Job Description: Acquisition Technician

 About the Role: We are seeking a Field Acquisition Technician to support our remote sensing acquisition operations. This position reports to the Lead Pilot and Data Acquisition Manager. Position requires a proactive, independent professional who takes full ownership of the field operations. You will identify areas for improvement in organization, safety, planning, and logistics and implement actionable solutions. The ideal candidate thrives on independence, problem-solving, and is driven to learn and master the technologies and best practices critical to the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ground Control Planning and Site Logistics:
• Develop and organize ground control plans using predefined area of interet (AOI)s polygons.
• Plan ground control point (GCP) placement, drone staging/launching locations, and create detailed site notes.
• Solve site planning issues by leveraging tools and mapping technology to identify suitable site access, takeoff/landing zones, and in some cases land ownership for permissions.
• Great communication is essential both with our team and with customers during planning phases to address access issues, air space permission, points of interest, safety concerns, and other nuances related to GCP placement and in support of UAS flight planning.
• Collaborate with clients, landowners, and project area authorities to secure and verify site access.
• UAV Operations and Compliance:
• Maintain an active FAA Part 107 Remote Operator Certificate and stay informed about UAV regulations.
• Perform Visual Observer (VO) tasks during UAV operations and ensure communication with remote pilots regarding visibility and environmental conditions.
• Assist with UAV equipment setup, firmware updates, and troubleshooting as necessary.
• As possible, gain experience and time operating UAS as part of career development.
• Field Operations and Equipment Management:
• Prepare all necessary gear for field deployment, ensuring readiness and compliance with operational standards.
• Inventory and manage equipment, including tracking battery lifecycles, maintaining status sheets, and ensuring proper charging.
• Work with equipment vendors to address issues, process RMAs, and secure replacements as needed.
• Perform firmware updates and troubleshoot equipment issues in the field.
• Assist with the setup, deployment, and teardown of field equipment.
• Surveying and Data Collection:
• Place and collect ground control points using RTK GPS, ensuring accuracy for aerial data collection.
• Perform vegetation plot collection, including documenting and identifying specific vegetation types.
• Digitize vegetation polygons, water bodies, and perform ground model classifications using point cloud data and imagery.
• Utilize field collection apps to document data in line with project requirements.
• Logistics and Travel Coordination:
• Plan project travel, including securing accommodations, transportation, and logistical arrangements for remote acquisitions.
• Handle on-site access logistics and daily collection plans, ensuring seamless operations in remote or challenging environments.
• Proactive Ownership and Strategic Improvements:
• Independently manage tasks, deliverables, and expectations, ensuring alignment with the larger goals of field operations.
• Identify gaps or areas needing improvement in organization, documentation, and processes; create and implement actionable plans to address these needs.
• Stay engaged with emerging technologies and surveying best practices, including RTK networks, CORS reference stations, and UAV operation advancements.
• Environmental Readiness:
• Work in diverse and challenging environments, including areas with wildlife, harsh weather, and other variables.
• Exhibit resilience and adaptability to environmental and operational challenges.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in UAV operations, remote sensing, or a related field.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work in remote field environments.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently a must.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude with UAV systems, field equipment, and data processing.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client and team collaboration.
• Experience with GIS, point cloud data processing, or similar technologies is a plus.
• Strong understanding of surveying principles, including RTK GPS and ground control placement, a plus.

This is more than a field operations role; it’s an opportunity for someone who takes complete ownership of their responsibilities, anticipates needs, and drives the success of our UAS and remote sensing projects through expertise, initiative, and continuous improvement. If you’re ready to own this role and its challenges, we encourage you to apply.

Interested?

Email resume and cover letter to: [email protected]