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Earn Money Flying Drones and Improving Utility Infrastructure

Valmont’s UAS Inspection team is hosting a 6-day certification seminar for FAA-current UAS pilots. Training will two-days of online sessions, and four-days of onsite training.

Trainees completing the course will be provided ASCEND Level II certification and will potentially be offered a contingent pilot position as a Valmont employee.

This certification program is ideal for any FAA Part 107 holder seeking a career inspecting critical infrastructure nationwide. Training will be led by veteran pilots and inspectors with decades of real-world experience. Training is immersive with hands-on flight using the latest in commercial unmanned systems and sensors (visible & thermal). Training will also include inspection exercises on utility structures, communication towers, and transmission lines.

Trainees completing the course will be provided ASCEND Level II certification and will potentially be offered a  position as a Valmont employee. Pilots holding this certification will be offered opportunities to conduct UAS inspections throughout the US and Canada. Additionally, pilots can continue their education by completing ASCEND Level III certification to operate specialized aerial cleaning and aerial robotic systems.

Valmont Ascend Benefits

  • Great Pay
  • Flexible schedules
  • Grow your UAV Experience
  • Opportunity to turn into career

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    Who Should Attend

  • Drone Pilots with FAA Part 107 sUAS certificates
  • Drone Hobbyist
  • Real Estate Drone Photographers
  • People potentially looking to make UAV piloting a career
  • Current utility inspectors looking to expand inspection knowledge
  • Communication tower riggers and technicians

    • Upcoming Courses

  • February 6-7, Pre-Flight
  • March 6-7, Pre-Flight
  • March 20-21, Level 1
  • April 3-4, Pre-Flight
  • April 17-18, Level 1
  • May 8-12, Level 2
  • June 5-6, Pre-Flight
  • June 12-13, Level 1

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    Event Info

  • 2 day Online Course
  • 4 day on-site training

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    What to Expect

    Online

    The first two days of training will be by remote over Zoom. Topics covered will be UAS maintenance, flight planning, right-of-way (ROW) safety and operations around critical infrastructure, and data preparation. Sessions will be live so there will be ample opportunity for interaction with the instructors and fellow pilots.

    Onsite

    The onsite piece will be less about the “classroom” and more about hands-on instruction. Unlike many other training opportunities in the UAS community, you’ll have plenty of stick time with a commercial UAS and time on structures that you be asked to commercially inspect. Those structures will include a communication and utility tower. We anticipate this training taking four days, but if competency in the training task are demonstrated early it may only be two to three days.

    You must be responsible for your own travel and meals, but refreshments will be provided.

    Certification & Career

    To receive ASCEND Level II certification, each trainee must demonstrate competency in the UAS inspection task trained on and provide a certificate of OSHA 30 completion. In addition to ASCEND Level II certification, you may be offered a contingent position as a Valmont employee which would afford you the opportunity to take part in UAS inspection projects that could occur nationwide. As a Valmont employee, we would cover travel-related expenses and issue required equipment and/or vehicles for the project duration.

    By joining our Talent Network you have not officially applied to a position.

    Get More Info today

    By joining our Talent Network you have not officially applied to a position.

    First, give yourself and your staff a round of applause for an outstanding training program. I felt like we were apart of a very successful exercise. Your tactful approach of being able to take fresh Part 107 holders regardless of experience and in 4-5 days, produce functional Matrice pilots is impressive. Travis, Brad, and Kevin are excellent instructors.

    Jaryd Burt
    PDM Tech II, APS

    Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the Valmont training over the past couple of weeks. The entire Valmont team is really impressive and the training curriculum provided was amongst the best I’ve seen.

    Jay Shears
    UAS Pilot, CO

    I attended the Ascend Level 2 training program provided by Valmont Industrial. The training provided was thorough and specific to the industrial infrastructure inspection process. The training was enjoyable and done with standard safety protocols. I left the training feeling confident in conducting UAS inspections and working with other staff to accomplish the job as required.

    Allen Turner UAS Pilot, TX

    I wanted to take a moment and send you and the rest of the team a great big Texas thank you for the hospitality and training that you provided. It was very much appreciated!

    Adam Franklin
    UAS Pilot, TX

    Some of the best training that I’ve been to yet, including what I’ve experience from law enforcement and military. Jake, Steve and Carl were second-to-none and experts at delivering instruction. Their knowledge and environment they created, allowed me to cut through the stress of flying a $20k drone in close quarters, and very importantly, how do the job of inspections. I couldn’t imagine doing the work without the training, and I highly recommend ASCEND!

    Det. Ryan Larson
    Lakewood PD, WA

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