John Reese
Astatula,FL
Summary
Dynamic RPIC with extensive experience at Cooper Electric Systems, excelling in UAV operations and aerial inspections. Proven ability to lead teams, ensure safety compliance, and implement effective training programs. Skilled in GIS mapping and risk assessment, delivering high-quality data collection while fostering a culture of safety and communication.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RPIC
Cooper Electric Systems
Sacramento, CA
05.2025 - Current
- Conducted solo field operations for Pacific Gas and Electric Company infrastructure projects, enhancing project efficiency through aerial drone inspections.
- Utilized Maps Plus for route planning and asset tracking, identifying safety concerns and critical customer locations to improve operational readiness.
- Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures in high-risk utility environments.
- Perform independent decision-making and field coordination while ensuring compliance with company and client standards.
- Supported safe operations by maintaining situational awareness, coordinating communication, and implementing risk mitigation practices.
- Ensure the highest quality and standards of data collection and secure delivery.
RPIC Team Lead
SkySkopes
Camarillo, CA
01.2024 - 05.2026
- Work collaboratively with pilots, visual observers, inspectors and management to establish, maintain and encourage safe, high quality, professional work.
- Supported routine and rapid response inspections for transmission and distribution assets, enhancing safety and compliance.
- Assisted management in assigning duties to pilots and visual observers, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities.
- Conducted UAV flying for surveying and provided training and consulting, streamlining data processing.
Drone Pilot / RPIC
C2 Group
San Diego, CA
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Conducted aerial inspections and collected data on distribution and transmission powerlines, enhancing maintenance planning and risk assessment.
- Conduct pre and post flight checklists including but not limited to safe operations, risk assessments and mission planning.
- Followed FAA guidelines and company safety protocols during operations.
- Utilized GIS and data entry to support mapping and analysis of aerial data.
- Organized and delivered acquired images and data promptly for processing, ensuring timely project completion.
Drone Pilot / Mechanical Technician Trainer
Oceaneering Surf Ranch
Lemoore, CA
07.2021 - 10.2021
- Developed and implemented drone inspection program for site-specific assessments, enhancing inspection precision.
- Conducted aerial inspections and maintained vehicle, tracks, wench houses, and safety netting to ensure operational integrity.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards set by Oceaneering protocols, FAA regulations, and OSHA guidelines.
- Continued training in all aspects of procedures, protocols, and preventative maintenance in accordance with company values.
Visual Observer
SkySkopes
Camarillo, CA
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Trained and certified as a drone pilot, handling transmission and distribution inspection for powerlines and supporting structures.
- Conduct pre-flight checklists, safety and risk assessments, and mission planning.
- Set up the ground station and managed safe operations of a P4P, M210, and M300 drones.
- Coordinated acquisition and timely delivery of images and data for processing.
- Implemented GIS software for precise data entry and mapping tasks.
- Maintained compliance with ISO 9001 standards, FAA procedures, and OSHA guidelines.
Mechanical Technician
Oceaneering
Orlando, FL
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Handled all aspects of assembly, documentation, and quality control for construction and testing of motion base units in an ISO 9001 certified company.
- Mechanic in assembly department, focused on chassis, cabin, and track switch assembly and testing.
- Prepared site and coordinated resources for test track installation.
- Organized tools and materials for efficient installation process.
- Trained and certified in all aspects of rigging, lifting for forklift and gantry operations.
Mechanic Technician
Coach Crafters
Tavares, FL
02.2013 - 06.2018
- Led structural rebuilds and replacements, managing welding, fabrication, motor and transmission replacements, and conducting start-up procedures and final inspections.
- Directed team in frame replacement, rebuild, and repair on multiple units to ensure safety and performance.
- Rebuilt drivetrain and all related components in rehabilitation department to restore vehicle functionality.
Banquet Bartender
Bella Collina
Monteverde, FL
01.2009 - 02.2013
- Oversaw restaurant, banquet, and service bar operations, ensuring efficient setup, breakdown, and opening/closing tasks.
- Facilitated member and guest relations, driving engagement in membership and food and beverage sales and service.
- Prepared and served beverages for large events and gatherings.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area during events.
- Collaborated with event staff to ensure timely beverage service.
Banquet Captain
Mission Inn Resort and Club
Howey in the Hills, FL
03.2005 - 01.2009
- Led all aspects of banquet events, overseeing staffing, training, and operations for banquet servers and bartenders to ensure seamless event execution.
- Supervised opening and closing operations including end of day procedures.
- Managed budget for liquor, labor, and supply costs while implementing ongoing training and development initiatives to optimize resource utilization.
Assistant General Manager/Corporate Trainer
Buca de Beppo
Orlando, FL
04.2002 - 03.2005
- Coordinated ongoing training for multiple locations, enhancing skills for managers, servers, and bartenders.
- Created training program and specialty drink menu, initially tested in division and adopted company-wide.
- Facilitated training for colleagues during company-wide roll-out, ensuring consistent delivery of program.
Education
High School Diploma -
Skills
- UAV operations
- Drone Pilot
- Team leadership
- Flight planning
- Safety compliance
- Risk assessment
- GIS map
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
Certification
- Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certified Part 107, 06/01/20, 12/01/23
- OSHA Ten Hour Construction and Health, 08/01/20, 08/01/25
- CPR / AED / First-Aid, 08/01/20, 08/01/25
- 3-G & overhead for steel and stainless-steel welding, 01/01/14, 01/01/18
- Forklift Operator and Safety, 09/01/18, 09/01/23
- Overhead Crane Operator and Safety, 01/01/19, 01/01/24
- Basic Rigging Safety, 01/01/19, 01/01/24
- Lockout Tagout, 01/01/18, 01/01/23
Flight Hours
Mavic 3E 457.4
M350 440.5
M300 236.7
Mavic 2 179.8
Anafi 123
P4P V2 122.5
M30 96
Timeline
RPIC
Cooper Electric Systems
05.2025 - Current
RPIC Team Lead
SkySkopes
01.2024 - 05.2026
Drone Pilot / RPIC
C2 Group
01.2022 - 12.2023
Drone Pilot / Mechanical Technician Trainer
Oceaneering Surf Ranch
07.2021 - 10.2021
Visual Observer
SkySkopes
08.2020 - 07.2021
Mechanical Technician
Oceaneering
08.2018 - 03.2020
Mechanic Technician
Coach Crafters
02.2013 - 06.2018
Banquet Bartender
Bella Collina
01.2009 - 02.2013
Banquet Captain
Mission Inn Resort and Club
03.2005 - 01.2009
Assistant General Manager/Corporate Trainer
Buca de Beppo
04.2002 - 03.2005