Survey Drone Pilot

All Aviation Jobs; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plan

Health Coverage

Time Off

Student Loan Matching

Professional Development

Family Benefits

Job summary

Kimley-Horn is seeking a Survey Drone Pilot to join our Fort Worth, TX team, blending field work with office tasks in LiDAR, photogrammetry, and survey data processing. You will support deliverables for land development, transportation, and infrastructure projects, with CAD drafting using Civil 3D.

The role requires hands-on drone operation, strong data management skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to produce accurate, timely survey products for clients.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of survey experience.
• Experience with conventional survey equipment is a plus.
• Experience extracting LiDAR data is beneficial.
• Experience in CAD survey drafting preferred.
• FAA Part 107 certification or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Strong communication and technical skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Operate drones and terrestrial scanning equipment for survey data collection, including photogrammetry and LiDAR.
• Assist in processing and managing point clouds and survey datasets.
• Translate field data into comprehensive survey deliverables.
• Collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and project teams to deliver on-time survey products.
• Produce clear CAD drawings and survey exhibits using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Research boundary and easement documents and prepare exhibits for rights-of-way.
• Perform additional duties in support of survey operations.

Skills

Drone operation

Photogrammetry

LiDAR data

CAD drafting

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Tools

Terrestrial scanning equipment

LiDAR processing software

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth, Texas (TX). This role offers a unique blend of field and office work—supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional conventional survey data collection while assisting with post processing and CAD drafting preparing high-quality deliverables for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Operate drones and terrestrial scanning equipment for survey data collection, including photogrammetry, aerial and terrestrial LiDAR capture, registration, and data extraction (occasional travel may be required).


• Assist in processing and managing point cloud and other survey datasets, ensuring accuracy and usability for project needs.


• Assist in translating field data (points, sketches, photos, and reference maps) into comprehensive survey deliverables.


• Collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, and project teams to deliver high-quality, on-time survey products that support projects in land development, transportation, infrastructure, and more.


• Assist in producing clear, detailed CAD drawings and survey exhibits (e.g., subdivision maps, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys) using AutoCAD Civil 3D.


• Assist in researching boundary and easement title documents, perform boundary analysis, and prepare legal descriptions and exhibits for rights-of-way, easements, and acquisition parcels.


• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of survey operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of prior survey experience


• Experience with conventional survey equipment a plus


• Experience extracting LiDAR data is beneficial


• Experience in CAD Survey Drafting preferred


• FAA Part 107 certification or ability to obtain within 3 months


• Strong communication and technical skills


• Ability to work independently and in a team environment


• Ability to work on multiple projects at one time

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 18 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.


• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.


• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.


• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.


• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.


• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.