Senior Drone Pilot Jobs

Location: Santa Cruz
Job ID: 54622

JOB POSTING

The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California's COVID-19 vaccine program.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 07-04-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Originally founded in 1997, the Baskin School of Engineering is the first professional school at UC Santa Cruz. Over the past 20 years, Baskin Engineering has become a unique 21st-century school of engineering and technology, characterized by evolutionary growth fueled by ongoing research opportunities that open new areas of intellectual inquiry. Baskin Engineering has grown to include six academic departments, a variety of research centers and institutes, and has ambitious plans for further programmatic growth. The focus of Baskin Engineering's educational programming is to instill strong basic knowledge for sound practice in science and ethical engineering for the well-being of society, and its diverse curricula facilitate creative thinking and prepare students for productive and rewarding careers. Baskin Engineering is focused on building collaborative connections and expanding instruction and research activities for faculty and students at UC Santa Cruz, both at its Santa Cruz campus and at its campus in Silicon Valley, the international center of technological innovation.

We champion new ideas and uphold the UCSC Principles of Community.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision the Senior Drone Pilot will conduct and support drone operations, develop and teach UAV based curriculum wiht CIDER partners, perform geoprocessing operations, and meet with clients to refine mission objectives and operational parameters.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $73,850 - $85,900/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: 08-31-2024, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 007327 (GEOGRAPHIC INFO SYS PROGR 3)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

30% - Drone Operations

• Other tasks related to drone operations as assigned.
• Travel to field sites to conduct and support drone operations; design and deploy ground control points and spectral calibration targets according to photogrammetric and remote sensing best practices; record GCP coordinates with survey-grade GPS equipment; conduct flight operations in accordance with developed mission plans and all FAA and UC regulations; maintain flight and data collection logs; assess data quality in the field. Conduct routine drone inspections, maintenance, and repair as needed.

25% - Training and Extension Support

• Provide support for drone technology workshops; develop and teach UAV based curriculum with CIDER partners; make presentations for diverse audiences on drone science and technology; develop documentation and content for CIDER website.

20% - Process and Analyze UAS Data

• Process imagery into orthomosaic and elevation models using appropriate tools and software; review and interpret data quality reports; trouble-shoot image stitching problems; geocorrect image data; assess spatial accuracy relative to mission objectives and established standards; perform geoprocessing operations; export data outputs for further analysis and/or web assets; conduct classifications for image analyses using ArcGIS, ENVI and/or LiDAR software applications; diagnose and trouble-shoot classification accuracy and computational performance issues; develop and test new analysis tools as needed. Other duties in relation to data analysis as assigned.

15% - Manage and Backup Data

• Monitor and evaluate new GIS and web development standards. Identify needs for new technologies.
• Manage and backup data on local and cloud-based file systems; develop and maintain geospatial databases and repositories; produce and disseminate metadata.

10% - Mission Planning

• Meet with clients to refine mission objectives and operational parameters; plan missions to meet science and data requirements; develop and test customized equipment configurations as required, prepare and file flight plans with the UC Office of the President Center of Excellence on Unmanned Aircraft System Safety Drone Reporting System; prepare and submit applications for Air Traffic Control authorization and FAA waivers as required; inspect and test all drone platforms; charge batteries; update firmware and flight apps; mount and test sensors; securely pack and transport equipment and all accessories.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Skilled in one or more programming languages commonly used in geospatial sciences, such as Python, R, IDL and Matlab.
• Experience processing data with Pix4D, Drone Deploy, and data analysis using GIS.
• CA State Drivers License.
• Working knowledge of GIS software, applications programming, database and table structure and design, user interface and experience design and web application development.
• FAA 107 UAS Pilot License.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, GPS, unmanned aircraft performance, and data architecture to design, implement, and evaluate data collection protocols with UAVs.
• Experience working with drone operations, UAV data collection, geoprocessing tools, application development, spatial data management, etc.
• Experience with ArcGIS Desktop and/or ArcGIS Pro.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and solve complex technical and logistical challenges in a time-sensitive environment .
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification with sUAS Rating.
• Ability to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience presenting technical subject matter to diverse audiences .
• 100 hours UAV flight experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with LiDAR sensors and data processing.
• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience and / or training.
• 250 hours UAV flight experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.


APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application:
https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=54622&PostingSeq=1

To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

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