Valmont – Associate UAS Pilot
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Pilots are responsible for piloting high end drone systems used for aerial inspections of transmission line structures, among other applications. As the pilot in command, the UAS Pilot has ultimate say in ensuring safe flight operations in the field. The pilot also will document environmental conditions and known hazards, and coordinate with the project manager or other Valmont personnel to confirm aircraft deconfliction notice filings with customers and the FAA. Often, UAS Pilots work in conjunction with a camera operator and a visual observer (VO), and must demonstrate strong teamwork, communication skills and crew resource management.
Essential Functions:
UAS Pilots must be able to safely operate drones in close quarters, and be able to execute emergency landing procedures in the event of signal loss or other danger (e.g., sudden high winds). They will be required to learn and adhere to specific flight SOPs for aerial inspections and for operating within specified weather conditions to ensure safety. In addition, the position of UAS Pilots entails the following responsibilities:
Communicate clearly and directly with the camera operator (and VO) throughout the duration of each flight.
Respond immediately to any issues with the drone, whether experienced personally or identified by the camera operator or VO
Maintain awareness of surroundings and known hazards at all time during flight operations
Examine all gear (drone, props, controllers, monitors, batteries) prior to each flight and pause operations if anomalies are found
Clean all gear upon return to main office at the end of each day and return items to correct locations for safe storage
Maintain daily crew flight and inspection activity logs
This position has a dotted-line reporting to the Project Manager and has no direct or indirect reports
This role requires heavy travel (60-95%), including overnight stays, to the location of specified UAS projects
Other Important Details about the Role:
The UAS Pilot must have a fundamental understanding of drone functionality and be able to perform routine maintenance checks to identify equipment in need of repair or replacement. Since a UAS Pilot may have to monitor the drone’s equipment while also communicating with the camera operator and VO, they should be capable of multitasking effectively. UAS Pilots also will be responsible for executing safety protocols at the work site including completing written Task Hazard Analysis forms, implement Emergency Action Plans and securing the area for drone flights.
Required Qualifications of Every Candidate (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
Preferred Bachelors or Associates Degree or 2+ years of relevant experience UAS Pilots must have FAA Part 107 Certification
Must be familiar with flying drone platforms of various sizes and be able to learn the platform(s) used for Valmont drone operations
UAS Pilots must hold or be able to obtain an OSHA-30 Certification, FEMA/DHS NIMS/ICS certifications, FCC Radio Operators Licenses, First Aid/CPR certification, and valid driver’s license, and must be comfortable working outdoors in remote environments in both hot and cold weather
Basic computer skills, including file transfer and organization, and familiarity with the iOS platform are required
The UAS Pilot is part of a larger team of pilots, camera operators, VOs and inspectors, and should demonstrate a positive attitude, flexibility, and good communication skills
All team members are expected to be proactive in offering help and pitching in where they can to ensure operations go smoothly and maintain a welcoming work environment
UAS Pilots also should have good mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and problem solving skills, and be able to proactively seek out answers for any equipment or work-related issues that arise
Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:
Experience with flying in and around energized utility lines and aerial structures
Experience with RTK drone technology
Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop
Inspector certificates from ASNT or NACE
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
Valmont Industries is a leading producer and distributor of products for the infrastructure and agriculture markets.
Valmont Industries began in 1946 when our founder, Robert B. Daugherty combined his $5,000 savings and wholehearted belief that business could and should be done better. Since that modest start more than half a century ago, our company has grown to be an international leader in engineered products and services for infrastructure and water-conserving irrigation equipment for agriculture.
From the lighting and traffic structures that guide your way, to communication towers and utility structures that power your home and business, to irrigation equipment that waters the croplands on which your food is grown, Valmont products improve lives worldwide.
Valmont Industries operates in five primary business segments: Engineered Support Structures, Utility Support Structures, Coatings, Energy and Mining, and Irrigation. Valmont (VMI) is publicly traded on the NYSE.
We focus on two global markets: infrastructure and agriculture. Valmont Industries is present in 23 developed and developing countries, offering 27 brands from more than 80 facilities. International sales represent a significant portion of our revenues.
Valmont’s employees are passionate about the products we make. Along with our customers, they are the cornerstone of our success. We pride ourselves on being people of integrity who excel at delivering optimal results. We pursue opportunities for growth by taking our products and processes to new markets, introducing new products to regions where we have a presence, and continually improving our services to ensure that Valmont solutions are second-to-none.
