors throughout the UK and Ireland. Our expertise supports clients in water, utilities, energy, transport, construction, environmental management, and beyond.

Our team analyses complex data and provides pragmatic solutions tailored to each sector’s unique challenges, whether that’s supporting infrastructure development, enhancing asset management, or enabling safer, more efficient operations. We utilise state-of-the-art equipment to deliver precise field data for Topographical Surveys, Underground Utility Mapping, Drone Surveys, and a variety of advanced geospatial services.

As a leading surveying business, we prioritise quality and innovation, ensuring every team member understands the significance of their contribution to our exceptional customer experience no matter the industry or project.

About You:

As a key member of the Asset, Surveying, and Inspection (AS&I) business, your role as UAS / Drone pilot is critical to our strategic priorities, to deliver great work for our clients by providing excellent customer service and executing complex operational tasks. Whether you are just starting out or taking the next step in your career, this position provides an opportunity for you to progress with Tetra Tech RPS.

You’ll enjoy a varied and dynamic role, working primarily outdoors and engaging with a range of projects across the UK. Flexibility is important in the geospatial industry, and while your core hours will be based on a 40-hour working week (with paid travel), there may be occasions where project needs require working outside standard hours. In return, you’ll benefit from a supportive team, opportunities for overtime, and the chance to work with the latest technology in a fast-evolving sector.

Your Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute UAS (drone) flights for aerial inspections, photogrammetry, and LiDAR surveys in accordance with CAA regulations and company procedures.
• Process and analyse aerial data to produce high-quality deliverables for clients.
• Lead and support geospatial survey projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope and to client specifications.
• Collaborate with Senior Surveyors, Survey Managers, and multidisciplinary teams across various sectors.
• Follow technical guidelines and best practices to produce quality-controlled survey deliverables.
• Adhere to safe working practices in diverse environments, including construction sites, infrastructure projects, and outdoor locations.
• Execute both supervised and unsupervised fieldwork, following risk assessments and method statements.
• Engage professionally with the public, team members, and clients to represent the company positively.
• Identify and elevate operational, safety, and commercial risks as appropriate.
• Comply with all company procedures, including safe driving and equipment handling.
• Ensure all work meets company and industry quality standards.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Proven experience in operating UAS (drones) for commercial purposes, including aerial inspections, photogrammetry, or LiDAR surveys.
• Proficiency with UAV flight planning and data processing software (e.g., Pix4D, DJI, or similar).
• Experience in topographical or utility surveying is highly desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with ability to use Microsoft office software such as Word, Excel.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to learn new technologies and methods.
• Good time management and flexibility to adapt to project needs.
• Willingness to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing as part of our commitment to safety.

Qualifications:

• Relevant drone pilot certification (GVC, PfCO, or equivalent).
• Willingness to undertake relevant industry training and certifications as required.

Health and Safety:

This role may involve:

• Working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Working in confined spaces and on highways, or waterways, following all safety protocols.
• Undergoing mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as well as a DBS check, in line with our commitment to a safe and compliant workplace.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a competitive salary, which would be dependent on relevant experience plus a company vehicle and competitive benefits.

A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go. A career here is far from ordinary. Here you’re not a number; you are part of the solution.

Why RPS?

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work-life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.

About RPS, a Tetra Tech Company:

RPS, part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, is a global firm that defines, designs, and manages projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s 28,000-strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource-scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market-leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career. Kickstart your adventure with endless possibilities within Asset, Survey & Inspection!