Zachariah Ellefson

• Operate advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to capture high-resolution visual, thermal, and LiDAR data for transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure inspections, ensuring precision and reliability.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-flight planning, risk assessments, and flight path optimization in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
• Perform detailed visual and thermal inspections of utility assets, providing engineering and design teams with critical data to support infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
• Maintain and troubleshoot UAS hardware and sensors, ensuring consistent equipment performance and readiness in demanding field conditions.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and permitting teams to align aerial data with project objectives, streamlining workflows and improving project outcomes.

• Pursue advanced training in thermography, ground- penetrating radar (GPR), and utility locating to expand inspection capabilities and service offerings.

• Oversee and coordinate UAV operations, ensuring data accuracy, safety compliance, and project efficiency across diverse geospatial survey projects.
• Designed and implemented optimized workflows, reducing on-site data collection and post-processing time by up to 50% while enhancing deliverable accuracy.
• Led training programs for field staff on UAV platforms, SDK software, and LiDAR applications, fostering team proficiency and adoption of emerging technologies.
• Delivered high-impact aerial photography featured in international publications, including Women's Day, Good Housekeeping, Midwest Traveler, and Ultimate Travel Guide.
• Provided UAS support for high-profile projects, including world record attempts, documentaries, television commercials, and law enforcement operations for search, rescue, and surveillance.
• Spearheaded pilot projects for real-time data streaming from field sensors, improving responsiveness and decision-making for utility infrastructure upgrades.
• Managed large-scale geospatial survey operations, supporting grid modernization and utility infrastructure projects with precise, actionable data.