Lidar Sensor Operator

Job Opportunity:

Airborne Sensor Operator

Employee type:

Full time, Permanent

Location:

Travel position – United States

Compensation:

$18.74 to $22.57 per hour, plus daily per diem

Come Grow with Us! Forsite is actively looking for an Lidar Sensor Operator to join our Imaging Team . This is a full-time travel position: you will work on the road across the United States, flying LiDAR and aerial imagery missions as part of a two-person crew with one of our pilots. It is an excellent entry point into a career in GIS and remote sensing, and full training is provided. At Forsite, we don’t just work together – we support, challenge, and grow together. We believe in flexibility, collaboration, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Who We Are

Forsite is a leading provider of integrated solutions for energy infrastructure, natural landscapes and wildfire protection. Our staff are industry leaders in forestry, technology, aerial patrol, LiDAR & imagery capture/processing, analytics, strategic planning, resource and land management/stewardship and professional forestry. We are a company that is committed to innovation and is constantly growing with clients across North America and abroad in multiple sectors.

We take pride in our team culture, where supporting one another is second nature. We are a dynamic, people-focused business that thrives by delivering value to our customers, creating opportunities for our employees, and drawing on our expertise for sustainable solutions that balance economic, environmental and social goals. We will apply our skills, knowledge and technologies to be the best forest management company.

We foster and sustain a safe and respectful environment of diversity and inclusion where everyone can reach their full potential. If you’re looking for a workplace that values collaboration, innovation and having fun while making a meaningful impact, you’ll fit right in.

What You Will Do

Operate airborne LiDAR and camera sensors during data acquisition flights, working closely with the pilot

Power up the sensors and complete pre-flight system checks and testing

Load flight lines into the pilot’s navigation tablet and monitor the flight for deviations from planned lines

Monitor sensor performance and data capture in flight, noting any images or areas that need to be re-flown

Confirm the sensors shut down properly after each flight

Offload, back up and transmit collected data for processing at the end of each flight day

Track which lines have been flown and prepare flight lines for the next mission

Work with the sensor manufacturer on minor troubleshooting and repairs

Submit detailed daily progress reports

Schedule and travel:

This is a full-time travel position. You will live on the road in hotels for extended periods, with a commitment of at least one year

You must be on station and available every day that flying conditions allow, including weekends

On days when weather prevents flying, you will have the day off while continuing to receive your regular pay and per diem

Flights take place during daylight hours

What You’ll Need

Forsite welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is looking for the right person to join our team. If you don’t meet every requirement but bring relevant skills, experience and a great attitude, we encourage you to apply!

Must have:

No prior experience required – full training is provided

Comfortable and proficient using a computer and tablet

Able to remain seated for long periods in a small, single-engine aircraft, including through turbulence, and to climb in and out of the aircraft safely

Comfortable flying at altitude and not prone to motion sickness

Willing to travel full time anywhere in the United States for at least one year

Legally authorized to work in the United States

Able to communicate effectively in English

Able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug and alcohol screening, and to participate in ongoing random drug and alcohol testing

Available to start as soon as possible

Nice to have:

Pilot’s license, with the opportunity to move into a pilot role and advance to Captain over time

Experience working with LiDAR or aerial imagery sensors

Interest in GIS, remote sensing or aviation

Who You Are

A team player who enjoys working collaboratively and contributes to a positive team environment; reliable and accountable

A problem solver who thinks critically and proactively finds solutions; can initiate/lead new ideas and follow them through

A good decision maker who exercises sound judgment in dynamic situations

A strong communicator, both written and verbal (and technical writing would be great)

Quality-driven – pays attention to detail and takes pride in delivering high quality work

Someone who can work independently under limited direct supervision as well as in a dynamic team environment

You are adaptable and resilient where you thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift; you’re comfortable working on multiple projects at once and can adjust to changing demands

Professional, friendly and respectful and committed to excellent service

What We Provide

We offer a rewarding work environment, including:

Competitive hourly wages

Daily per diem while on the road

Hotel accommodations paid every night of travel

Rental car provided (shared with your pilot)

Health, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid training and professional development support

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Forsite, we are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and strengthen our team. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2+ individuals, and veterans. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know – we are happy to support you .

How to Apply:

Please apply by submitting your resume. No phone calls, please.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.