Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Kiewit•Medford, OR

57d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kiewit is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support inspection of overhead transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure for utility and energy projects across the U.S. This role focuses on conducting detailed aerial inspections of power line assets, capturing high-resolution data for condition assessment, and supporting maintenance, reliability, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience performing UAV-based utility inspections, understands structure and conductor components, and is comfortable working in active utility corridors and construction environments.

Requirements

FAA Part 107 regulations
Hands-on experience performing UAV-based utility inspections
Understanding of structure and conductor components
Comfortable working in active utility corridors and construction environments
Regular, reliable attendance
Work productively and meet deadlines timely
Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Nice To Haves

Thermal data capture experience

Responsibilities

Operate UAVs to perform detailed inspections of transmission and distribution systems, including structures, insulators, conductors, hardware, and associated assets.
Capture high-resolution imagery and video (and thermal data, if applicable) to identify defects such as damaged components, corrosion, vegetation encroachment, and clearance issues.
Inspect and document vegetation conditions, encroachments, access routes, and environmental constraints along utility corridors.
Ensure consistent, repeatable data collection aligned with inspection standards and client requirements, maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
Process and organize inspection data into actionable outputs, including annotated imagery, inspection reports, and geospatial datasets for engineering and asset management teams.
Conduct all UAV operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, Kiewit safety protocols, and client-specific utility requirements, including energized line considerations.
Collaborate with utility clients, engineers, asset managers, and field teams to plan inspection missions, define data requirements, and deliver timely results.
Maintain UAV platforms, sensors (visual and thermal), and support equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable field operations.