Aerial Survey Lead

AKS Engineering & Forestry • Tualatin, OR

74d

About The Position

At AKS Engineering & Forestry, we’re all about building better communities- literally. We help shape neighborhoods, create spaces for businesses, and design the infrastructure that makes life better for everyone. As a locally owned firm, we’ve spent the past 30 years partnering with public and private clients to deliver high-quality engineering solutions across the Pacific Northwest. AKS Engineering & Forestry is looking for a full-time Aerial Survey Lead. This seller/doer position will work closely with our surveying and engineering teams and will play a vital role in successfully supplying complex geospatial data for our projects across the Pacific Northwest.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in science, Engineering, Surveying or related field preferred
• At least 5 years of experience performing aerial surveying responsibilities (preferred in responsible charge)
• Knowledge of surveying principles, including coordinate systems and map projections
• Hold an FAA Part 107 Remote-Pilot-in-Command Certification and are proficient in operating unmanned aerial systems
• Hold additional certificates (e.g., ASPRS-CMS or similar)
• Understand and regularly apply industry standard specifications and protocols, etc., ASPRS
• Expertise in acquiring aerial data such as LiDAR, RGB cameras, Multispectral Cameras, Thermal
• Experienced with processing and interpreting data to produce final surveying products
• Ability to work in a team and communicate technical information to clients and other professionals
• Ability to coach and mentor junior level staff, and develop them into future leader
• Proficiency with mapping, surveying and engineering software such as ArcGIS, Global Mapper, AutoCAD, Trimble Business Center
• Strong technical skills and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Manage an aerial survey team across multiple offices
• Develop and implement best management practices to improve efficiency and enhance overall workflows
• Research and pursue additional business lines for which aerial survey data may be needed and beneficial
• Research and pursue lines of work outside of surveying for which aerial platforms may benefit (e.g., bridge integrity surveying)
• Operate UAVs to acquire data, process data efficiently and effectively
• Train and mentor junior team members on BMPs for operation, data collection, and data processing
• Handle flight planning and flight paths, ensuring the flight mission is completed safely and according to specification
• Perform equipment checks by calibrating, testing and maintaining specialized survey equipment prior to each project
• Analyze and process the collected data using software like GIS, and analyzing imagery to create maps and reports
• Adhering to safety protocol, weather condition, and aviation regulation during all flight operations

Benefits

• Meaningful Growth: Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
• Real Collaboration: Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
• Respect for Your Time: We value work-life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
• Benefits That Care: You’ll have access to health coverage that supports your total well-being—plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
• Weekly Team Lunches: Take a break and recharge with your teammates—we believe food brings people together.
• Culture That Connects: We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
• A Place People Love to Work: We’ve been named one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Washington year after year—for good reason.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees