UAS Pilot I / Visual Observer

GeoSearch; Florida; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

GeoSearch seeks an entry-level UAS Pilot I/VO to support aerial and ground data collection in utility inspection and surveying. You will act as the visual observer, assist with pre-flight setup, and learn to operate UAS under supervision while ensuring safety and client standards.

The role emphasizes flight proficiency, data capture, and basic field duties, with travel as needed and opportunities to advance within the UAS pilot career track.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to serve as visual observer and maintain situational awareness.
• Ability to follow flight plans, JSAs, and client procedures.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Ability to travel frequently with overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Serve as visual observer during UAS flight operations and maintain unaided visual line of sight.
• Monitor flight area for hazards and communicate with the pilot in real time.
• Assist with pre-flight setup and post-flight equipment handling.
• Support RGB data collection and basic field data organization.
• Follow FAA Part 107 regulatory requirements during operations.
• Travel frequently as project needs require.

Skills

Visual observer

Safety-focused

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The UAS Pilot I / VO is an entry-level field position supporting aerial and ground-based data collection operations in T&D utility inspection and survey programs. In this role, the UAS Pilot I / VO primarily functions as a visual observer (VO) for active flight operations while developing the foundational skills required for independent UAS piloting. Under direct supervision of the Field Survey Supervisor, this position assists with pre-flight setup, equipment handling, ground survey support, and basic RGB data collection. This role is focused on building flight proficiency, learning company and client safety standards, and developing the field skills required to progress within the UAS pilot career track.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Visual Observer (VO) Duties

• Serve as visual observer during UAS flight operations, maintaining unaided visual line of sight of the aircraft and communicating positional awareness, traffic, hazards, and airspace concerns to the pilot in command in real time.
• Monitor the flight area for pedestrians, vehicles, personnel, and other hazards, alerting the pilot immediately when conditions require attention or a flight abort.
• Maintain clear, consistent verbal communication with the pilot throughout all phases of flight.
• Assist with site assessments prior to flight, identifying obstructions, hazards, and access constraints.

Pre-Flight and Equipment Support

• Assist with pre-flight equipment setup, including unpacking, assembling, and inspecting UAS components, batteries, cameras, and sensors under the direction of the pilot in command.
• Support battery management and rotation throughout the field day, ensuring batteries are charged, tracked, and logged in accordance with company procedures.
• Assist with post-flight equipment breakdown, inspection, and secure transport.
• Learn and apply company procedures for equipment handling, storage, and care.

Basic UAS Flight Operations

• Execute assigned flight operations using RGB (visual) sensors under the direct supervision of the Field Survey Supervisor or a senior pilot, following established flight plans, JSAs, and client procedures.
• Apply FAA Part 107 regulatory requirements throughout all flight operations.
• Capture required aerial photography of T&D poles and associated infrastructure, following company and client data capture standards.
• Monitor UAS performance during flight and communicate any anomalies to the supervising pilot immediately.
• Support ground-based pole inspections and field data collection when not performing VO or pilot duties, assisting Survey Technicians with equipment handling, field logistics, and site setup.
• Assist with ground-based LiDAR collection and field photography as directed.
• Perform basic field data organization and assist with end-of-day data transfer and upload under supervision.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols when working near energized utility infrastructure, active roadways, vehicular traffic, and the general public.
• Participate actively in pre-job safety briefings and apply site-specific safety requirements throughout the workday.
• Maintain a clean driving record and operate company or project vehicles in accordance with company policy.
• Travel frequently as required by project needs, including extended overnight stays away from home base.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform all duties as directed by the Field Survey Supervisor in support of project and departmental goals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to serve as a visual observer and maintain sustained situational awareness during active UAS flight operations.
• Ability to follow flight plans, JSAs, and client procedures in a field environment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.
• Ability to travel frequently with overnight stays as required by project assignments.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to communicate clearly under field conditions.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and willing to take direction in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certificate in UAS, aviation, geomatics, GIS, surveying, engineering technology, or a related field.
• 0–1 year of professional UAS, field survey, utility, or related field experience.
• Some prior exposure to T&D infrastructure or utility field environments.
• Basic knowledge of RGB data capture workflows; willingness to learn LiDAR and thermal collection support.
• Familiarity with FAA airspace authorization procedures and Part 107 operational requirements.