GISRemote Sensing Specialist III

Job Title:Remote Sensing Specialist III

Job Code:MTH117

Location:Baton Rouge FL

Reports to:Program Manager

FLSA Status:Exempt

Supervisory:No supervisory/management authority

Prepared Date:9/25/2026

Position Summary:

The Remote Sensing Specialist III will operate uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) process high-resolution imagery develop geospatial products conduct habitat and change-detection analyses and support the publication of scientific datasets and reports. The role requires independent technical judgment strong field capability and the ability to work closely with scientists and research partners in office laboratory and remote field settings throughout the southeastern United States.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Remote Sensing Specialist III:$65000 $68000

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security

Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package so you have the flexibility to rest recharge and enjoy what matters most

Medical dental and vision insurance plus prescription drug coverage

Basic life and AD&D insurance with supplemental life options

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

Professional development training and certification support

Voluntary benefits including accident critical illness and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isnt just a promise its part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

Obtain and maintain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote Pilot certification and Department of the Interior (DOI) small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS) pilot authorization or certification requirements.

Plan and execute drone flight missions in compliance with FAA regulations aviation policy USGS requirements approved flight procedures and field safety protocols.

Support drone-based fieldwork in coastal wetlands marshes barrier islands forested wetlands and other remote field locations throughout the southeastern United States.

Operate and support multiple NDAA-compliant drone platforms sensors and associated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment.

Develop document and improve standard operating procedures and workflows for flight planning field data collection imagery processing quality control analysis and data management.

Develop and execute maintenance schedules for drone platforms sensors GNSS receivers and related equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidance and established protocols.

Calibrate update inspect and maintain drone sensor and GNSS equipment to support safe and reliable field operations.

Process drone imagery using Agisoft Metashape Pix4D or comparable photogrammetry software to create high-resolution orthomosaics dense point clouds digital surface models (DSMs) digital terrain models (DTMs) and digital elevation models (DEMs).

Conduct spatial analyses using drone imagery and geospatial datasets including pixel-based and object-based habitat classification classification accuracy assessments spectral-index analysis vegetation vigor assessment biomass assessment and multitemporal change detection.

Apply remote sensing theory including spectral reflectance characteristics spectral indices land-use and land-cover classification methods and accuracy-assessment techniques.

Perform GIS and spatial analysis tasks including site optimization buffering spatial queries spatial joins zonal statistics elevation analysis and map production.

Assist with the design development maintenance and quality control of GIS geodatabases supporting restoration monitoring ecological assessment and research projects.

Maintain proficiency with ArcGIS Pro ArcGIS Online Python Google Earth Engine Global Mapper Pro RStudio Trimble Access and Business Center Emlid Studio and other Government-approved tools.

Manage organize document publish and share geospatial datasets in accordance with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and project-specific standards.

Develop complete FGDC-compliant metadata and supporting documentation for spatial datasets imagery products maps analyses and data releases.

Review scientific literature relevant to remote sensing sUAS operations coastal ecology wetland habitats and assigned research topics.

Collaborate with scientists project teams and research partners to discuss project status technical findings data needs and research results.

Support the development of reports scientific manuscripts data releases maps figures tables and other technical products in accordance with Fundamental Science Practices and publication procedures.

Participate safely in field activities involving boats airboats motor vehicles GNSS equipment drones and other field equipment under changing weather and environmental conditions.

Prepare and submit monthly activity reports biweekly status reports meeting minutes progress updates equipment maintenance logs and other required deliverables.

Maintain required training submit timely travel documentation and support approved field travel as needed.

Safeguard Government-furnished equipment software data facilities and other property.

Comply with applicable federal information-security privacy property-protection safety and facility-security requirements.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory/management authority

Education Experience Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required: (Basic Qualifications)

Bachelors degree in remote sensing geography geomatics GIS environmental science natural resources ecology or a closely related field required.

USAccess

Four to six years of relevant professional experience in drone-based remote sensing geospatial analysis GIS photogrammetry or a related technical field required.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification required or the ability to obtain and maintain certification upon hire.

Ability to obtain and maintain DOI sUAS pilot authorization required training and other credentials necessary for Government-approved drone operations.

Demonstrated experience operating drones and supporting field data collection using sUAS platforms sensors and GNSS equipment required.

Demonstrated experience processing drone imagery into orthomosaics DSMs DTMs DEMs dense point clouds and related photogrammetric products required.

Proficiency using ArcGIS Pro and GIS tools for spatial analysis data management map production and geodatabase development required.

Knowledge of remote sensing principles including spectral reflectance spectral indices image classification object-based analysis pixel-based analysis and classification accuracy assessment required.

Knowledge of lidar data geospatial datums coordinate systems GNSS data collection and elevation data processing required.

Experience managing geospatial datasets geodatabases metadata and spatial data products required.

Knowledge of FGDC metadata standards and geospatial data documentation requirements required.

Must be a US Citizen.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.

Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience using Python Google Earth Engine Global Mapper Pro R or similar geospatial analysis and automation tools preferred.

Experience developing and implementing workflows or standard operating procedures for drone flights imagery collection imagery processing and geospatial analysis preferred.

Experience conducting habitat classification vegetation assessment biomass analysis elevation analysis change detection or comparable imagery-based ecological analyses preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Businesses Corp - CFED part of Cherokee Federal the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses is that team. We modernize aging systems deliver care where its needed most and keep missions supplied staffed and moving across defense intelligence and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients we take on the work others wont and deliver where it counts. If thats the kind of work youre looking for youve found your team. Learn more at .

#CherokeeFederal

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status disability or any other status protected under applicable federal state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process please contact Human Resources at

This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing. Cherokee Federal maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This position may be contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation. The scope of the investigation will be commensurate with position requirements and applicable law.