UAS Pilot / UAS Visual Observer

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

Think Tank is a woman-owned small business with more than 27 years of proven success delivering exceptional IT and marine services to the federal government. We are currently seeking an ideal candidate for the position of UAS (Drone) Pilot / UAS Visual Observer to support an upcoming proposal with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Résumé of successful candidate(s) will be included with our proposal.

The UAS Pilot or UAS Visual Observer supports marine protected species monitoring by operating or assisting with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) used in aerial surveys. This role ensures safe UAS deployment, species detection, and image data collection to supplement traditional visual surveys.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Conduct analyses of data collected from multiple survey platforms, including visual sightings, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) imagery, environmental data, acoustic data, photo-ID data, telemetry and tag data, and other data types.
• Flies unmanned aerial vehicles for a variety of purposes.
• Operate UAS platforms to conduct aerial surveys of marine mammals and sea turtles.
• Act as visual observer during UAS operations, maintaining visual line-of-sight and situational awareness.
• Coordinate with flight teams to ensure compliance with FAA and NOAA safety protocols.
• Collect and archive aerial imagery and metadata; assist in post-flight data processing.
• Participate in pre-survey briefings, flight planning, and risk assessments.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) Part 107 pilot license required.
• Possesses knowledge of NOAA requirements for unmanned surveys.
• Prior experience flying from land or from a vessel
• Experience operating or supporting UAS platforms in field settings.
• Knowledge of marine species identification and UAS safety protocols.
• Ability to work in remote, field-based environments, including aboard vessels.
• Basic understanding of GIS, image processing, or UAS data analysis is preferred.
• Pilot :

More than 100 hours experience flying NOAA certified fixed or rotary wing UAS.

• Possesses knowledge of NOAA requirements for unmanned surveys.
• Visual Observer :

More than 50 hours experience serving as an assistant to the UAS PIC

• Possesses knowledge of Federal Aviation requirements pertaining to VOs