Ground Truther / Field Survey Technician

Abandoned Oil & Gas Well Locating

Location: McKean County, Pennsylvania | Employment: Full-Time | Company: UAV Exploration (UAVEX)

Position Overview

UAV Exploration is seeking Ground Truther/ Field Technicians to assist with locating and investigating abandoned and orphan oil and gas wells throughout McKean County, Pennsylvania.

Ground truthing involves physically investigating potential well locations identified through drone-based magnetic surveying. Using handheld magnetic locating equipment, GIS mapping, and magnetic survey data, Ground Truthers navigate to suspected well locations, investigate detected anomalies, and determine whether abandoned oil and gas wells are present.

This is demanding physical work.

Much of this work takes place far from roads, trails, or vehicle access. Employees must be prepared to spend hours navigating steep, rugged hillsides, dense brush, thorns, mud, snow, and varying weather conditions. Many suspected wells are buried beneath the surface and require digging by hand.

Physical endurance alone is not sufficient. This position also requires technical aptitude, sound judgment, accurate documentation, and exceptional attention to detail.

Approximately 25 hours per week involve fieldwork, with the remaining 15 hours dedicated to GIS-related work, data review, and reporting, generally performed from home.

Primary Responsibilities

· Initially work alongside experienced team members to locate and investigate suspected abandoned oil and gas wells identified through aerial magnetic surveys. As experience is gained, fieldwork may be performed as part of a small team or independently.

· Operate handheld magnetic locators and interpret magnetic anomalies in the field.

· Navigate using GPS, GIS mapping, and survey data.

· Hike extensively through rugged, heavily wooded, and overgrown terrain in all weather conditions.

· Dig and excavate suspected well locations using shovels and other hand tools.

· Accurately identify, photograph, document, and report field findings.

· Review magnetic survey data and assist with GIS mapping, data organization, and reporting.

· Operate and transport field equipment, including trailers, UTVs/ATVs, and snowmobiles as needed.

· Work effectively with crew members and interact professionally with landowners and others on site.

· Adapt to changing field conditions, equipment issues, and unexpected challenges while maintaining sound safety judgment.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be capable of sustained, strenuous physical activity in some of the most difficult outdoor conditions encountered in Pennsylvania. This includes:

· Hiking for extended periods through steep hillsides, thick brush, thorns, and heavily overgrown properties, often without established trails.

· Working in wet conditions, snow, mud, and both cold and hot temperatures.

· Climbing hills, bending, kneeling, crawling, digging, and carrying field equipment.

· Maintaining productivity, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a positive attitude under difficult conditions.

· Recognizing hazards and exercising appropriate caution around unstable terrain, excavations, and abandoned well infrastructure.

Qualifications and Preferred Experience

· Must reside in McKean County, Pennsylvania, or the immediate surrounding area.

· Exceptional physical fitness, endurance, and ability to perform sustained, strenuous fieldwork.

· Basic understanding of GIS, GPS navigation, and digital mapping, or the ability to learn quickly.

· Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn.

· Exceptional attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.

· Dependable, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to maintain a positive, productive attitude under difficult conditions.

· Ability to work effectively in a small crew environment.

· Good judgment when dealing with unexpected situations and difficult landowner interactions.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to remote job sites.

· Preferred: Familiarity with historic oil and gas infrastructure and orphan wells.

· Preferred: Experience with handheld magnetic locators, utility locating, geophysical surveying, or drone-based survey operations.

· Preferred: Experience operating excavators/skid steers, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and towing trailers.

Schedule and Compensation

This is a full-time position consisting of approximately 40 hours per week.

· Fieldwork: Approximately 25 hours per week at $65/hour.

· Office/Reporting: Approximately 15 hours per week at $25/hour, generally performed remotely from home.

· Estimated Annual Compensation: Approximately $104,000 based on a consistent 40-hour workweek at the anticipated mix of field and office hours.

· These are starting rates, with opportunities for increases based on performance and experience.

The fieldwork portion of the schedule is intentionally limited due to the physical demands of the work. The weekly split between fieldwork and office/reporting may vary with weather, site access, and project requirements. Employees with additional GIS, technical, or reporting capabilities may have opportunities for expanded office responsibilities.

Benefits

UAV Exploration offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including:

· 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible spouses and dependents.

· Life insurance.

· 401(k) retirement plan with employer profit-sharing contributions.

· Paid time off (PTO).

· Company-provided allowances for field apparel.

· Additional employee benefits.

Pay: From $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person