Contract Visual Observer – Transmission & Distribution Inspections

Volatus Aerospace; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Overnight hotel accommodation

Job summary

Volatus Aerospace is seeking a reliable Visual Observer to support transmission and distribution inspections with unmanned aircraft systems across Pennsylvania. This field-based role requires outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, with duties including airspace monitoring, on-site support, reporting, and asset identification.

You will work closely with the UAS operator/pilot, follow operational direction, adhere to PPE and site protocols, and maintain professional conduct at all times.

Qualifications

• Valid driver\'s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and mobile applications for field reporting.
• Ability to support a UAS operator/pilot and follow operational direction from the pilot.
• Availability for field work up to five days per week.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Previous experience supporting drone, utility, construction, or field inspection projects, preferred.
• Familiarity with basic airspace awareness or safety procedures, preferred.
• Familiarity with transmission & distribution structure components and utility sector terminology, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Systematically scan the airspace for potential hazards, including aircraft, vehicles, people, and obstacles.
• Maintain continuous situational awareness during all flight operations.
• Support the UAS operator/pilot and field crew with operational tasks on site.
• Assist with daily reporting and data entry using mobile applications.
• Help identify asset types, orientations, and visible anomalies.
• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and site protocols.
• Maintain professional conduct and represent the company appropriately at all times.

Skills

Valid driver\'s license

Outdoor work readiness

Smartphone & field reporting

Attention to detail

UAS/Drone operations knowledge

Field inspection experience (preferred

Job description

Company Overview

VolatusAerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With deep technological and subject matter expertise and over 100 years' worth of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides meaningful aerial solutions for end users across various industries using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS or drones). We are committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through innovative, real-world aerial solutions.

Position Overview

Volatus Aerospace is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Contract Visual Observer (VO) to support transmission and distribution (T&D) inspection crews operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) throughout Pennsylvania.

The Visual Observer works directly with the UAS operator/pilot and field crew to maintain situational awareness, monitor the airspace hazards, and assist with daily operational tasks to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations.

This is a field-based role requiring outdoor work across various terrain and weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Systematically scan the airspace for potential hazards, including aircraft, vehicles, people, and obstacles.

• Maintain continuous situational awareness during all flight operations.

• Support the UAS operator/pilot and field crew with operational tasks on site.

• Assist with daily reporting and data entry using mobile applications.

• Help identify asset types, orientations, and visible anomalies.

• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and site protocols.

• Maintain professional conduct and represent the company appropriately at all times.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.

• Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and mobile applications for field reporting.

• Ability to support a UAS operator/pilot and follow operational direction from the pilot.

• Availability for field work up to five days per week.

• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.

• Previous experience supporting drone, utility, construction, or field inspection projects, preferred.

• Familiarity with basic airspace awareness or safety procedures, preferred.

• Familiarity with transmission & distribution structure components and utility sector terminology, preferred.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods.

• Ability to wear required PPE, including hardhat, high-visibility vest, boots, and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Compensation

• Hourly contract rate (commensurate with experience).
• Contract duration: 2–3 months.

• Mileage reimbursement will be provided for travel to a mutually agreed-upon meeting location with the UAS operator/pilot, based on the assigned project site within Pennsylvania
• Overnight hotel accommodation may be provided during the work week when project locations are at a significant distance from the UAS operator/pilot Visual Observer’s home base.

Why Join Volatus Aerospace?

• Work with industry-leading drone and inspection teams.
• Gain hands-on field experience in utility and infrastructure inspections.
• Be part of innovative aerial operations shaping the future of inspection technology.