What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Surveyor - Drone Pilot position at LPL Solar?
Project Job Title: Drone Pilot / Surveyor
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required
Position Summary
The Drone Pilot / Surveyor is responsible for performing aerial data collection, mapping, surveying support, and construction documentation across utility-scale solar EPC projects. This position utilizes Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), survey equipment, and specialized mapping software to collect accurate field data used to support engineering, estimating, construction, project controls, and site management.
Working within a fast-paced, self-perform EPC construction environment, the Drone Pilot / Surveyor will support projects throughout the construction lifecycle—from existing-condition and preconstruction surveys through earthwork, pile installation, electrical construction, progress tracking, quantity verification, and final project documentation.
The ideal candidate combines strong UAS flight capabilities with practical surveying and construction knowledge and understands how accurate, timely field data directly impacts the successful execution of large-scale solar projects.
Key Responsibilities
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required
Position Summary
The Drone Pilot / Surveyor is responsible for performing aerial data collection, mapping, surveying support, and construction documentation across utility-scale solar EPC projects. This position utilizes Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), survey equipment, and specialized mapping software to collect accurate field data used to support engineering, estimating, construction, project controls, and site management.
Working within a fast-paced, self-perform EPC construction environment, the Drone Pilot / Surveyor will support projects throughout the construction lifecycle—from existing-condition and preconstruction surveys through earthwork, pile installation, electrical construction, progress tracking, quantity verification, and final project documentation.
The ideal candidate combines strong UAS flight capabilities with practical surveying and construction knowledge and understands how accurate, timely field data directly impacts the successful execution of large-scale solar projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct UAS/drone flight operations across large utility-scale solar construction sites in accordance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and project requirements.
- Collect high-resolution aerial imagery and survey data for mapping, topographic surveys, construction progress, inspections, and project documentation.
- Perform photogrammetry and aerial mapping to produce Ortho mosaics, digital terrain models (DTMs), digital surface models (DSMs), point clouds, and other project deliverables.
- Support site surveying activities utilizing GPS/GNSS, RTK, robotic total stations, and other survey equipment as required.
- Establish, verify, and maintain survey control throughout the duration of construction.
- Support construction layout and verification activities for roads, grading, drainage, equipment pads, pile locations, electrical infrastructure, substations, and other project components.
- Perform existing-condition and preconstruction aerial surveys to document site conditions prior to mobilization and construction.
- Conduct routine progress flights to document construction status and provide project teams with current aerial imagery.
- Assist with earthwork quantity calculations, stockpile measurements, cut/fill analysis, and verification of completed work.
- Support grading operations by providing accurate surface data and comparing existing conditions against design surfaces.
- Provide survey and aerial data to support pile installation, tracker/racking construction, module installation, underground electrical systems, inverter/transformer locations, and other solar construction activities.
- Compare collected field data against IFC drawings, design models, and project specifications to identify potential discrepancies.
- Support quality control activities by documenting installed conditions and assisting with verification of completed construction.
- Process and manage drone imagery and survey data using applicable photogrammetry, CAD, GIS, and mapping software.
- Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, Survey Managers, Engineers, Project Controls, and field personnel to determine survey and aerial data requirements.
- Maintain accurate flight logs, survey records, field notes, control documentation, and project files.
- Organize and maintain aerial imagery and survey data so information is readily accessible to project teams.
- Identify potential site, design, or construction issues through review of aerial and survey data and communicate findings to project leadership.
- Maintain UAS equipment, batteries, survey instruments, and associated technology in proper working condition.
- Perform pre-flight inspections and evaluate weather, airspace, site conditions, and potential hazards prior to flight operations.
- Ensure all UAS operations comply with FAA Part 107 requirements and applicable federal, state, local, client, and company requirements.
- Coordinate flight activities with project safety and field leadership to ensure drone operations do not interfere with cranes, equipment, electrical work, or other construction activities.
- Support multiple projects and travel between active construction sites based on project needs.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, GIS, or related technical discipline preferred.
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
- Previous experience operating drones/UAS for surveying, mapping, engineering, or construction applications.
- Working knowledge of surveying principles, coordinate systems, elevations, benchmarks, and construction layout.
- Experience collecting and processing aerial imagery for photogrammetry and mapping applications.
- Experience with GPS/GNSS and RTK survey equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret civil plans, grading plans, site layouts, construction drawings, and specifications.
- Understanding of survey control and the importance of horizontal and vertical accuracy in construction applications.
- Strong computer and data-management skills.
- Ability to work independently in large, active construction environments while coordinating effectively with field personnel.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities across multiple projects.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively based on project requirements.
- Previous experience supporting utility-scale solar, renewable energy, heavy civil, power generation, or large-scale EPC construction projects.
- Experience working for a self-perform EPC or heavy civil contractor.
- Experience with DJI Enterprise, Trimble, Leica, Topcon, or similar professional UAS and survey equipment.
- Experience with photogrammetry and mapping platforms such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Propeller, Trimble Business Center, or similar applications.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, or comparable design/mapping software.
- Experience creating Ortho mosaics, point clouds, surface models, contour maps, and volumetric reports.
- Experience performing cut/fill analysis and earthwork quantity verification.
- Experience with Ground Control Points (GCPs), checkpoints, RTK/PPK workflows, and survey-grade drone mapping.
- Familiarity with solar site grading, pile installation, tracker systems, access roads, drainage systems, underground electrical collection systems, substations, and related utility-scale solar construction.
- Surveyor-in-Training (SIT/LSIT) certification or related surveying credentials are a plus but not required.
- Ability to travel extensively and potentially remain near project sites for extended periods based on construction schedules.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing field operations.
- Ability to carry and set up drone, survey, GPS, and related field equipment.
- Ability to work around heavy construction equipment while maintaining appropriate situational awareness.
- Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Must be able to travel by vehicle and air as required