John Watson Email & Phone Number

Fairfield, Ca, Us

United States

UAS solutions leader for Wilbur-Ellis developing business strategies for unmanned agricultural spray operations nationwide.

Napa, California, United States

As the Unmanned Spray Operations Supervisor, I oversee the daily operations of our pesticide application teams which use the Yamaha FAZER helicopter drones to spray agricultural crops in the Northern California region. Duties include scheduling spray teams, client relations, preparing quotes, revenue projections, scheduling maintenance and insuring federal, state and county regulations are complied with. This includes obtaining/renewing FAA COAs, waivers, and exemptions. We primarily service the Napa and Sonoma wine grape industry, spraying hard-to-reach areas on steep hillsides and tight spaces. In addition we spray other crops such as rice, tomatoes, almonds, and help control invasive species and weeds in forestry and right-of-way locations.

Napa, California, United States

Unmanned Systems Pilot and certified remote pesticide applicator. Lead pilot for agricultural aerial applications in the Napa Valley and surrounding areas. Over 150 hours piloting large rotor-wing drones. Test pilot for new models of unmanned aircraft for FAA type certification. Maintain FAA exemptions and Certificates of Authorization for drone fleet. Manage maintenance for all aircraft in the agricultural program. Capture and process data for 3D mapping missions using LiDAR equipped multi-rotor drones for creating terrain maps and autopilot flightpaths for pesticide spraying operations. In charge of scheduling crews and managing clients for the busy agricultural season.

Fairfield, Ca

FAA Certified Drone Pilot. Currently focusing on aerial imaging for survey and construction monitoring. This role involves working with project managers, land surveyors, and engineers to plan and execute 3D mapping survey missions for a wide range of construction projects. Survey quality and accuracy is maintained through the use of RTK/PPK systems and ground control markers to achieve less than 2 cm accuracy. Pioneered the very first large-scale drone surveying operation for the company. Developed a program to provide weekly survey data of the 650-acre site of the Oroville Spillway Repair Project which attracted national attention. Built the foundation for best practices, compliance guidelines, and safety programs to lead the growing team of drone pilots across the continent. Drone fleet maintenance was an additional responsibility in this role which included several drones of various configurations. Tasks included building, maintaining, and repairing quad-copters and six-rotor heavy-lift drones.

Specialized in internal company visual communication in the form of photography and video production as well as printed and digital media. Working with executives and project managers to produce construction documentaries, safety and training videos as well as legal documentation videos and photos for pre and post construction conditions. As a visual communicator I was a vital part of company annual meetings preparing many hours of content each year for viewing nationwide. Communication duties ran concurrently with other aspects of my work as a survey drone pilot for the company. These concurrent roles required me to be very organized and manage my time and tasks extremely well.

Sacramento, California, United States

Video Producer/Director and Business Owner. Produced award-winning educational videos for schools as well as training and marketing videos for Fortune 500 companies. Worked with subject-matter experts from major corporations to write, direct, and shoot technical learning videos on topics from construction safety, new-hire orientation, product demonstration, interactive museum interpretive displays, and marketing.

Created visual training aids for a global medical training program using professional video, 3D animations and visualizations. Conceptualized pioneering dental techniques and instruments by helping world renowned doctor and inventor to visualize ideas and for patent and manufacturing processes.