The Drone Operator is responsible for capturing high-quality aerial photographs and videos to support the documentation and monitoring of various Planate project sites and activities in Guam, Palau, and other territories and countries across the Pacific. This is a part-time role that ensures safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations in accordance with local aviation regulations and company standards, providing accurate visual data for project progress, inspections, and reports.

Key responsibilities:

• Execute drone operations, surveys, and inspections in accordance with project requirements, delivering high-quality aerial imagery, video, photogrammetry, LiDAR data, and accurate documentation of construction progress.
• Plan, coordinate, and optimize flight missions to ensure safe, efficient, and timely completion of projects while maintaining compliance with airspace restrictions, client specifications, and operational objectives.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of drones, cameras, sensors, and related equipment, while continuously monitoring flight performance, battery levels, signal strength, and overall system functionality.
• Maintain compliance with FAA regulations, local government requirements, company standards, and safety protocols, including securing permits and authorizations required for operations in restricted areas.
• Troubleshoot, inspect, maintain, and repair drones, cameras, and support equipment to ensure operational readiness, minimize downtime, and maintain access to backup equipment when required.
• Accurately maintain flight logs, maintenance records, operational reports, and project documentation to support regulatory compliance, asset management, and project tracking.
• Stay current with industry developments, regulatory updates, emerging drone technologies, and best practices, while adapting to evolving business needs and taking on additional responsibilities as required.
• Perform other tasks that are related to this position.

 Qualifications to be successful in the role:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical  Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Technology) is preferred; significant experience accepted in lieu of degree
• Must have FAA 107 Drone Pilot License and FAA Heavy Lift Certified
• Proven relevant experience in drone operation experience/familiarity with the Inspired Flight IF1200 and/or similar platforms is preferred
• Proficiency in operating drones for surveys and inspections, ensuring accurate navigation and compliance with safety protocols.
• Basic knowledge of drone software tools (e.g., Pix4D, Mapper, DroneDeploy, QGroundControl) for mission planning and data collection.
• Ability to perform pre-flight and post-flight checks, including inspection of drone components and verification of GPS, sensors, and camera systems.
• Skilled in maintaining and troubleshooting drone hardware and cameras to ensure optimal performance.
• Skilled in analyzing weather conditions and adjusting flight plans for safe operations.
• Able to capture clear, high-quality aerial imagery according to mission requirements.
• Ability to document flight logs and maintenance records accurately.
• Ability to follow precise instructions and adhere to operational standards for safe and efficient drone use.
• Commitment to delivering reliable and high-quality results aligned with project requirements.
• Ability to take initiative and handle multiple responsibilities as needed.
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills for addressing technical or operational challenges.
• Willing and able to support short-term deployments to foreign countries and/or US territories if required. 

Why Planate? 

Planate Management Group (PMG) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and Orlando, Florida USA with technical support centers in South East Asia and East Africa, that provide program management and facilities engineering services worldwide. Planate is a small business provider of planning, design, infrastructure management, technical consulting, engineering, and construction management services in support of the US Department of Defense (DOD) and its Service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps) missions, along with other US federal agencies, all over the world.

Joining the Planate team opens you to an experience working for a Global company where you are among a team that is considered a premier trusted partner for planning, design, engineering, asset management, and professional service solutions anytime, anywhere. We Take Care of Our Own; Personally and Professionally, Up and Down The Line.

We’d love for you to be a part of our Global workforce, helping us serve as an effective and integrated partner to advance every client's mission!