Help Build the Future of Surveying

Ronald Johnson & Associates, PSC (RJA Engineering) is seeking a motivated Geospatial Data Specialist to join our growing surveying and engineering team in Madisonville, Kentucky. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Surveying.

For over 50 years, RJA Engineering has provided engineering and surveying services throughout Western Kentucky while maintaining the family-first culture that has defined our company since 1970. As our use of UAVs, LiDAR, and advanced geospatial technologies continues to expand, we are looking for someone passionate about applying cutting-edge technology to real-world engineering and surveying projects.

This position combines field operations with advanced office processing and analysis. The successful candidate will assist with UAV data collection, GNSS processing, LiDAR point cloud classification, aerial photogrammetry, and the production of survey-grade mapping products for engineering, land development, transportation, municipal, and industrial projects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and perform UAV data acquisition using LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry systems.
• Operate UAV platforms in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company safety policies.
• Establish and survey ground control points using survey-grade GNSS equipment.
• Process GNSS observations using Trimble Business Center, Carlson GNSS, or comparable software.
• Process LiDAR and photogrammetric datasets using LP360 and other industry-standard software.
• Perform point cloud classification and quality control to produce survey-grade deliverables.
• Generate digital terrain models, contours, orthomosaics, digital surface models, and other geospatial products.
• Coordinate with Professional Land Surveyors and engineers to ensure deliverables meet project accuracy requirements.
• Maintain UAV equipment, sensors, GNSS equipment, and related field technology.
• Assist with the research, implementation, and evaluation of emerging UAV and geospatial technologies

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, GIS, engineering technology, geography, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Strong computer skills and a demonstrated ability to learn specialized geospatial and survey-processing software.
• Ability to work both outdoors in field environments and indoors performing detailed, computer-intensive data processing.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or the ability to obtain the certificate within 90 days of employment. RJA Engineering will provide company-paid training and examination support.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, walk over uneven terrain, and safely lift, carry, and transport field equipment weighing up to approximately 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess several of the following qualifications; however, applicants are not expected to meet every preferred qualification:

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience operating UAVs equipped with LiDAR and/or photogrammetry sensors.
• Experience with LP360.
• Experience processing LiDAR point clouds.
• Experience with Trimble Business Center, Carlson GNSS, or similar GNSS-processing software.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Carlson Survey, ArcGIS Pro, or QGIS.
• Experience establishing and processing survey-grade GPS/GNSS control.
• Knowledge of coordinate systems, geodesy, datums, and survey control networks.
• Experience with reality capture, laser scanning, or terrestrial LiDAR.
• Surveying, civil engineering, or GIS experience.

Training and Development

• RJA Engineering will consider both experienced geospatial professionals and technically capable candidates who demonstrate the aptitude and commitment to develop expertise in UAV, GNSS, LiDAR, and photogrammetry workflows.
• Company-paid training, certifications, equipment, and software will be provided based on the candidate’s experience and development needs.

Why Join RJA?

At RJA Engineering, you will work with state-of-the-art surveying technology on challenging projects throughout Kentucky. This position offers the opportunity to become one of the firm’s technical leaders in UAV mapping, LiDAR, and geospatial data processing while working alongside Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.

Whether you are an experienced geospatial professional or someone eager to grow in this rapidly evolving field, RJA Engineering provides the training, equipment, and career opportunities to help you succeed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% company match.
• Health insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development assistance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Company-paid training and certifications.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Access to the latest UAV, LiDAR, GNSS, and geospatial technologies.

Schedule and Work Environment

• Full-time.
• Monday through Friday.
• Typical hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Local and regional field travel is expected.
• Occasional overnight stays may be required based on project needs.
• This position is primarily in-office and field-based in Madisonville, Kentucky.
• For the right candidate, limited hybrid work flexibility may be available for appropriate office-processing tasks based on experience, demonstrated effectiveness, project needs, and coordination requirements.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person