Aerial Sensor Operator & GIS/IT Tech w/ GeoTerra (pdx)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT – Aerial Mapping Company

POSITION: Aerial Sensor Operator & GIS/IT Technician
TYPE: Full Time (F/T) with Benefits

GeoTerra, Inc. is a full service aerial mapping company with offices in Portland, Eugene, and Boise with a hangar facility at Aurora State Airport, 20 minutes south of Portland. The company works for a wide variety of private and government entities across the United States with internal flight operations supporting the Pacific Northwest. GeoTerra operates three (3) aircraft with both imaging and Lidar type sensor systems. Each aircraft has a 2-person flight crew with a Pilot and Sensor Operator.

Position:
​The Sensor Operator is responsible for the aerial photography and LiDAR sensor systems and assisting the pilot, as needed. As a member of the flight crew, the candidate must be comfortable in small aircraft and have a GIS and/or Information Technology (IT) background. A small to medium sized person is required since the aircraft has limited space and overall weight restrictions. GeoTerra utilizes a Cessna 310, a Cessna 210 Turbo, and a Cessna 180 type aircraft. No previous experience with aerial sensors is required but the person should be very comfortable with operating a computer system.

Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) software is a plus. Normally aircraft fly 8 to 12 times per month when weather conditions are good for aerial collection of image and Lidar type data sets. Given our regional weather, more flying is done from March through October than during winter months.

Secondary Duties:
The Sensor Operator processes imagery and Lidar data after flights using specialized computer software. Data is reviewed for quality and completeness then forwarded on to mapping staff for production processes. Additional duties may include IT related duties, flight planning, GIS applications, and general support to office and hangar staff.

Positives:

• This is a F/T position with a good benefits package and wage
  
• As a member of the flight crew you will receive additional benefits vs. office based staff
  
• For a person who enjoys this type of work, it is a great experience with a fantastic work environment (the skies of the Pacific Northwest)
  
• This position will be exposed to a wide variety of duties both flight and office related
  
• GeoTerra is a leader in their field with a great reputation and history of success in the Northwest

Negatives:

• This position requires the willingness to work unusual hours because flight operations occur during good weather windows, which can coincide with weekends and holidays.
  
• The same thing which makes this position great for some will make it uncomfortable for others – flying regularly and long hours in small aircraft
  
• The winter months can have limited flying opportunities, thus office/computer/IT work is performed during these times

Additional Information:
Our goal is to find a person who will thrive in this type of environment. Since the number of flight hours throughout the year are limited, we are searching for a candidate with GIS and/or Information Technology skills who will assist in other departments of the company. The work location flexes between our office in Portland (Sellwood neighborhood) and the hangar facility near Aurora. We will entertain the idea of this person working primarily at the Aurora hangar facility, as an option.

Benefits:
 Health Care
 Dental Care
 Vision Plan
 Retirement Plan – Simple IRA with Company contribution
 Long-term Disability
 Life Insurance
 Paid Time Off
 Holiday Pay
 Overtime

If interested, please forward resume and cover letter to:
GeoTerra, Inc.
Attn: Debbie Hazell
[email protected]

If you have questions, please contact Debbie at 541.343.8877