The sUAS Associate Pilot is responsible for piloting high-end drone systems for aerial inspections of transmission line structures and other applications. As Pilot in Command, they ensure safe flight operations, document environmental conditions and hazards, and coordinate with project managers and FAA filings. The role involves heavy travel (60-95%) and working outdoors in remote locations, often alongside a camera operator and visual observer.

Responsibilities

This position reports to the Principal Pilot and has no direct or indirect reports
This role requires heavy travel (60-95%), including overnight stays, to the location of specified UAS projects
Communicate clearly and directly with the camera operator (and VO) throughout the duration of each flight
Respond immediately to any issues with the drone, whether experienced personally or identified by the camera operator or VO
Maintain awareness of surroundings and known hazards at all times during flight operations
Examine all gear (drone, props, controllers, monitors, batteries) prior to each flight and pause operations if anomalies are found
Clean all gear upon return to main office at the end of each day and return items to correct locations for safe storage
Maintain daily crew flight and inspection activity logs

Requirements

Preferred Bachelors or Associates Degree and/or 20 logged and verifiable sUAS flight hours
sUAS Pilots must have FAA Part 107 Certification
Pass a drug screening test
Ability to travel up to 95% and have valid driver’s license
Must be familiar with flying drone platforms of various sizes and be able to learn the platform(s) used for Valmont drone operations
sUAS Pilots must hold or be able to obtain an OSHA-30 Certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and valid driver’s license, and must be comfortable working outdoors in remote environments in both hot and cold weather
Basic computer skills, including file transfer and organization, and familiarity with the Windows platform are required
The sUAS Pilot is part of a larger team of pilots, camera operators, VOs and inspectors, and should demonstrate a positive attitude, flexibility, and good communication skills
All team members are expected to be proactive in offering help and pitching in where they ensuring operations go smoothly and maintain a welcoming work environment
sUAS Pilots also should have good mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, and be able to proactively seek out answers for any equipment or work-related issues that arise

Nice to have

Experience with flying in and around energized utility lines and aerial structures
Experience with RTK drone technology
Knowledge of 3D mapping/modeling

Benefits

Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
401k retirement plan with company match
Paid time off
Employer paid life insurance
Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
Work Life Support
Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more