Land Surveyor - Drone Pilot

Project Job Title: Drone Pilot / Surveyor
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required

Position Summary
The Drone Pilot / Surveyor is responsible for performing aerial data collection, mapping, surveying support, and construction documentation across utility-scale solar EPC projects. This position utilizes Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), survey equipment, and specialized mapping software to collect accurate field data used to support engineering, estimating, construction, project controls, and site management.
Working within a fast-paced, self-perform EPC construction environment, the Drone Pilot / Surveyor will support projects throughout the construction lifecycle—from existing-condition and preconstruction surveys through earthwork, pile installation, electrical construction, progress tracking, quantity verification, and final project documentation.
The ideal candidate combines strong UAS flight capabilities with practical surveying and construction knowledge and understands how accurate, timely field data directly impacts the successful execution of large-scale solar projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct UAS/drone flight operations across large utility-scale solar construction sites in accordance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and project requirements.

- Collect high-resolution aerial imagery and survey data for mapping, topographic surveys, construction progress, inspections, and project documentation.

- Perform photogrammetry and aerial mapping to produce Ortho mosaics, digital terrain models (DTMs), digital surface models (DSMs), point clouds, and other project deliverables.

- Support site surveying activities utilizing GPS/GNSS, RTK, robotic total stations, and other survey equipment as required.

- Establish, verify, and maintain survey control throughout the duration of construction.

- Support construction layout and verification activities for roads, grading, drainage, equipment pads, pile locations, electrical infrastructure, substations, and other project components.

- Perform existing-condition and preconstruction aerial surveys to document site conditions prior to mobilization and construction.

- Conduct routine progress flights to document construction status and provide project teams with current aerial imagery.

- Assist with earthwork quantity calculations, stockpile measurements, cut/fill analysis, and verification of completed work.

- Support grading operations by providing accurate surface data and comparing existing conditions against design surfaces.

- Provide survey and aerial data to support pile installation, tracker/racking construction, module installation, underground electrical systems, inverter/transformer locations, and other solar construction activities.

- Compare collected field data against IFC drawings, design models, and project specifications to identify potential discrepancies.

- Support quality control activities by documenting installed conditions and assisting with verification of completed construction.

- Process and manage drone imagery and survey data using applicable photogrammetry, CAD, GIS, and mapping software.

- Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, Survey Managers, Engineers, Project Controls, and field personnel to determine survey and aerial data requirements.

- Maintain accurate flight logs, survey records, field notes, control documentation, and project files.

- Organize and maintain aerial imagery and survey data so information is readily accessible to project teams.

- Identify potential site, design, or construction issues through review of aerial and survey data and communicate findings to project leadership.

- Maintain UAS equipment, batteries, survey instruments, and associated technology in proper working condition.

- Perform pre-flight inspections and evaluate weather, airspace, site conditions, and potential hazards