Drone Pilot

Company Overview

Spencer Construction is a full-service heavy civil and security infrastructure contractor, delivering complex, large-scale projects throughout the Southwest and beyond. Our core competencies include earthwork, concrete construction, steel erection, and other mission-critical infrastructure services.

Our foundation is built on deep industry expertise, driven by a leadership team with decades of combined experience. We are committed to excellence and innovation in every project we undertake.

Our mission is clear: to build and safeguard America through the development, enhancement, and maintenance of border infrastructure, community assets, and heavy civil works.

Job Summary

Spencer Construction is seeking an experienced Drone Pilot and Geospatial Technician to support survey and mapping operations on heavy civil and border infrastructure projects. This is not a standard construction drone role. The work is survey-grade data collection - topographic and bathymetric LiDAR, photogrammetry, and GNSS ground control - on remote sites along the U.S.-Mexico border, frequently operating from boats on the Rio Grande. The ideal candidate has hands-on LiDAR and PPK survey experience and is comfortable working independently in austere field conditions for extended periods. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and fly topographic and bathymetric LiDAR missions using a YellowScan Navigator payload on an Inspired Flight IF1200A.

• Plan and fly photogrammetry corridor and area missions using a WingtraRay fixed-wing VTOL, including mission planning in Wingtra software.

• Set up and operate Emlid base and rover GNSS equipment.

• Place, survey, and retrieve ground control points and AeroPoints.

• Process LiDAR data through YellowScan CloudStation, including trajectory processing and SBET application.

• Deliver LiDAR point clouds to the project surveyor for certification.

• Process photogrammetry data through Propeller.

• Build and maintain mission planning files in Google Earth, including KML/KMZ flight areas, launch points, and access routes.

• Launch and recover aircraft from boats and unimproved shorelines.

• Maintain FAA Part 107 compliance, including airspace authorizations in controlled and border airspace.

• Perform field maintenance and troubleshooting on aircraft, payloads, and GNSS equipment.

• Coordinate daily with project managers, surveyors, and site leadership.

• Provide written progress reports.

Required Qualifications

• Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Hands-on experience flying LiDAR missions; bathymetric LiDAR strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of PPK and RTK workflows, including base and rover setup, ground control placement, and trajectory post-processing.
• Experience with GNSS survey equipment such as Emlid, Trimble, or equivalent.
• Experience processing point cloud data and delivering data to survey standards.
• Proficiency with Google Earth and drone mission planning software.
• Ability to work independently for extended periods in remote locations with limited support.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively.
• Position based in Tucson, Arizona; relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidates currently residing in the Tucson metro area will receive priority consideration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with YellowScan CloudStation, Applanix POSPac, or Qinertia.
• Experience operating WingtraRay.
• Experience with Propeller or comparable photogrammetry processing software.
• Background in land surveying or civil engineering.
• Prior experience with boat-based or over-water survey operations.
• Experience working on federal or border infrastructure contracts.

Working Conditions

• Field-based role on active construction sites and remote river corridors along the U.S.-Mexico border.

• Extended travel required; assignments routinely last several weeks at a time and may be out of state, with lodging provided.

• Work performed in extreme heat, routinely exceeding 100F, and in variable terrain, including unimproved riverbanks, brush, and open water.

• Operations frequently conducted from boats, including launching and recovering aircraft and placing and retrieving ground equipment from the water.

• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 75 pounds throughout the workday, including loading and unloading equipment over a boat gunwale in extreme heat.

• Ability to work independently for extended periods in remote areas without immediate support.

• Must adhere to all company and OSHA safety guidelines.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Spencer Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Spencer Construction does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need