Remote Sensing Survey Technician (Sensor Technician)

Basin Electric; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Basin Electric Power Cooperative in Bismarck, ND is seeking a Remote Sensing Survey Technician to support aerial and land surveying, GIS data acquisition, and CAD workflows using manned aircraft and UAV systems.

Under a Registered Land Surveyor, you will ensure accurate, defensible geospatial data, perform preflight checks, plan flight paths, manage field data, and collaborate with pilots, engineers, and surveyors to meet project objectives and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in GIS, land surveying, engineering technology, or geography.
• FAA Part 107 certification or ability to obtain certification within 6 months.
• Operation of a motor vehicle under the DOT FMCSA non-CDL program.
• Valid driver's license; travel up to 75%.

Responsibilities

• Operate onboard data acquisition sensors during manned flight operations.
• Operate UAV systems and attached sensors for aerial photography, LiDAR, mapping and inspection tasks.
• Perform pre-flight inspections and log maintenance on UAVs and sensors.
• Assist in planning flight paths and navigation using complex software.
• Monitor UAV flights with controls and specialized software.
• Analyze and convert field surveying information and perform calculations for accuracy.
• Collect, download, process, and organize geospatial data using GIS, surveying, and CAD software.
• Communicate effectively with pilots, designers, engineers, analysts, and surveyors.
• Stay updated with UAS technologies and FAA regulations; ensure compliance with laws.
• Assist survey technicians and land surveyors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

UAV operation

GIS data analysis

CAD/drafting

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in GIS/land surveying/engineering technology/geography

Tools

Total station equipment

GNSS receivers

Data collectors

UAV systems

CAD software

Job description

Remote Sensing Survey Technician (Sensor Technician)

Posting Start Date: 10/30/26

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at our Headquarters building in Bismarck, ND and is not a remote position. Supports aerial and land surveying, mapping, and geospatial data acquisition programs through the use of manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, ground-based survey technologies and geospatial and aviation technologies. Under the direction of a Registered Land Surveyor, ensures the safe and efficient collection and delivery of accurate, reliable, and defensible geospatial data.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Operate onboarddata acquisitionsensorsduringmannedflight operations.
• OperateUAV systemsandattacheddata acquisitionsensorsfor tasks such as aerial photography,LiDAR collection,volumetric surveys,surveillance, mapping, and inspectionssafely and efficiently.
• Performpre-flight inspections to ensure thatall UAV’sandattachedsensorsare in good working conditionand completeand log maintenance and repair on UAV’s and attached sensors.
• Assistsin planningflight paths and navigation, often using complex software systems.
• Perform andmonitorUAVflightswith controls, often using video images and specialized software.
• Analyze and convert field surveying information including linear, angular, horizontal, and vertical units. Perform calculations to verify and check data for accuracy.
• Collect, download,process, analyze,maintain, and organizemeasurementdatagathered duringmannedandunmannedflightsto satisfy theinspection,computational,and/or mapping requirements of the project usingGIS, surveying,andComputer Automated Drafting (CAD)softwareplatforms.
• Communicateeffectively with team membersincluding pilots, designers, engineers,analystsand surveyorsto understand flightand dataobjectives.
• Stay updated with the latestUAStechnologiesand FAA regulations.Maintain a working knowledge of applicable government regulations and ensure full compliance with all state laws governing UAS operations.
• Assist survey technicians and land surveyors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in GIS, land surveying, engineering technology, or geography.
• FAA Part 107 certification orability to obtain certification within 6 months of start date.
• Operation of a motor vehicle under the DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s non-CDL program.
• Valid driver's license.
• Travel up to 75%.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a UAVoperator or pilot, with a strong understanding of UAStechnology.
• A working knowledge of all types of surveys and surveying field notes.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting and use of keyboard/computer; standing, walking, stooping/bending, climbing stairs/ladders, kneeling, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, reaching, crawling, and pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds, using a hammer and/or other power tools, all in a routine and repetitive manner. This position will operateequipmentin challenging environments such as inside a moving UTV or airplane.This position requires good color vision and hearing, finger dexterity, the ability to perform close work, and the ability to speak. This position is occasionally exposed to dirt/dust, chemicals, extreme heat/cold, vibration, noise, poor ventilation, electrical risks, confined areas, and heights up to 300 feet, requiring the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards.

KEY SKILLS

• Familiar with conventional and robotic total station equipment, global navigation satellite system receivers, and data collectors.
• Understanding of UAStechnology and different types of surveys.
• Familiar with the use of handheld calculators, survey software platforms, online services, and drafting software platforms.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances quickly.
• Familiar with cartographical principles and basic understanding of legal descriptions.
• Ability to analyze data/reports, conduct research, implement recommendations, develop plans, accomplish goals, present information to others, and work under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Basin Electric wants all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities. If you are an applicant with a disability who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, or who needs other assistance or accommodations, please contact us at 701-223-0441. Please indicate the specifics of the assistance needed or provide your contact information, and a Basin Electric Human Resources representative will contact you. Basin Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and veterans status.