UAS Forestry Technician

About Coolant

Coolant is a climate technology company building the spatial AI infrastructure to map and understand the planet in 3D. By combining consumer-grade drone footage with cutting-edge computer vision, we generate complex, high-resolution 3D reconstructions of forests, farmlands, and coastlines at a fraction of the cost of traditional LiDAR.

Our mission is to provide the intelligent backbone for climate resilience. We help landowners, conservation foundations, and timber managers accurately monitor biodiversity, track reforestation progress, and measure carbon sequestration at tree-level detail. With support from top-tier investors like General Catalyst, we are building the definitive 3D record of the natural world, turning raw drone data into the actionable intelligence required to solve our planet’s most urgent climate challenges.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented UAS Forestry Technician for a 3.5-month contract position (ideally May to mid-August) with a potential for a full-time offer based on performance. In this role, you will operate independently as our primary data collector, traveling across the Southeastern US to capture the high-resolution 3D infrastructure that powers our nature intelligence platform.

You will be responsible for our high-resolution data capture strategy: from performing forestry fieldwork, to piloting several different drone models, and performing LiDAR surveys. While prior experience is a plus, training will be provided to ensure you are equipped to manage our hardware and data protocols. This role is ideal for a self-directed individual who is eager to work in the field and is passionate about Coolant’s mission in protecting the Earth’s most vital ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead drone-based data capture missions, including flight planning, on-site setup and execution, adherence to safety protocols, and documentation of flight activities
• Performing forestry field measurements (DBH, height, basic species identification) to support spatial AI model development
• Manage the transfer, organization, and quality assurance of your collected datasets from the field

Important Considerations

• This is a 3.5-month contract role, ideally running from May 1st through mid-August, with some flexibility
• Work will be conducted primarily in the Southeastern US so home-base is flexible
• Expect to be on the road ~85% of the time, with the remaining 15% for data management, uploading, etc.
• This full-time position will be 40 – 55 hours per week. This includes all fieldwork, travel time to and from field sites, and some additional desk work in managing/uploading data
• You will be required to obtain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (reimbursement for exam cost is provided)
• A valid driver’s license is required, and personal vehicle is preferred but not required (reimbursement for personal vehicle use is provided)

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 85% of the time and work independently in remote field locations
• Strong technical aptitude and a willingness to learn new hardware and software systems
• Physical ability to hike through dense, off-trail terrain while carrying up to 25 lbs of equipment in various weather conditions.
• A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

Nice-to-Haves

• Prior experience with flying drones (DJI, Skydio, etc.)
• Background in forestry, environmental science, or land surveying (DBH measurements, rangefinder, or GNSS receivers)
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Compensation & Benefits

• $6500/mo compensation
• All work-related travel expenses (lodging, airfare, rental cars, etc.) are reimbursed by the company
• If a personal vehicle is used for work-related travel, mileage will be reimbursed at the standard IRS rate
• Full reimbursement for FAA Part 107 exam fee if not already licensed