UAS Remote Pilot - Drone Surveyor

About the Role & Company

We are seeking an experienced, dedicated UAS Remote Pilot to lead drone-based field operations for major infrastructure and linear energy projects across the United States. In this critical technical role, you will be responsible for directing all aerial data collection, ensuring technical accuracy, and supervising field operations to support our land surveying and geomatics teams.

The UAS Remote Pilot exercises independent technical judgment, solves complex field challenges, and ensures all aerial surveying tasks are executed efficiently, safely, and in strict accordance with project specifications, FAA regulations, and schedules.

Office Locations & Travel Flexibility

• This role requires a high travel availability to support major nationwide field projects. All 100% travel assignments include daily per diem allowances at standard GSA rates to support our personnel during active project deployments.

Essential Responsibilities

As a UAS Remote Pilot, you will operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) platforms and advanced sensors—including LiDAR, photogrammetry, and thermal payload equipment—to collect high-quality aerial survey data. You will execute specific field-related flight assignments using prescribed methods as requested by Project Managers or Project Surveyors.

Daily operational duties include applying standard practices and techniques to recognize discrepancies in aerial data, maintaining detailed workflow processes, and performing precise equipment setups to ensure seamless integration between UAS data and conventional GPS surveying hardware.

You will maintain the cleanliness, calibration, organization, and security of all specialized UAS hardware, survey equipment, and company vehicles, while proactively notifying project supervisors of supply or maintenance needs. Additionally, you will strictly adhere to all company QA/QC procedures, safety standards, and FAA Part 107 regulations.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must possess a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a High School Diploma or equivalent. A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in land surveying/geomatics field work, with a strong emphasis on UAS data collection and aerial surveying, is required. A valid driver’s license and a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) are mandatory.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and standard 7-year background check, as well as demonstrate the ability and willingness to travel extensively for nationwide infrastructure assignments, including overnight stays.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position requires continuous standing, walking, and hiking over rough, steep, heavily wooded, or uneven terrain, including active construction sites, steep hills, and undeveloped right-of-ways. Candidates must have the physical capability to frequently lift, carry, and maneuver heavy UAS cases and field support equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Field operations involve working outdoors for extended shifts across all weather conditions, along with excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for operating precision flight controls and sensitive equipment.

Why Join the Patriot Team?

At PSI, we offer competitive compensation paired with comprehensive health, financial, and overall wellness benefits. For this 100% travel role, our 7-day per diem model, using standard GSA rates, ensures our field specialists are among the best-supported in the industry.

We actively foster a supportive culture that prioritizes safety, technical innovation, and career development, providing genuine opportunities for professional growth as our firm continues to expand its drone and geomatics capabilities nationwide.