Flight Planner

ABOUT US

Founded in 1866, The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn) is one of the oldest continuously operating mapping and geospatial information technology companies in the US. Our work is highly visual, and our mapped data and applications are an essential part of today’s information economy. We serve many industries and government departments and need to communicate effectively with them about our wide range of products and services. We remain at the forefront of the GIS and photogrammetry industry by offering high quality, technologically superior products and services backed by the industry’s most experienced staff. We are looking for a talented individual to fill this role working in a collaborative environment ready to innovate workflow.

SUMMARY

The Flight Planner is responsible for designing efficient flight plans to collect data with aerial survey aircraft. These plans must be safe, efficient, and cost effective, to meet the needs of Sanborn’s customers. Thorough data analysis, modeling, technical document knowledge, software, and historical experience is needed to perform this job. The job requires concentration and flexibility in a fast paced environment. The job entails knowledge, research, and an understanding of the collection requirements and equipment needs for the areas of collection to meet the specifications of each individual job. This includes studying and evaluating relevant flight information to assess restrictions and other impediments that affect the collection process in planning survey missions. Liaising with the Project managers, estimator, and Flight Services Director to coordinate any questions and to optimize flight plans. The position also supports estimating for proposals by producing preliminary flight plans, flight specifications, and flight plan maps.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the development and publishing of the flight plans for field collection and is the central point of contact for flight planning needs.
• Coordinate the approval of flight plans with Program Managers.
• Reviews all technical scope and specifications related to data collection and confers with project staff to outline work-plan/scope of work and meets regularly to assess progress and develop corrective action when required.
• Modifies schedules or plans as required.
• Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
• Coordinates with internal staff and organizations to coordinate project activities on status and issues for resolution of planning, equipment, training, and workflow needs.
• Assess mission issues, risks, and develops resolutions to meet objectives.
• Prepares project reports for management, client, or others as needed.
• Performs required department field training to remain current with position and department objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to understand technical statements of work and perform each duty listed above satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum 3 years of experience in the Aerial Surveying Sensor Operation. Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently. Ability to relate to people at all levels of the organization. Must possess excellent communication, diplomacy and listening skills; specifically, be accessible and responsive to the needs of clients.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma. Associate’s degree in a relevant field preferred (Geography, Computer Science, Geomatics, or Engineering)

EXPERIENCE

• 3 to 5 years of experience, including experience in optical and LIDAR sensor operation.
• Strong preference for experience in all phases of data collection lifecycle management for remote sensing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred experience with flight planning software packages.
• Experience with Trackair, MissionPro, and TopoFlight preferred but not required (will train)
• Beginner/entry level knowledge of ArcPro

SUPERVSIORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may or may not have specific supervisory responsibilities, depending on business needs. However, this position will provide input into hiring, training and employee performance evaluations when needed.

LOCATION: Colorado Springs, CO In office daily

Pay Range: $22-26 hourly

Sanborn offers 401k with company match, and dental, vision, and company paid accident and life insurance benefits with the position.

TO APPLY: Visit our website: www.Sanborn.com under the Careers menu option to apply. We are accepting applications for this position until June 8, 2026. Sanborn is an AA/Veteran/Disability Equal Opportunity Employer.