UAS Pilot III

GeoSearch; Florida; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GeoSearch seeks an experienced UAS Pilot III to lead complex flight missions, coordinate site planning, and ensure high-quality data capture across T&D projects. You will manage RGB, LiDAR, and thermal operations with minimal supervision, troubleshoot field equipment, and mentor junior crew members while adhering to safety and FAA guidelines.

The role requires 2–4 years of UAS experience in utility or infrastructure settings, a clean driving record, and frequent travel across projects in

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years of professional UAS experience in utility or infrastructure environments.
• Ability to lead flight missions and execute RGB, LiDAR, and thermal collection operations independently.
• Strong troubleshooting and decision-making in complex field environments.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; willingness to travel frequently.
• Knowledge of FAA Part 107 regulations and client safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission planning, site assessment, airspace authorization, hazard identification, and weather evaluation.
• Independently execute complex aerial missions using RGB, LiDAR, and thermal payloads over T&D assets.
• Perform in-field data QA, verify data completeness and sensor integrity, and document flight records.
• Provide field mentoring to junior pilots and visual observers; support crew logistics.
• Maintain pre/post-flight inspections and manage batteries, logs, and maintenance records.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 107, safety standards, and client site requirements.
• Perform other duties as directed by Field Survey Supervisor to support project goals.

Skills

Leadership

UAS flight operations

Data QA

Troubleshooting

FAA Part 107 compliance

Team mentoring

Flight planning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in UAS/geomatics/GIS

Tools

Flight planning software

Airspace management tools

UAS data management platforms

Job description

The UAS Pilot III is an advanced field pilot responsible for independently leading flight missions, executing complex RGB, LiDAR, and thermal collection operations, and supporting crew productivity and data quality across assigned T&D inspection projects. With a minimum of two years of professional UAS experience in utility or infrastructure environments, the UAS Pilot III is a technically strong, self-directed operator capable of troubleshooting field equipment, making sound decisions in demanding conditions, and mentoring junior pilots and visual observers. This role actively supports field production targets, safety standards, and the consistent delivery of complete, high-quality aerial data.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Mission Leadership and Planning:

• Lead flight mission planning for assigned projects, including site assessment, airspace authorization, hazard identification, JSA review, weather evaluation, and development of efficient flight plans that meet project data capture requirements.
• Brief the field crew on mission objectives, flight plan, site hazards, emergency procedures, and client-specific requirements before each operation.
• Adapt mission planning and execution in real time to respond to changing field conditions, equipment performance, or unexpected site constraints.
• Coordinate with the Field Survey Supervisor regarding mission status, production progress, and any issues affecting flight operations or data quality.

UAS Flight Operations:

• Independently execute complex aerial missions using RGB, LiDAR, and thermal sensor payloads over T&D poles, conductors, and infrastructure, operating with minimal supervision.
• Maintain precise aircraft control in challenging field conditions including proximity to power lines, structures, and active traffic areas.
• Troubleshoot equipment and sensor issues in the field, diagnosing and resolving problems to maintain mission continuity.
• Operate in full compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, company safety policies, and all client site requirements.

Data Collection, QA, and Reporting:

• Capture complete, high-quality aerial visual, thermal, and LiDAR data of T&D infrastructure, meeting or exceeding project coverage, resolution, and documentation specifications.
• Perform thorough in-field data QA, verifying completeness, image clarity, and sensor data integrity before leaving each site.
• Complete all required flight documentation including mission logs, data capture records, equipment logs, and condition notes.
• Organize, label, and transfer data in accordance with project protocols and confirm successful upload to designated platforms.

Crew Support and Mentoring:

• Provide field guidance and technical mentoring to UAS Pilot I / VO and Pilot II team members, helping them develop flight skills, apply safety procedures, and improve data capture quality.
• Support the crew's overall production pace by maintaining high personal output standards and actively contributing to team efficiency.
• Serve as visual observer or support crew logistics when not serving as pilot in command.
• Model professional conduct, safety discipline, and technical precision for junior crew members at all times.

Equipment Maintenance and Readiness:

• Perform pre-flight and post-flight equipment inspections at an advanced level, identifying issues that may affect flight safety or sensor performance.
• Manage battery rotation, equipment logs, and maintenance records across the field day.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and communicate findings and recommendations to the Field Survey Supervisor.

Safety and Compliance:

• Maintain full compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, company safety standards, and client site requirements.
• Lead site safety assessments and contribute to pre-job briefings, raising hazards and safety concerns proactively.
• Make real-time safety decisions during flight operations, including aborting or adjusting missions when conditions warrant.
• 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, contributing broadly to project quality and departmental goals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2–4 years of professional UAS experience, including T&D utility inspection or similar linear infrastructure work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead flight missions and execute RGB, LiDAR, and thermal collection operations independently.
• Ability to troubleshoot UAS equipment and make sound decisions in complex field operating environments.
• Strong working knowledge of T&D safety expectations, field production standards, and FAA operational requirements.
• 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 adapt effectively to changing conditions in high-risk environments.
• Detail-oriented with a proven record of accurate, complete data collection and thorough field documentation.
• Committed to safety, quality, and the continuous development of the crew.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in UAS, aviation, geomatics, GIS, engineering technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 1,000 logged manual flight hours in utility, infrastructure, or similar field operations.
• Formal thermography training or certification preferred for thermal inspection programs.
• Proficiency with LiDAR aerial collection systems, sensor management, and data QA.
• Prior experience mentoring or providing field guidance to junior pilots or visual observers.
• Proficiency with flight planning software, airspace management tools, and UAS data management platforms.