Drone Pilot

This is a hybrid role in Houston, TX.

Pay Range: $30/hr - $36/hr

Join a leading utility organization dedicated to delivering essential electric and natural gas services. Through innovation and a commitment to safety, this company plays a vital role in powering communities and ensuring reliable infrastructure. Aquent is proud to partner with them in their mission to find exceptional talent. Are you ready to take flight and revolutionize how critical infrastructure is maintained? We're seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Drone Pilot to join a forward-thinking team. In this pivotal role, you'll leverage cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technology to conduct aerial inspections, gather crucial data, and map vital assets, directly enhancing the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of operations. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to countless customers, making a tangible impact on the reliability and integrity of vital infrastructure.

What You'll Do:

• Operate drones to inspect utility infrastructure, including electric transmission and distribution assets, and natural gas assets.
• Plan and execute flight missions in accordance with regulatory body regulations and company protocols.
• Collect, process, and analyze aerial imagery and sensor data (e.g., thermal, LiDAR, RGB) to provide detailed information for analysis and assessment.
• Conduct visual inspections of overhead electric utility assets by analyzing data captured via UAS.
• Provide reports or recommendations to engineering, GIS, and maintenance teams to support decision-making.
• Maintain flight logs, equipment, and ensure all UAS are in optimal working condition.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections and environmental risk assessments.
• Stay current with UAS technology, regulatory body regulations, and industry best practices.
• Support emergency response efforts by providing rapid aerial assessments during outages, storms, or natural disasters.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies and internal compliance teams to ensure legal and ethical use of UAS.
• Provide technical reports and visual documentation to stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Maintain compliance with company and department-specific training and qualifications.
• Effectively communicate with customers and other external stakeholders to conduct UAS operations safely.
• Participate in testing of new UAS platforms, sensors, and software tools. * Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
• Assist in training entry-level drone pilots as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or related Technology fields; OR a minimum of 5 years of applicable work experience related to electric or natural gas utilities, project management, process improvement, technical services, or UAS operation.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Level 1 sUAS Thermography certification.
• Minimum 2 years' experience operating UAS, preferably in the utility or energy sector.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors.
• Knowledge of utility infrastructure and inspection standards.
• Experience with UAS flight planning and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and risk management.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and remote locations.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively navigate complex situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Results-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Enterprise mindset.
• Collaborative spirit.
• Steadiness and reliability.
• Customer focus.
• Commitment to personal knowledge and application.
• Motivation and empowerment.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience with GIS (Geographic Information System) Mapping.
• Prior electric utility experience.
• Experience with SAP.

Working Environment: This role involves working in a dynamic environment, with a mix of office work and extensive field operations. You will be exposed to various weather conditions and may be required to travel occasionally overnight. The position may require availability for 24/7 operations management, especially during emergency response situations. You will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the company's ethics and compliance code, and other company policies and procedures.

About Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.