Drone Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Your Opportunity
The Reality Capture Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of 3D scanning projects (LiDAR, drone photogrammetry) to create accurate digital representations of sites. They lead field data collection, ensure BIM/Revit integration, manage budgets, and ensure quality control, acting as the bridge between field technicians, modeling teams, and clients
Your Key Responsibilities

• Data Acquisition & Strategy: Lead strategies for capturing existing conditions, including drone surveys and mobile/terrestrial LiDAR scanning.
• Field Operations & Strategy: Plan scanning coverage, define capture techniques, and oversee data registration using tools like Leica RTC360, BLK360, and UAVs (drones).
• Data Processing & QA/QC: Perform quality assurance checks on point clouds, meshes, and models to ensure accuracy.
• BIM/VDC Integration: Coordinate with Reality Capture team and clients teams to align captured data with project CAD/Revit models.
• BIM Integration: Integrate data into workflows to drive BIM/VDC compliance, supporting clients
• Equipment Management: Manage hardware, software (FARO Scene, Cyclone, Recap, NavVis), and ensure quality control (QA/QC) of deliverables.
• Innovation & Training: Evaluate emerging tech, develop best practices, and train technicians and project teams in scanning technologies.
• Project Management & Budgeting: Manage project timelines, schedules, and deliverables for Reality Capture projects.
• Client Management & Proposal Development: Act as the primary point of contact, defining project scope and estimating fees.
• Team Leadership: Train technicians on new technologies (3D cameras, scanners) and develop SOPs.

Your Capabilities and Credentials:

• Software Proficiency: Experience with Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and point cloud registration software.
• Skills: Strong project management, communication, and ability to bridge field operations with technical modeling.
• Education: Associates degree or equivalent work experience in Surveying related field.
• Technical Experience: 5+ years of experience in laser scanning, drone surveying, and point cloud processing.
• Certifications: FAA Part 107 license often required for drone operations.

Education and Experience
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
Pay Range:
• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas-$92,600.00 - $138,900.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | MN | Minneapolis
Organization: BC-1903 CommDev-US North Central
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: Replacement
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 15/04/2026 05:04:03
Req ID: 1005370
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.