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Contract Lidar Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Lidar Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

$21

$34

How much do contract lidar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract lidar operator in Decatur, AL is $21.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Lidar Operators?

Contract Lidar Operators are professionals hired on a contractual basis to operate Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) equipment for various surveying, mapping, or data collection projects. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and operating LiDAR systems, often in the field, to capture accurate 3D data of landscapes, infrastructure, or objects. Their work supports industries such as construction, forestry, mining, and environmental monitoring. Contract Lidar Operators must have technical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of data processing and safety protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Lidar Operators in the field?

Contract Lidar Operators often encounter challenges such as operating sophisticated equipment in remote or difficult terrain and adapting to rapidly changing environmental conditions. They must also manage large volumes of data accurately and ensure that all safety and regulatory protocols are followed. Collaboration with survey teams and project managers is essential to meet tight deadlines and client expectations. Staying updated with the latest Lidar technologies and software is also key to maintaining high-quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Lidar Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Lidar Operator, you need expertise in remote sensing, Lidar data acquisition, and geospatial analysis, typically supported by a relevant technical degree or field experience. Familiarity with Lidar hardware, GPS systems, and specialized software such as TerraScan or ArcGIS is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top operators apart. These skills ensure the accurate collection and processing of spatial data for applications like mapping, surveying, and environmental assessment.

What is the difference between Contract Lidar Operator vs Survey Technician?

AspectContract Lidar OperatorSurvey Technician
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, GPS and GIS software familiarityLand surveying certifications, CAD software skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site data collection using LiDAR equipmentIndoor and outdoor, fieldwork and office drafting
Industry UsageConstruction, forestry, infrastructure projectsLand development, mapping, civil engineering

The Contract Lidar Operator primarily focuses on operating LiDAR equipment for data collection in outdoor environments, often requiring GPS and GIS knowledge. Survey Technicians perform land surveys, often using CAD and other mapping tools, with some overlap in fieldwork. Both roles are essential in geospatial projects but differ mainly in equipment and specific tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Lidar Operator jobs in Decatur, AL? For Contract Lidar Operator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Contract Lidar Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Lidar Operator job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,932 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Sensor Support and Engineering Manager

Revolution Geosystems LLC

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Title: Sensor Support and Engineering Manager

Position Type: Full-Time / Exempt
Primary Location: Huntsville, AL or Austin, TX
Reports To: Director of Operations
Direct Reports: Contract Sensor Operators, Sensor Specialist
Interfaces With: COO, VP of Business Development, Director of Maintenance, Project Managers
Travel: Up to 25% as operational needs dictate
Start Date: TBD

Position Summary

Revolution Geosystems, LLC (RevGeo) is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Sensor Support and Engineering Manager to lead the management, maintenance, deployment, and integration of the company's geospatial sensor systems. This role serves as the primary technical authority for airborne LiDAR and imagery sensors, ensuring operational readiness, data quality, and customer satisfaction.

The Sensor Support and Engineering Manager will also serve as the company's Laser Safety Officer, supporting safe and compliant sensor operations across multiple projects and locations. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, engineering leadership, operational coordination, and customer support.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with airborne LiDAR and imagery systems, sensor integration, calibration, testing, maintenance, and geospatial data processing.



Position ResponsibilitiesSensor Operations & Technical Leadership

  • Serve as the company's subject matter expert for all geospatial sensors.

  • Maintain technical knowledge of airborne LiDAR and imagery systems from multiple manufacturers.

  • Support field operations through sensor troubleshooting and technical assistance.

  • Monitor sensor performance, identify issues, and implement corrective actions.

  • Serve as the company Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and maintain compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.

Engineering, Integration, and Testing

  • Lead sensor engineering, integration, certification support, and testing activities.

  • Develop and execute sensor validation and acceptance testing procedures.

  • Coordinate and oversee sensor installations in company-owned and customer platforms.

  • Conduct routine and project-specific sensor performance evaluations.

  • Support research and development initiatives involving new sensors and technologies.

Calibration & Data Quality

  • Perform boresight calibrations and system validation activities.

  • Analyze calibration results and recommend improvements.

  • Process and review calibration, test, and validation datasets.

  • Ensure collected data meets company, client, and industry quality standards.

  • Support continuous improvement of sensor workflows and quality assurance processes.

Logistics & Asset Management

  • Manage inventory and lifecycle tracking of company-owned and leased sensors.

  • Oversee check-in/check-out procedures for all deployed equipment.

  • Coordinate equipment shipments, returns, and transportation logistics.

  • Prepare shipping documentation and support domestic and international transportation requirements.

  • Work with transportation providers, customs brokers, and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of equipment.

Customer Support & Collaboration

  • Support customers with technical and logistics-related inquiries.

  • Coordinate with project managers to ensure sensor readiness and project success.

  • Collaborate with maintenance and operations personnel to support mission execution.

  • Provide technical guidance to internal stakeholders and external clients.

  • Assist business development efforts by supporting technical proposals and customer presentations when required.



Position RequirementsEducation & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geomatics, Engineering, Computer Science, Aviation Technology, or a related field preferred.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with geospatial sensors, including LiDAR and imagery systems.

  • Working knowledge of ASPRS standards, FEMA specifications, and USGS LiDAR Base Specifications.

Technical Skills

  • Strong understanding of airborne LiDAR and photogrammetric systems.

  • Experience with sensor integration and aircraft installation processes.

  • Familiarity with geospatial processing software and quality-control workflows.

  • Understanding of sensor maintenance and troubleshooting methodologies.

  • Knowledge of laser safety principles and operational best practices.

Professional Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Excellent organizational and project management abilities.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

  • Strong customer-service and relationship-management skills.

  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Other Requirements

  • Ability to travel up to 25% as required.

  • Valid driver's license and ability to obtain airport access credentials if required.

  • Ability to work from the Huntsville, AL headquarters or another approved Revolution Geosystems operating location.

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in confined spaces.



Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

  • Incentive compensation opportunity of up to 10% of annual salary.

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO).

  • 401(k) retirement plan.

  • Professional development and advancement opportunities.