The UAS Pilot II is an intermediate-level field position responsible for independently executing routine UAS flight operations in support of T&D utility inspection and survey programs. With at least one year of relevant UAS experience, the UAS Pilot II is capable of conducting RGB, thermal, and basic LiDAR collection missions with limited supervision, managing pre-flight planning and airspace review, and completing field documentation and data offload procedures consistently. This role actively contributes to crew productivity and upholds company and client safety and data quality standards in the field.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Flight Planning and Airspace Coordination:
- Independently conduct pre-flight planning for assigned missions, including reviewing project requirements, assessing weather and site conditions, identifying hazards, obtaining required airspace authorizations (LAANC or waivers), and developing flight plans that ensure safe and efficient data collection.
- Confirm equipment readiness, battery charge status, and sensor configuration before each flight assignment.
- Communicate flight schedule, site access, and airspace status to the Field Survey Supervisor and crew in advance of each operation.
UAS Flight Operations:
- Independently execute RGB, thermal, and basic LiDAR aerial collection missions over T&D poles, conductors, and related infrastructure in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations, company procedures, and client requirements.
- Maintain positive aircraft control throughout all flight phases, adapting positioning and flight paths as needed based on site conditions, wind, obstructions, or changing field conditions.
- Coordinate with a visual observer throughout all flight operations, maintaining consistent communication and shared situational awareness.
- Make sound, efficient field decisions to adapt to changing site conditions while maintaining safety and data quality.
Data Collection and Quality Assurance:
- Capture complete, high-quality aerial visual, thermal, and basic LiDAR data of T&D infrastructure, meeting project-specific coverage, resolution, and documentation standards.
- Verify data completeness and image quality during and after each flight, identifying and resolving gaps or quality issues before leaving the site.
- Complete required field documentation for each mission, including flight logs, data capture summaries, and equipment logs.
- Organize, label, and transfer collected data at the end of each workday in accordance with project naming conventions and file management protocols.
- Perform data offload and upload procedures, confirming successful delivery to designated platforms.
- Support ground-based pole inspections, field photography, and related survey activities when not conducting flight operations.
- Assist Survey Technicians with field logistics, equipment handling, and site setup and breakdown as needed.
- Act as visual observer for other UAS crew operations as assigned.
Equipment Maintenance:
- Perform pre-flight and post-flight equipment inspections, documenting condition and identifying any maintenance needs.
- Maintain accurate battery cycle logs and equipment records in accordance with company procedures.
- Report equipment issues or damage to the Field Survey Supervisor promptly.
Safety and Compliance:
- Maintain full compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, company safety policies, and client site requirements throughout all flight operations.
- Conduct thorough site assessments before each flight, identifying and communicating hazards to the crew.
- Participate actively in pre-job safety briefings and apply field safety practices consistently.
- 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 objectives.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 1–2 years of relevant UAS experience, including at least some T&D or linear infrastructure inspection work.
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute RGB and thermal aerial collection missions.
- Familiarity with flight planning, airspace authorization (LAANC), field documentation, and data offload and QA procedures.
- Strong understanding of T&D safety expectations and field production standards.
- 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 effective communication in fast-moving field environments.
- Self-motivated and capable of maintaining production pace and data quality with limited direct supervision.
- Committed to safety, regulatory compliance, and professional conduct at all times.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree or technical certificate in UAS, aviation, geomatics, GIS, surveying, engineering technology, or a related field.
- Minimum 500 logged manual flight hours (expected for internal promotions; preferred for external hires).
- Experience with basic LiDAR aerial collection workflows.
- Proficiency with flight planning software and UAS data management platforms.
- Ability to serve as visual observer and support multi-crew field operations.
- Familiarity with ground-based pole inspection and field survey data collection procedures.