UAS Program Manager

ABOUT THE FLORIDA STATE GUARD (FSG)

The Florida State Guard serves Florida as a cornerstone of statewide crisis and emergency response. Its mission is to protect and preserve the life and property of the people of Florida from all threats to public safety through the rapid deployment of ground, maritime, and air capabilities in partnership with state and local agencies. The Florida State Guard is a Division of the Florida Department of Military Affairs.

OUR BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• 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 http://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• New employees of the Florida State Guard will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

• New employees 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 Minimum Qualifications.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent certification (mandatory).
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; aviation is preferred.
• Proven experience in UAS operations and aviation management.
• Strong knowledge of UAS technology, regulations, and industry trends.
• Experience with Group 1-3 UAS fleet management, risk assessment, and flight safety protocols.
• Physical fitness to handle equipment and participate in field missions.

• Work schedule may vary to meet day or night training/mission requirements.
• Position may require work on weekends and holidays.
• Position may require extended hours to support law enforcement or emergency management operations.
• Availability to work flexible hours as operations demand.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations Management:

• Plan, coordinate, schedule, and execute operations with Group 1 – 3 UAS supporting public safety and emergency management missions.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
• Monitor and optimize mission efficiency, safety, and resource allocation.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to all 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.
• Demonstrated experience managing UAS programs involving Line of Sight and Beyond Line-of-Sight operations.

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:

• Experience with Flight Safety Management Systems.
• Implement risk assessment protocols for drone operations.
• Develop and enforce safety guidelines and emergency procedures.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Supervise data collection, processing, and storage from drone missions.
• Collaborate with other departments to analyze and utilize data effectively.
• Maintain 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in UAS mission planning, flight operations, and data analytics.
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing civil aviation in the U.S.
• Experience with mechanical systems and tools.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

SPECIAL REMINDERS:

• The State of Florida and The Florida State Guard participate in the E-Verify program.
• Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Services System.
• All members of the Florida Retirement System contribute 3% of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
• The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.
• Candidates requiring accommodation under the ADA must notify the hiring authority in advance.
• The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace.