Jason Carignan

About me

I was born/grew up in: Windsor, Ontario and grew up in London, Ontario.

I now live in: Thunder Bay, Ontario.

I completed my training/education at: Civil Engineering Technician Diploma from Confederation College

What I do at work

At work I make a plan for what needs to be surveyed. I plan my UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicle or drone) flight parameters (flight speed, height and the area I want to survey). Once I’m in the field, I find the most suitable spot to have my UAV take off from, and then begin my survey. I fly above the area I want to make a 3D model of. Once completed, I upload the photos taken by the UAV into Photogrammetric software. That’s when the magic happens! Using trigonometry, the program creates an accurate 3D model that can then be used to calculate volumes, distances, area, locations, etc.

My career path is

I took Civil Engineering in College. Once out of college I couldn’t find a job in my area so I started applying to Exploration Companies. That is where I began my career in mining. With exploration companies, I was able to travel by helicopter every day, explore remote locations, such as in the arctic, and go to places that no person has stepped foot on, in thousands of years.

I am motivated by

I like finding new and innovative ways to help make my team succeed and go home safe at the end of the day. By introducing my hobby of flying into my job, I am able to show off my flying skills and make my job look cool. Doing what you love makes coming to work something I look forward to and find very enjoyable.

How I affect peoples’ lives

My position is a necessity in the mining industry. Using a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle or drone) is an added bonus. Not only is it more accurate than a GPS, but it also makes the job much safer. The UAV can go into places a person wouldn’t safely be able to go. The data I provide helps determine if we are going to meet our goals.

Outside of work I

For fun, I still enjoy flying. Also spending time with my family.

My advice to others

The mining industry has very well paying jobs. If you want to live comfortable, get to travel and go places no one else will ever get to, then mining and exploration is for you.