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Description
Operate, configure, and maintain unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and sensors to collect high-quality aerial data for natural resources, urban planning, construction, and public safety projects. Plan and execute flight missions, ensure data integrity and safety, and prepare equipment and sensor configurations in compliance with regulations.
  • • Plan and execute UAS mapping and inspection missions.
  • • Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks.
  • • Obtain airspace approvals and ensure FAA Part 107 compliance.
  • • Configure payloads (RGB, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR) and flight parameters.
  • • Calibrate cameras, gimbals, IMUs, and RTK/PPK systems.
  • • Maintain flight, maintenance, and survey data logs.
  • • Monitor telemetry and data quality during flights; adjust settings as needed.
  • • Collect ground control and checkpoints using GNSS equipment.
  • • Process imagery into orthomosaics, point clouds, and 3D models.
  • • Merge and mosaic datasets for large-area coverage.
  • • Verify geospatial accuracy and integrity of collected data.
  • • Apply georeferencing and radiometric or atmospheric corrections.
  • • Integrate UAS data with GIS and other geospatial datasets.
  • • Evaluate project requirements and select appropriate aircraft, sensors, and software.
  • • Develop mission plans and automation routines in flight software.
  • • Document methods and produce technical reports, maps, and presentations.
  • • Manage batteries, spares, firmware updates, and field repairs.
  • • Back up, organize, and archive raw and processed datasets.
  • • Coordinate with scientists, surveyors, engineers, or clients to define needs.
  • • Support environmental monitoring, agriculture, and infrastructure assessments with UAS data.
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Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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