Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Jones Petrie Rafinski (JPR) is a dynamic provider of A&E services in South Bend and Fort Wayne, IN. As a multi-disciplined firm, we offer our professionals a broad variety of challenging assignments working on solutions in both the public and private sector. Over the last three decades we have seen steady and successful growth by combining our expertise with a spirit of collaboration and innovation to help our clients achieve their vision and goals by creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and serve the needs of the communities around us.

Were looking for a skilled and motivated LiDAR Drone Operator to join our surveying team. This role is ideal for someone who combines an understanding of land surveying principles with hands-on experience operating drone-based LiDAR systems. Youll play a key part in capturing high-accuracy data for boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction layout, and other land development projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, execute, and document UAV missions using LiDAR-equipped drones for a variety of land surveying applications.
• Operate multirotor or fixed-wing UAV platforms, ensuring data is captured safely and efficiently under FAA regulations.
• Apply GNSS-based corrections (RTK/PPK) and geodetic transformations to align survey data to control networks.
• Process raw LiDAR data into classified point clouds using tools such as TerraScan, LAStools, CloudCompare, or Global Mapper.
• Generate topographic surfaces (DEM/DSM), contours, and other deliverables per project specifications.
• Coordinate and Communicate with licensed surveyors, CAD teams, civil engineers, and architects to ensure data integrates smoothly into project workflows.
• Maintain drone hardware, flight logs, calibration records, and safety checklists.
• Work alongside surveying, engineering, and architectural teams to integrate data into workflows.

Required Qualifications:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 25 years of experience operating drones and working with LiDAR in a surveying or mapping context.
• Experience with LiDAR processing software (e.g., TerraSolid Suite, LAStools, Global Mapper).
• Understanding of coordinate systems, control points, and geospatial accuracy standards.
• Familiarity with typical surveying deliverables such as topographic maps, boundary lines, and site plans.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working alongside licensed land surveyors or as part of a field crew.
• Knowledge of Civil 3D, Carlson, or other CAD tools used in survey deliverables.
• Familiarity with photogrammetry, RTK/PPK post-processing, and geodetic conversions.
• Problem-solving and documentation skills, with an emphasis on accuracy and QA/QC.
  

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and Long-term disability
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Student loan stipend
• Tuition reimbursement
• Unlimited career growth potential
  

Firm Values:

• We promote work-life balance at all levels
• Family First, Always.
• Honor, Respect, and Engage with colleagues, clients, and community.

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