Drone Operator

Position Summary:

The Drone Pilot operates drones to gather real-time operational data across the resort, including parking, lift lines, trail traffic, and snow coverage.This role turns that data into actionable insights for Mountain Ops, Parking, Ski Patrol, and leadership, supporting guest experience, safety, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pilot drones to monitor parking lot occupancy, lift line length, trail traffic, and base area flow.
• Capture snow coverage, grooming patterns, and terrain conditions.
• Analyze collected data with AI tools and produce actionable reports.
• Deliver dashboards, heatmaps, and visual insights to Mountain Ops, Parking, Ski Patrol, and leadership.
• Assist Ski Patrol with hazard documentation and incident monitoring.
• Support Lift Ops with tower and line inspections.
• Provide aerial imagery for construction, trail, and grooming projects.
• Maintain an organized media library for internal and external use.
• Maintain drones, batteries, sensors, and software, including calibrations, firmware updates, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain detailed flight logs and ensure FAA Part 107 compliance.

Job Qualifications:

Required:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Comfort operating drones in winter mountain conditions.
• Ability to interpret AI-analyzed data to support operational decisions.
• Basic photography/videography skills, or willingness to learn.
• Strong communication skills for cross-department collaboration.

Preferred:

• Experience with drones and AI data tools.
• Prior ski resort or mountain operations experience.
• Familiarity with data visualization dashboards.

Core Competencies:

• Safety Mindset: Treats flight safety and FAA compliance as the first priority on every flight.
• Analytical Thinking: Turns raw aerial data into clear, useful recommendations.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnoses and fixes equipment and software issues in the field.
• Communication: Shares findings clearly with departments and leadership.

Work Environment:

• Outdoor work in cold, snow, wind, and high elevation.
• Lift/carry up to 30 lbs and navigate uneven terrain.
• Early mornings, peak days, holidays, and occasional night flights

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Job duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice. Arizona Snowbowl is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role; please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.

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