Drone Pilot

The Best Players Need the Best People.

The Drone Pilot/Course Mapper is responsible for piloting UAS on various golf courses around the world, collecting aerial imagery and lidar. The drone pilot is also responsible for collecting GPS observation points around the golf course, mapping tee boxes, fairways, greens, and irrigation features.

• Active FAA Part 107 license is required
• 3 years working in the surveying or drone industry with relevant experience operating DJI drones and various lidar collection equipment (brand agnostic), both ground and air based
• At least 1 year working with GNSS receivers such Trimble or Top Con equipment
• Understanding of GIS principles/fundamentals
• Understanding of remote sensing collection techniques
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro or QGIS, Global Mapper, and Trimble Business Center are a plus
• Comprehensive understanding of coordinate systems and vertical datums
• Working knowledge of the game of golf and golf course design/features
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with little to no oversight is a must
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar Windows based software
• Excellent communications skills (written, verbal and presentation)
• Excellent organizational skills and a high-level of attention to detail
• Ability to articulate complex problems in a basic way to consultants and outside vendors
• Willingness to field questions from golfers on course as part of your daily duties
• Ability to walk 10+ miles per day is a must

• Plan, execute, and document UAS flights in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations and PGA TOUR policies
• Capture high quality, precise aerial imagery and LiDAR
• Verify GCP placement and ensure proper collection overlap, drone altitude, and flight parameters during mission planning
• Perform initial data quality checks in the field to confirm data completeness and accuracy
• Conduct pre- and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft airworthiness and mission safety
• Manage airspace coordination with the FAA and local airports, including LAANC authorization when required
• Knowledge in submitting LAANC requests
• Conduct site safety assessments and identify potential hazards prior to flight operations
• Maintain UAS documentation including registration, maintenance records, waivers, and insurance
• Perform routine maintenance, sensor and UAS firmware updates, and troubleshooting of UAS platforms and payloads
• Manage batteries, sensors, and field equipment to ensure mission readiness
• Working knowledge of applications such as B4UFly to check airspace classifications
• Process UAS data using photogrammetry/GIS software such as Drone Deploy, Agisoft, LP360, and ArcGIS Pro
• Map out all tees, fairways, greens, and sprinklers on course utilizing a combination of continuous topo and static observation points
• Coordinate with golf course staff weekly in a professional manner to plan and schedule site visits
• Up to 180 days of travel per year
• Willingness to travel not only by air but also driving long distances to events (3+ hours)
• Conduct quality checks on mapping data in the field to ensure all course features were collected
• Attention to Detail