Drone Survey Party Chief & Lead Pilot

ZenaTech Inc.; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ZenaTech is seeking a Survey Party Chief/Senior Pilot Surveyor to lead drone-based land surveying operations on residential, commercial, and municipal projects. The role involves directing a field crew and coordinating with office staff to ensure accurate data collection in various environments.

You will perform boundary, topographic, construction layout, ALTA/NSPS, and FEMA elevation surveys outdoors in all weather, with heavy lifting and manual tasks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in land surveying, with at least 2 years as crew chief.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and drone experience.
• Proficient with total stations, GPS, and data collectors (Carlson/Trimble preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead a two- or three-person field crew in conducting surveys.
• Interpret job scopes, plans, and legal documents to execute surveys accurately.
• Communicate effectively with survey managers, clients, and contractors.
• Operate and troubleshoot survey instruments (total stations, GPS, data collectors).
• Ensure fieldwork is completed efficiently, safely, and accurately.
• Perform field labor tasks such as digging to uncover and set survey monuments; marking/staking points in soil, gravel, or uneven terrain; and carrying and lifting survey/UAS equipment (up to 75 lbs).
• Collect and organize field data for mapping, boundary surveys, and construction projects.
• Document field notes, sketches, job logs, and barcode scans for asset tracking.
• Ensure proper care, transport, and maintenance of survey and UAS equipment.
• Ensure compliance with Washington surveying standards and best practices.

Skills

Drone surveying

Field leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

Total stations

GPS

Data collectors

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

ZenaTech is seeking a Survey Party Chief/Senior Pilot Surveyor to lead drone-based land surveying operations on residential, commercial, and municipal projects. The role involves directing a field crew and coordinating with office staff to ensure accurate data collection in various environments.

You will perform boundary, topographic, construction layout, ALTA/NSPS, and FEMA elevation surveys outdoors in all weather, with heavy lifting and manual tasks.