POSITION SUMMARYThe Drone Operations Pilot is responsible for the planning, execution, and management of all drone flight operations on assigned projects. This includes mission planning, UAV operation, aerial data acquisition, equipment maintenance, and preliminary data processing. The Drone Operations Pilot will coordinate closely with survey crews, project management teams, and engineering staff to ensure aerial datasets meet project requirements and integrate properly with survey control, design models, and GIS systems. This role reports to the Geomatics Manager, who provides operational direction, technical support, and professional development. The Drone Operations Pilot plays a critical role in delivering high-quality aerial datasets that support project planning, construction progress tracking, site analysis, and as-built documentation.This is a full-time, site-based position that requires extensive travel to locations that may span the Southern Region. Travel subsistence and additional incentives provided per company guidelines.RESPONSIBILITIESSafety & QualityEnsure adherence to all company safety policies and proceduresMaintain compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and airspace authorization requirementsConduct pre-flight planning, safety briefings, and risk assessments for all UAV missionsMaintain flight logs, aircraft documentation, and operational recordsEnsure safe UAV operations around construction equipment, personnel, and project infrastructureDrone Operations & Aerial Data AcquisitionPlan and execute UAV flight missions for topographic mapping, LiDAR scanning, orthomosaic generation, and site monitoringOperate UAV platforms equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, thermal, infrared, and multispectral sensorsEstablish and utilize ground control points (GCPs) and check points to ensure survey-grade accuracyConduct aerial surveys to support earthwork analysis, site progress documentation, stockpile measurement, and terrain modelingCoordinate flight operations with project management and field crews to minimize disruption to construction activitiesPerform UAV equipment inspection, calibration, maintenance, and firmware updatesCoordinate with Geomatics, Operations, and Design teams to ensure aerial data supports project needsParticipate in project coordination meetings and planning discussionsWork with Geomatics leadership to improve UAV workflows, processing standards, and operational proceduresParticipate in internal training and technical development programsSupport development of scalable drone workflows across projectsQUALIFICATIONS2+ years experience operating UAVs in commercial, survey, or construction environmentsExperience with photogrammetry and/or LiDAR drone systemsFamiliarity with Autodesk Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Agisoft, Global Mapper or similar processing software (Preferred)Experience with GNSS survey equipment and ground control workflows (Preferred)Strong ability to communicate and collaborate with project teamsDevelopmentally minded with a focus on continuous improvementKnowledge of construction and engineering project workflows is beneficialAbility to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.Ability to stand, walk, and work on your feet for extended periods of time.Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks as required by the job.McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.#J-18808-Ljbffr