Remote Aerial Camera Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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A Brief Summary of This Position

Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Pilots are responsible for piloting high end drone systems used for aerial inspections of transmission line structures, among other applications. As the Pilot in Command, the sUAS Pilot has ultimate say in ensuring safe flight operations in the field. The pilot also will document environmental conditions and known hazards, and coordinate with the project manager or other Valmont personnel to confirm aircraft deconfliction notice filings with customers and the FAA. Often, UAS Pilots work in conjunction with a camera operator and a visual observer (VO), and must demonstrate strong teamwork, communication skills and crew resource management.

Essential Functions

UAS Pilots must be able to safely operate drones in close quarters and be able to execute emergency landing procedures in the event of signal loss or other danger (e.g., sudden high winds). They will be required to learn and adhere to specific flight SOPs for aerial inspections and for operating within specified weather conditions to ensure safety. In addition, the position of sUAS Pilot entails the following 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

Other Important Details about the Role

The sUAS Pilot must have a fundamental understanding of drone functionality and be able to perform routine maintenance checks to identify equipment in need of repair or replacement. Since an sUAS Pilot may have to monitor the drone's equipment while also communicating with the camera operator and VO, they should be capable of multitasking effectively. sUAS Pilots also will be responsible for executing safety protocols at the work site including completing written Task Hazard Analysis forms, implement Emergency Action Plans and securing the area for drone flights.

Required Qualifications for Every Candidate (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• 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

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

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

Working Environment and Physical Efforts

Work is typically performed outdoors in remote locations. Most workdays begin and end at the main project office or work trailer before operators travel to the specified location for the day's flight operations. The sUAS Pilot is regularly required to stand for extended periods of time, as well as drive a pickup truck and load/unload drone equipment and safety cones at the work site. Travel is heavy - anywhere from 60% to 95% and will require overnight stays at domestic locations. The employee is occasionally required to assist with filing, inventory checks, equipment maintenance, and general cleaning and administrative tasks at the office. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while working with large boxes and hard cases with drone equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• 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

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.