Commercial Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Introduction

RETTEW is seeking a Survey Party Chief with a current FAA Part 107 drone license to support our SurveyingTeam. . This role leads field survey crews and supports aerial data collection using unmanned aircraft systems. The ideal candidate is an experienced land survey professional who can combine traditional survey techniques with modern geospatial technology to deliver accurate, reliable data to project teams and clients.

About RETTEW

RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing multidisciplinary services across transportation, land development, environmental, energy, water/wastewater, and facilities markets. Our teams combine technical expertise with practical problem solving to deliver high-quality results for public and private clients. At RETTEW, ownership matters; our employee-owners take pride in their work, support one another, and focus on long-term relationships with our clients and communities.

Work Environment

Hybrid

Locations: Williamsport, Mechanicsburg, or Pittsburgh, PA; Akron, OH; and Morgantown, WV offices

Field-based work with regional travel to project sites throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of all pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment. Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction and utility environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW’s safety policies is required throughout employment.

Position Summary / What You’ll Do

The Survey Party Chief leads field survey operations and supports aerial data collection using drone technology to capture high-quality geospatial information. This role coordinates field activities, ensures accurate data collection, and works closely with office staff and project managers to support land development, infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects. The position plays an important role in maintaining field quality, safety, and efficiency while mentoring junior survey staff.

Responsibilities / Day-to-Day

• Lead and supervise survey crews performing boundary, topographic, construction, and control surveys for engineering and infrastructure projects.
• Operate survey instruments including total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and data collectors to gather precise field measurements.
• Plan and execute drone flights using FAA Part 107 certification to collect aerial imagery and mapping data for survey and engineering projects.
• Process and verify field data to ensure accuracy and completeness before delivering to the office for mapping and design support.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and CAD technicians to ensure field work aligns with project scope and schedule.
• Maintain survey equipment and ensure all field activities follow company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Train and mentor junior crew members while maintaining productivity and quality in the field.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum five years of experience working in land surveying, including experience leading field crews.
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial drone operations.
• Hands-on experience performing boundary, topographic, and construction surveys.
• Proficiency using GPS/GNSS equipment, total stations, and electronic data collectors.
• Ability to travel to project sites across the region and perform outdoor field work in varying conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate company vehicles.

Preferred

• Experience performing drone-based photogrammetry or aerial mapping for survey projects.
• Familiarity with survey data processing or coordination with CAD staff.
• Experience supporting land development, infrastructure, or energy-related survey projects.
• Survey Technician certification or progress toward professional land surveyor licensure.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) so employees share in the company’s long-term success.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings options.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility where schedules allow.
• A collaborative, employee-owned culture focused on technical excellence and professional growth.

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact us at jperalta@rettew.com to request assistance.

Requirements listed above