Drone Operator

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS•FLAGSTAFF, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Drone Operator pilots drones to gather real-time operational data across the resort, including parking, lift lines, trail traffic, and snow coverage. The role turns collected data into actionable insights for Mountain Ops, Parking, Ski Patrol, and leadership to support guest experience, safety, and operational efficiency. The position involves outdoor work in cold, snowy, windy, and high-elevation conditions. Work may occur early in the morning, on peak days and holidays, and during occasional night flights. The role requires lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds and navigating uneven terrain. The job description notes that responsibilities and activities may change or be reassigned.

Requirements

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
Comfort operating drones in winter mountain conditions.
Ability to interpret AI-analyzed data to support operational decisions.
Basic photography/videography skills, or willingness to learn.
Strong communication skills for cross-department collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Experience with drones and AI data tools.
Prior ski resort or mountain operations experience.
Familiarity with data visualization dashboards.

Responsibilities

Pilot drones to monitor parking lot occupancy, lift line length, trail traffic, and base area flow.
Capture snow coverage, grooming patterns, and terrain conditions.
Analyze collected data with AI tools and produce actionable reports.
Deliver dashboards, heatmaps, and visual insights to Mountain Ops, Parking, Ski Patrol, and leadership.
Assist Ski Patrol with hazard documentation and incident monitoring.
Support Lift Ops with tower and line inspections.
Provide aerial imagery for construction, trail, and grooming projects.
Maintain an organized media library for internal and external use.
Maintain drones, batteries, sensors, and software, including calibrations, firmware updates, and troubleshooting.
Maintain detailed flight logs and ensure FAA Part 107 compliance.