Remote Aerial Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 878768 

Agency: Department of Transportation

Working Title: GEOSPATIAL DATA ANALYST - 55009907

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 55009907 

Salary:  $54,000.18 - $63,000.21 

Posting Closing Date: 07/24/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

JOB POSTING DESCRIPTION

970 / Survey and Mapping Office

OPEN COMPETITIVE

CAREER SERVICE

FULL-TIME

CONTACT PERSON: Kimberly Oneil

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (850) 414-4205

CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: Kimberly.Oneil@dot.state.fl.us

ANTICIPATED HIRING SALARY: $2,307.70/biweekly / $60,000.20/annual

Join FDOT and be part of the team that works as one to improve safety, enhance mobility and inspire innovation in the Florida transportation system.

To ensure honesty and transparency, all applicants must provide their own work. Unless explicitly requested, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with qualifying questions, work samples, or interviews is strictly prohibited, and any breach of this requirement will lead to the applicant being removed from consideration.

Candidates must be United States (U.S.) citizens or lawfully authorized alien workers.  Visa sponsorship is not available.

Our Mission

The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state's economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida's environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state's communities.

Our Vision

As a OneFDOT team, we serve the people of Florida by providing a transportation network that is well planned, supports economic growth, and has the goal of being congestion and fatality free.

The Work You Will Do:

Geospatial Data Analyst / Survey and Mapping Office

This position performs advanced technical work in mobile remote sensing, leading UAS operations to support surveying, mapping, inspection, and emergency response while ensuring full FAA compliance and mission preparedness. Responsibilities include collecting and processing geospatial data, producing photogrammetric and topographic products, and maintaining quality assurance for mobile survey imagery and district project reviews. The position also manages the department's drone fleet, supports stakeholder requests for geospatial data, coordinates data intake from districts and consultants, and contributes to departmental training, research, and the adoption of innovative remote sensing practices.

The Difference You Will Make:

Through cooperation, coordination and collaboration among the OneFDOT team, you will be contributing to a strong and empowering culture of TRREC: Trust, Relationships, Respect, Empowerment, and Communication. 

How You Will Grow:

FDOT encourages our team members to grow through engagement, empowerment, training, and professional development.  Through our agency's learning management system, you have access to hundreds of computer-based training and instructor-led courses. 

Where You Will Work:

Florida Department of Transportation

Survey and Mapping Office

605 Suwannee Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Performs advanced technical work on Mobile Remote Sensing survey projects. Operates Department hardware and software in the collection, processing, adjustment, and/or quality assurance of Mobile Remote Sensing survey data and delivery of services. Assists Supervisor with coordinating and performing Quality Assurance Review of District mobile surveying and mapping projects.

Leads UAS Operations for Mapping, Surveying, and Emergency Response: Serves as a UAS pilot supporting surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, terrain modeling, and emergency management. Ensures that all UAS operations comply with FAA regulations. Conducts mission planning, airspace review, risk assessment, and flight operations. Collects imagery, LiDAR, and video data for transportation and emergency response use. Manage the drone fleet for the Central Office's Surveying and Mapping department. Ensure all drones are properly maintained, and the fleet is up-to-date with the latest technology. Conducts fleet inspections and updates to ensure optimal performance. Oversee readiness for the Central Office's drone operations. Ensures that team members complete required training and certifications.

Prepares, processes, and integrates digital aerial photography, remote sensing data, and other forms of geospatial data. Produce topographic maps and other products from aerial photographs and remote sensing data. Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision photogrammetric software and instruments. Ensure geospatial data meets or exceeds relevant accuracy and quality standards.

Assists the Mobile Surveying and Mapping team with quality assurance and archival of the department's mobile survey imagery. Assists Mobile Surveying and Mapping team with processing and coordination for Quality Assurance Review (QAR) of district mobile survey project quality control plans. Responds to stakeholder requests and supports other Department teams on geospatial data management. Coordinates with districts and consultants to receive geospatial data and metadata on Department projects.

Research industry best practices for UAS and remote sensing survey applications and formally present ideas to management that are innovative, efficient, and/or exceptional. Assists with training Department personnel and other stakeholders in geospatial data management, remote sensing principles, standards, workflows, quality assurance, and Department hardware and software.

The Successful Candidate will have the following required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

•  Required knowledge includes a strong foundation in surveying, mapping, and geospatial science, with a solid understanding of GNSS/INS systems, remote sensing standards, and the principles guiding LiDAR,   photogrammetry, and geospatial software design. 
•  Knowledge of UAS operations, including aeronautical decisionmaking, FAA Part 107 regulations, mission planning, payload configuration, and the proper use of RGB, multispectral, thermal, and LiDAR sensors
•  An understanding of the factors that influence data quality-such as GSD, overlap, flight design, and environmental conditions-and can interpret remotely sensed surfaces, assess data accuracy, and adjust acquisition strategies as needed

Skills in:

• Skilled in geospatial data processing, mobile remote sensing processing, photogrammetric compilation, and the safe operation of both multirotor and fixedwing UAS platforms across surveying, mapping, inspection, and emergency response missions.  

Ability to:

•  Ability to communicate technical information clearly, prepare highquality reports, review the work of peers and consultants, and train others in both remote sensing and UAS procedures.
•  Ability to maintain effective working relationships, coordinate with airspace and emergency management partners, document missions thoroughly, and ensure safety and quality throughout all phases of geospatial data collection and analysis.

Licensure/Registration/Certification Requirements:

Possess an active Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 pilot certification (Certified Remote Pilot under rule 107) OR Obtain and maintain an active FAA Part 107 pilot certification (Certified Remote Pilot under rule 107) within 6 months.

Other Job-Related Requirements:

Employee will be required to be responsive to emergency situations within a very short timeframe and serve in the Transportation Emergency Management Team (TEMT) and Statewide Drone Response Team. Must be able to lift 25 pounds or more.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent, and three years experience or equivalent post secondary education, in geospatial technology.

• Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
• $25,000 life insurance policy (100% employer paid)
• Dental, vision and supplemental insurances
• State of Florida retirement package
• 10 paid holidays a year

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Career advancement opportunities
• Tuition waiver for public college courses
• A variety of training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS), unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES THE SERVICE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE GIVEN TO OUR COUNTRY AND SUPPORTS THE HIRING OF RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS AND MILITARY SPOUSES.  If you are a preference-eligible applicant who receives notice of a hiring decision and believe that you were not afforded employment preference in accordance with applicable Florida law and regulation, you may file a written complaint within 60 calendar days from the date you receive the notice, requesting an investigation to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, Division of Benefits and Assistance, 9500 Bay Pines Boulevard, Room 214, St. Petersburg, Florida 33708.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES AND SUPPORTS EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.  QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  In accordance with Section 110.112, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Department of Transportation's Individuals with Disabilities Affirmative Action Plan, the agency is committed to ensuring affirmative action and equal employment opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities.  Upon request and as appropriate, reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities may be provided.  Please contact the Florida Department of Transportation's Human Resources Office at (850) 414-5300 for assistance.  

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.