UAS Pilot I

Lower Colorado River Authority; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Colorado River Authority in Austin is seeking an entry-level UAS Pilot I to support remote sensing missions, aerial inspections, and data collection for maintaining the electric transmission system. You’ll plan flights, act as Pilot in Command, and collaborate with an experienced team to build geospatial skills.

This role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and learning in fields like aerial LiDAR, mapping, and surveying, with opportunities to grow toward more complex operations while supporting

Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in UAS field operations.
• One or more years of experience or exposure to surveying, GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, and/or aviation.
• Technical training may substitute for experience.
• Driver's license
• Remote Pilot UAS License (FAA issued)

Responsibilities

• Operate UAS platforms to perform aerial inspections and data collection.
• Collaborate with a team of experienced pilots and remote sensing professionals.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of collected geospatial data.
• Develop proficiency in remote sensing, aerial LiDAR, and utility inspections.

Skills

UAS operation

GIS awareness

Safety-conscious

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Here's The Role

The Lower Colorado River Authority is looking for a motivated, safety-focused UAS Pilot I to join our Remote Sensing Services team! This entry-level role involves supporting the collection of accurate geospatial data for inspecting, maintaining, and mapping LCRA’s electric transmission system. As a UAS Pilot, you’ll plan and complete flight missions, serve as Pilot in Command (PIC), and build skills in remote sensing, drone operations, and geospatial data collection while collaborating with an experienced team.

How You’ll Contribute

• Operate UAS platforms to perform aerial inspections and data collection.
• Collaborate with a team of experienced pilots and remote sensing professionals.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of collected geospatial data.
• Develop and sustain proficiency in remote sensing, aerial LiDAR, and utility inspections.
• Contribute to the safety and efficiency of LCRA’s transmission system.

How You’re Qualified

• One or more years of experience in UAS field operations.
• One or more years of experience or exposure to surveying, GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, and/or aviation.
• Technical training may substitute for experience.
• Driver's license
• Remote Pilot UAS License (FAA issued)

How You’ll Stand Out

• Experience in land survey field operations, and experience as a Land Survey Party Chief.
• Knowledge of transmission and distribution maintenance practices.
• Experience operating UAS platforms for surveying, mapping, or infrastructure inspections.
• Experience collecting aerial LiDAR or other remote sensing data.
• Experience with GNSS/GPS devices and gathering geospatial information.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills with a dedication to safety.

How We’ll Support You

Benefits that don't just check boxes, they make life better. From healthcare to wellness to time off, we've got you covered, so you can focus on what matters.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• LCRA provides equal employment opportunities and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at LCRA are based on business need, job requirement and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state legal requirements governing nondiscrimination in employment.
• LCRA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact LCRA Human Resources [phone] or email [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.