Overview

Responsible for leading the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program in support of surveying and geomatics operations across the renewable energy project portfolio. The UAS Manager directs a team of commercial pilots, sets operational and quality standards, manages the aircraft and sensor fleet, and owns the program's compliance with FAA regulations and company policy. This is a working management role that combines team leadership, program development, and resource planning with direct involvement in complex mission planning, data quality oversight, and project execution, while also operating the UAS on assigned projects to ensure necessary data collection. The UAS Manager partners with project management, engineering, survey, and client teams to ensure UAS operations deliver accurate, reliable geospatial products on schedule and within budget, and works closely with the Director of Geomatics to align the program with broader geomatics strategy and capacity needs.

Location: This position is open to being remote with travel as needed throughout the US.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead, supervise, and develop the UAS team; manage hiring, scheduling, performance reviews, mentorship, and professional development
• Set workload priorities and assign personnel and equipment across concurrent projects to meet schedule, quality, and budget objectives
• Build and maintain training, onboarding, and certification programs that keep the team current on equipment, software, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Own the UAS program's standard operating procedures, field workflows, and deliverable specifications, and drive their consistent application across the portfolio
• Establish and govern quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) standards for UAS data collection, and verify that deliverables meet project specifications, company standards, and client requirements
• Establish and enforce field verification procedures to confirm data quality, coverage, and project requirements have been met before crews depart the job site, minimizing rework, remobilization, and schedule impacts
• Direct the program's safety management, including operational risk assessment, field safety protocols, incident reporting, and corrective action
• Own the regulatory compliance posture of all UAS operations, including FAA Part 107, airspace authorizations, waivers, certificates of authorization (COA), Remote ID, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, legal, and project teams to secure permits, waivers, and flight authorizations, including advanced operations such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) where applicable
• Maintain a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and ensure that all pilot certifications and recurrent training remain in good standing
• Manage the UAS fleet and sensor inventory across its full lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance programs, calibration, repair, replacement planning, and asset documentation
• Evaluate, select, and integrate new aircraft, sensors, and software; manage relationships with manufacturers, vendors, and service providers
• Develop and manage the UAS program budget; track equipment, labor, and operating costs and forecast resource and capacity needs across the project portfolio
• Plan UAS support for upcoming projects in coordination with estimating, project management, and the Director of Geomatics, including staffing and mobilization requirements
• Provide technical direction for complex UAS missions, including site assessment, flight planning, airspace evaluation, and data acquisition strategy across LiDAR, photogrammetry, and reality capture applications
• Serve as the primary point of contact for UAS operations among survey teams, project stakeholders, clients, and management
• Report program performance, utilization, safety, and compliance metrics to the Director of Geomatics, and recommend improvements to operations, staffing, and technology
• Maintain organized program records, including flight logs, compliance documentation, maintenance records, training records, and data archives, in accordance with company standards
• Track developments in UAS technology, geospatial workflows, FAA regulations, and industry best practices, and adapt the program to maintain capability and compliance
• Adapt responsibilities to evolving project requirements, organizational needs, and industry dynamics
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Geomatics, Surveying, Geospatial Science, Aviation, GIS, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field required
• 5 years experience in UAS operations, surveying, geomatics, or geospatial data collection, including a minimum of three years in a lead, supervisory, or management role
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification maintained in good standing
• Experience managing or leading UAS programs, teams, or field operations in support of surveying, mapping, engineering, construction, utility, infrastructure, or renewable energy projects

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Take reasonable care of your own and others' health and safety and of those who may be affected by the day-to-day delivery of this role by taking personal responsibility for working toward the Company's Zero Injury principles
• Proven leadership and people-management ability, including the capacity to direct, develop, and retain a technical field team
• Strong program and project management skills, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation across a portfolio of projects
• Advanced knowledge of FAA regulations, airspace requirements, flight authorization and waiver processes, Remote ID, and UAS operational and safety best practices
• Deep proficiency in UAS operations and geospatial data collection methodologies, including LiDAR, photogrammetry, orthomosaic mapping, and related surveying applications
• Solid understanding of survey accuracy standards, QA/QC methodologies, GPS/GNSS principles, coordinate systems, datums, and projections
• Ability to evaluate UAS platforms, sensors, and software and make sound technology and procurement decisions
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and project requirements
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to report to leadership and present clearly to clients and project teams
• Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational conditions
• Proficiency with relevant office, project management, and geospatial software
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Working Environment:

• When visiting jobsites the work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions
• This work environment may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises

What's in it for you:

Financial Wellbeing

• Compensation $0-$0 / year, commensurate with experience
• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
• 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount
• Discounted National Gym Membership Network

Family & Lifestyle

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave, including Differential Pay and Benefits Continuation
• Employee Assistance Program

Planning for the Unexpected

• Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program
• Group legal plan

Position may be subject to pre-employment screening, which may include background check and drug testing. Accessibility: If you need accommodation as part of the employment process, contact [email protected]. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual requests regarding application status. Please log into your candidate profile for up-to-date information.

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