Drone Operator

Drone Pilot & Geospatial Data Specialist

Significant travel required (up to 50-70%, determined by planning efficiency)

Position Summary

Vulcan Materials Company's South Division is seeking a highly disciplined and detail-oriented Drone Pilot & Geospatial Data Specialist. This key technical role will be based centrally in Jacksonville but will require extensive field work across our regional operational sites.

The Specialist is responsible for executing efficient and precise aerial data capture and managing the timely handoff to a third-party processing vendor. Crucially, the incumbent must possess a strong working knowledge of geospatial data outputs to interpret volumetric reports and navigate topographic maps to support critical functions, including inventory management, mine planning, engineering design, and operational optimization. This role offers significant autonomy and growth potential, with the balance between office and field time directly dependent on the incumbent's self-discipline and ability to coordinate complex travel and site logistics.

Key Responsibilities:

Geospatial Data Capture & Interpretation

• Inventory Measurement: Plan and execute drone flights to capture high-integrity raw data (imagery/LiDAR) for calculating finished goods inventory across multiple quarry sites on strict accounting deadlines. Ensure data quality is sufficient for third-party volumetric processing.

• Topographic Mapping: Capture high-quality raw data for the third-party vendor to generate accurate topographic maps and digital elevation models (DEMs) for expansion sites, future development areas, and land management projects.

• Mine Planning Support: Capture detailed visual and topographic data used to inform stripping campaigns, pit expansion planning, and haul road design.

• Data Validation & Interpretation: Manage the raw data handoff process and, once processed outputs are returned, interpret volumetric reports and navigate the resulting 3D models and maps to ensure accuracy and relevance for Operations, Engineering, and Accounting teams.

Coordination, Communication, and Logistics

• Compliance & Safety: Maintain strict adherence to all FAA regulations (Part 107), company safety policies, and site-specific operational protocols.

• Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact between the Geospatial team and site Operations Managers, Engineers, and Accounting departments, clearly communicating flight plans, data needs, and timeline risks.

• Logistics Management: Proactively plan and coordinate complex travel schedules, including site access approvals and accommodations, to maximize efficiency and minimize travel costs and time away from the office.

• Deadline Management: Prioritize data collection and handoff to meet stringent deadlines, particularly those related to monthly and quarterly accounting cycles for inventory valuation

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Mandatory).
• Experience: 3+ years of professional experience operating commercial UAVs (drones) for photogrammetry, surveying, or mapping, preferably in a mining, heavy construction, or aggregate environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of data acquisition techniques, mission planning software, and the principles of photogrammetry. Familiarity with photogrammetry software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy) and GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) is highly beneficial for data review and output navigation.
• Data Handling: Experience managing, transferring, and archiving large raw datasets. Proven ability to interpret volumetric reports (cut/fill, inventory) and utilize processed topographic data (DEMs, contour maps).
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Engineering, GIS, Geography, or a related technical field is preferred, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.

Key Attributes & Work Style

This role is ideal for a candidate who is highly organized and thrives with minimal direct supervision.

• Self-Discipline & Autonomy: Proven ability to manage a demanding workload, adhere to a self-created schedule, and prioritize tasks effectively without constant oversight.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data capture and quality control to ensure the highest levels of accuracy for financial and engineering applications.
• Proactive Planning: Exceptional skill in logistical planning and coordination to ensure maximum time efficiency while traveling between remote sites.
• Strong Communication: Ability to translate complex technical data and schedules into clear, actionable information for non-technical stakeholders (Operations, Accounting).
• Efficiency Mindset: A strong drive to continuously improve planning and execution to increase office-based productivity versus field travel time.