Drone Pilot

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic environmental consulting firm as a Drone Pilot, where you'll conduct essential drone flights in diverse and challenging conditions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in remote areas, ensuring data collection and analysis for ecological studies. With a focus on safety and teamwork, you'll collaborate with skilled professionals and operate advanced technology. Ideal for those passionate about the environment and aviation, this position promises an engaging experience with a team committed to making a difference in natural resource management.

Benefits

Housing Provided

Field Equipment Provided

Training in Wyoming

Qualifications

• Candidates must have previous experience piloting a drone at night.
• Must manage a visual observer and ensure correct data recording.

Responsibilities

• Conduct drone flights with a visual observer in remote locations.
• Work may include extreme weather conditions and physical demands.

Skills

Drone Piloting

Data Recording

Field Work

Communication Skills

Education

FAA Drone License

Experience in Field Work

Tools

Anemometer

GPS Unit

Job description

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Job Title

$23.00 - $42.50 DOE and number of flight hours

Job Classification

Hourly

Location

Multiple Counties, IA US (Primary)

Job Type

Temporary

# of Hires Needed

1

Job Description

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic environmental and statistical consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada, is looking for temporary, full-time, Drone Pilots.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

• Compensation: $23-42.50 depends on experience and number of flight hours
• Housing: Provided
• Start date : July 7, 2025
• End date: September 10, 2025
• Training: Training is anticipated to take place for one week in Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Location: Multiple counties throughout Iowa. Depending on assignment, there may be some survey work at one site in north-eastern Nebraska and at two sites in northwestern Illinois.
• Additional details: Field equipment will be provided by WEST. Pilot must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate clothing suitable to adverse weather conditions.

Job Description:

The primary duty involves conducting drone flights:

• Candidate will work with a visual observer to conduct drone flights.
• This position includes conducting field work in remote locations, cell service may be limited
• This position may require working days of up to 8 hours, 5 days per week, depending on time of year and surveys needed.
• Night-time work will be required.
• An FAA drone license is required.
• Field conditions will include a range of extreme high and low temperatures
• Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, rain, extreme heat and cold, encountering snakes, insects and other wild animals, etc.).

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• Candidates must have previous experience piloting a drone at night. Preference will be given to candidates with the most flight hours.
• Candidates must be able to manage a visual observer and ensure that the visual observer correctly records data from an anemometer, compass, GPS unit, and other field equipment required.
• Candidates must be in good physical condition, as field work may include carrying of field equipment and will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with project manager, field lead, landowners, the visual observer, and other technicians.
• Candidate must be able to appear for work on time, maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the supervisors, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.

After an offer of employment is made, thecandidatemust successfully pass a pre-employmentbackground check,drug screening,and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver’s license will be required. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.