UAS Pilot I

LCRA; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lower Colorado River Authority invites applications for an entry-level UAS Pilot I on its Remote Sensing Services team to collect high-quality geospatial data supporting the inspection and mapping of the electric transmission system.

You'll plan and execute flight missions, operate as Pilot in Command, and grow expertise in remote sensing, drone operations, and data collection while collaborating with an experienced team.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight missions as Pilot in Command.
• Operate UAS platforms and terrestrial scanners to collect geospatial data.
• 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 and terrestrial LiDAR, and utility inspections.

Skills

UAS operations

Team collaboration

Safety-focused

Tools

GNSS/GPS equipment

Aerial LiDAR

Terrestrial LiDAR

Job description

The Lower Colorado River Authority is seeking a motivated, safety-focused UAS Pilot I to join our Remote Sensing Services team! This entry-level position supports the collection of high-quality geospatial data used to inspect, maintain and map LCRA’s electric transmission system. As a UAS Pilot, you’ll plan and execute flight missions, operate as Pilot in Command (PIC), and develop expertise in remote sensing, drone operations, and geospatial data collection while working alongside an experienced team.

How You’ll Contribute

• Operate UAS platforms and terrestrial scanners to collect accurate, high quality geospatial data .
• 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 and terrestrial LiDAR, and utility inspections.
• Contribute to the safety and efficiency of LCRA’s transmission system.
• 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, or 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.
• Familiarity with GNSS/GPS equipment and geospatial data collection.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills with a commitment 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 [e-mail] . Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.