UAS Program Director - SES

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Supplemental Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• Tuition Waiver for Public College Courses
• Training Opportunities
• For benefit information available to State of Florida employees, go to

• New employees of the Florida State Guard are required to participate in a direct deposit/electronic transfer program.
• The Florida State Guard is paid on a monthly basis.
• As a CANDIDATE, you may be required to provide documentation (i.e., High School Diploma or Equivalency, College Transcripts, ETC.) to verify meeting these Minimum Qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering, business management, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in drone operations or aviation management.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent certification (mandatory).
• Strong knowledge of UAS technology, regulations, and industry trends.
• Experience with fleet management, risk assessment, and safety protocols.
• This position will require overnight travel in support of ongoing missions, operations, and training.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute drone missions for various organizational needs.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
• Monitor and optimize mission efficiency, safety, and resource allocation.
• Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to all local, national, and international aviation regulations (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S.).
• Manage drone registrations, pilot certifications, and operational permits.
• Stay updated on evolving drone-related legislation and adapt policies accordingly.
• Team Leadership:

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of drone pilots and technicians.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and collaboration.
• Fleet Management:

• Oversee maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of drones and related equipment.
• Manage inventory of spare parts, batteries, and accessories.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance operational capabilities.
• Risk Management and Safety:

• Implement risk assessment protocols for all drone operations.
• Develop and enforce safety guidelines and emergency procedures.
• Investigate and report any incidents or near-misses, ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Data Management and Analysis:

• Supervise data collection, processing, and storage from drone missions.
• Collaborate with other departments to analyze and utilize data effectively.
• Maintain robust documentation for all flight activities and outcomes.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Coordinate with clients, partners, and stakeholders to define project requirements.
• Prepare and present reports, proposals, and project updates.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and align operations with organizational goals.

• Proficiency in drone flight software, GIS tools, and data analytics.
• Knowledge of the federal regulations governing all civil aviation in the United States as established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Knowledge of or experience working with mechanical systems, tools, or machines.
• Experience with video cameras, video camera equipment, and media.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to understand, formulate, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to assist with non-routine and unforeseen administrative tasks as a result of incidents, activations, or direction of leadership
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with internal and external customers
• Ability to be resourceful, act independently, and take action in situations that lack clear direction
• Ability to do short- and long-range program project planning
• Ability to assess budgetary needs

• Combination of office and field settings.
• Occasional work in challenging environmental conditions.

• Availability to work flexible hours as operations demand.
• Physical fitness to handle equipment and participate in field missions.

State of Florida