Aircraft Sensor Operator

Background

The National Geodetic Survey’s Remote Sensing Division partners with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to collect aerial camera and lidar data which, in turn, will be used to generate cartographic products. These cartographic products have many uses, but the main use will be for updating shoreline features on NOAA’s Nautical Charts.

Position Description

ERT is seeking an Aircraft Sensor Operator to support the NGS's Remote Sensing Division. This position may be performed remotely, but will require up to 60% domestic travel to collect aerial camera and lidar data.

Duties in the field:

• Operate, maintain, and perform preliminary processing and analysis of data products derived from LIDARs, aerial cameras, and other remote sensing systems while flying aboard NOAA-approved aircraft in the field.
• Complete backups of collected aerial data and send them back to the office.
• Deployments lasting 2-3+ weeks are required.
• Typical week in the field – Will likely work six (6) days per week and over eight (8) hours a day
  
  
  

Duties in the office

• This position will be expected to do post-processing of aerial data which includes GNSS/INS processing, lidar processing, imagery processing and a QA/QC of post-processed data all under guidance from NOAA personnel.
• These tasks may be performed remotely and do not need to be done in one of NGS's offices.
  
  
  

Travel Required

• Up to 60% of domestic travel is required with this position.
  
  
  

Required Skills

• 2 - 5 years of related experience
• Must be familiar with operating remotely sensed sensors and use of associated software for planning and post-processing of collected data.
• Must be able to lift/carry surveying and sensor equipment.
• Must be comfortable working independently.
• Personnel will be expected to be in compliance with all NOAA requirements for operating NOAA equipment and flying on NOAA aircraft.
  
  
  

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident who has lived in the United States at least 3 out of the last 5 years and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to access applicable government facilities and systems.

Desired

Knowledge of the following:

• Leica Flight Pro, Leica MissionPro, Leica Survey Studio
• Hexagon HxMap
• Novatel Inertial Explorer
• POSPacMMS
• ArcGIS Pro
  
  
  

Education

BS in Geographic Science, related discipline, or equivalent.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $50,000 - $125,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits

All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses
  
  
  

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.