Drone Pilot

PGA Tour • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

1d

About The Position

The Best Players Need the Best People. The Drone Pilot/Course Mapper is responsible for piloting UAS on various golf courses around the world, collecting aerial imagery and lidar. The drone pilot is also responsible for collecting GPS observation points around the golf course, mapping tee boxes, fairways, greens, and irrigation features. When most people think of the PGA TOUR, they envision famous golfers, exciting tournaments, and the TOUR’s generous support of more than 3,000 charities. We are all of these things, but there’s much more to the PGA TOUR than meets the eye. Behind the TOUR’s international reputation for sports excellence and philanthropic leadership is a dedicated team of business, sports management and entertainment professionals working together to support our players and advance our mission. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., we’re a dynamic group of individuals with diverse talents who share a deep respect for the sport of golf and the positive impact it has in communities across the United States and internationally. If your goals include being part of an exciting team that emphasizes professional development and the personal satisfaction of contributing to important causes, we encourage you to explore the many advantages and benefits of a career with the TOUR.

Requirements

• Active FAA Part 107 license is required
• 3 years working in the surveying or drone industry with relevant experience operating DJI drones and various lidar collection equipment (brand agnostic), both ground and air based
• At least 1 year working with GNSS receivers such Trimble or TopCon equipment
• Understanding of GIS principles/fundamentals
• Understanding of remote sensing collection techniques
• Comprehensive understanding of coordinate systems and vertical datums
• Working knowledge of the game of golf and golf course design/features
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with little to no oversight is a must
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar Windows based software
• Excellent communications skills (written, verbal and presentation)
• Excellent organizational skills and a high-level of attention to detail
• Ability to articulate complex problems in a basic way to consultants and outside vendors
• Willingness to field questions from golfers on course as part of your daily duties
• Ability to walk 10+ miles per day is a must

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ArcGIS Pro or QGIS, Global Mapper, and Trimble Business Center are a plus

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document UAS flights in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations and PGA TOUR policies
• Capture high quality, precise aerial imagery and LiDAR
• Verify GCP placement and ensure proper collection overlap, drone altitude, and flight parameters during mission planning
• Perform initial data quality checks in the field to confirm data completeness and accuracy
• Conduct pre- and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft airworthiness and mission safety
• Manage airspace coordination with the FAA and local airports, including LAANC authorization when required
• Knowledge in submitting LAANC requests
• Conduct site safety assessments and identify potential hazards prior to flight operations
• Maintain UAS documentation including registration, maintenance records, waivers, and insurance
• Perform routine maintenance, sensor and UAS firmware updates, and troubleshooting of UAS platforms and payloads
• Manage batteries, sensors, and field equipment to ensure mission readiness
• Working knowledge of applications such as B4UFly to check airspace classifications
• Process UAS data using photogrammetry/GIS software such as DroneDeploy, Agisoft, LP360, and ArcGIS Pro
• Map out all tees, fairways, greens, and sprinklers on course utilizing a combination of continuous topo and static observation points
• Coordinate with golf course staff weekly in a professional manner to plan and schedule site visits
• Up to 180 days of travel per year
• Willingness to travel not only by air but also driving long distances to events (3+ hours)
• Conduct quality checks on mapping data in the field to ensure all course features were collected
• Attention to Detail

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) plus employer match and contribution
• Health Savings Account/Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Membership to TPC Sawgrass

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed