Job Description

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Specialist I

Location: Onsite – St. Louis, MO metro area (local candidates only)

Duration: Long-term contract with a strong likelihood of extension and potential conversion to full-time

Start Date: ASAP

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; Fridays as needed for emergencies

About the Role

Our client is hiring UAS Specialists to join its drone operations team, which handles drone-based inspections across a large network of field assets. You'll fly data capture missions, process what you collect into quality deliverables, and make sure that data gets stored securely and into the hands of the teams who need it.

This is a hands-on field role. Days start with a 7:00 AM team briefing, then you're out driving to sites and flying missions. You'll head back in the late afternoon to process data and get the drones ready for the next day. New team members get about three months of hands-on mentorship before operating independently in the field. Many people on this team started as contractors and later converted to full-time.

What You'll Do

• Fly UAS data capture missions on schedule and meet daily inspection and data delivery targets
• Operate other inspection equipment to mission standards, including survey systems, ground-based 3D scanning devices, handheld infrared/corona devices and cameras
• Process, analyze and share inspection data with the right groups while following data security protocols
• Capture and process infrared (IR) data
• Handle UAS work management, including job tracking and drone maintenance
• Use mobile mapping tools like ArcGIS Collector and Apple Maps to help plan missions
• Make sound, independent operational decisions in the field with safety first
• Support emergency response and damage assessment when needed
• Stay current on federal, state and local UAS regulations and follow all UAS policies and standard operating procedures
• What You Bring
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required)
• Bachelor's degree in UAS, GIS, Robotics, Engineering, Surveying or a related technical field (required)
• At least one year of relevant professional UAS experience
• Hands-on professional UAV operation experience (beyond hobby or real estate photography)
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and technical components
• A safe driving record and strong spatial awareness
• Solid understanding of computer and IT concepts
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make good decisions with incomplete information
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• A safety-first mindset and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Nice to Have
• Experience processing drone data (imagery, LiDAR, orthophotography, video)
• More than one year of professional drone flight experience (recent UAS grads will be considered)
• Cross-training in multiple UAS mission types
• Previous field or infrastructure inspection experience
• Working Conditions
• Daily local travel to multiple sites; gas is reimbursed
• Must be able to lift up to 55 lbs. and sit or stand for long periods in all weather conditions
• Must be available for emergency call-outs, including nights and weekends
• Emergency work can mean extended days; all approved overtime is paid at time and a half
• Periodic overnight stays required
• Comfortable with early starts and long days

About SBS Creatix

SBS Creatix is a professional consulting and staffing firm that has been headquartered in St. Louis since 2003. We match talented professionals with organizations nationwide in IT, project and program management, marketing and communications, finance, HR and more. We don't fill quotas. We focus on finding the right fit for you and for our clients, and we stay in your corner once you're placed.

SBS Creatix is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.