UAS & Geospatial Data Specialist

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

The UAS & Geospatial Data Specialist is responsible for planning, executing, processing, and delivering geospatial data products derived from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aerial lidar, and digital imagery collection platforms. This role combines planning, data processing, CAD integration, and final product development to support surveying, engineering, mapping, infrastructure, and asset management projects. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in UAS operations, photogrammetry, lidar processing, CAD workflows, and quality assurance to ensure accurate and timely project deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAS missions in accordance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and project requirements.
• Collect high-quality aerial lidar, orthophotography, and imagery datasets for mapping and surveying applications.
• Process and analyze lidar point clouds, aerial imagery, and photogrammetric datasets using industry-standard software.
• Generate geospatial deliverables including orthomosaics, digital terrain models (DTMs), digital surface models (DSMs), contours, point clouds, and 3D models.
• Develop and maintain CAD-based mapping products and engineering support drawings utilizing collected geospatial data.
• Perform data classification, feature extraction, breakline development, and surface generation workflows.
• Conduct quality control and quality assurance reviews to verify the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of deliverables.
• Collaborate with surveyors, engineers, project managers, and clients to define project requirements and provide technical guidance.
• Manage geospatial datasets, metadata, and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives related to UAS technologies, lidar systems, data processing workflows, and deliverable standards.
• Troubleshoot data collection and processing issues and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Assist with proposal development, scope definition, and technical planning for geospatial projects.

The successful candidate is a technically skilled geospatial professional who can independently manage projects from field data acquisition through final product delivery. They possess a strong attention to detail, a commitment to data quality, and the ability to transform complex aerial imagery and lidar datasets into accurate, client-ready mapping and engineering products.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Geomatics, Surveying, Geography, GIS, Engineering Technology, Remote Sensing, or a related field.
• Experience with UAS operations and aerial data acquisition.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or similar platforms.
• Experience processing aerial lidar and photogrammetric datasets.
• Familiarity with orthophoto creation, point cloud processing, surface modeling, and geospatial data management.
• Strong understanding of coordinate systems, projections, datums, and geospatial accuracy standards.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with software such as TerraScan, LP360, Global Mapper, Pix4D, DJI Terra, Trimble Business Center, ArcGIS, or Bentley/OpenRoads products.
• Knowledge of land surveying principles and topographic mapping standards.
• Experience with 3D modeling, digital twins, corridor mapping, or infrastructure inspection projects.
• Familiarity with scripting or automation tools to improve processing efficiency

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms