Drone Pilot and Technician

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

HOW TO APPLY

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

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: 01-10-2024

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 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 supervision, conducts aerial drone (UAS) surveys for CA State Parks using eVOTL fixed-wing drones, collecting, processing, and analyzing RGB, Multispec, and LiDAR data. Conducts and supports drone operations, and manages data on local and cloud-based systems.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $32.04 - $36.93/hour.  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: Mid level benefits

Schedule Information:

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

Employee Classification: Contract appointment 

Job End Date: 9 months from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 007328 (GEOGRAPHIC INFO SYS PROGR 2)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Drone Operations

• Travel to field sites to conduct and support drone operations; 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.
• Expected to drive personal vehicle for work (with mileage reimbursement) sometimes on dirt roads.
• Other tasks related to drone operations as assigned.

30% - Process and Analyze UAS Data

• Process imagery into orthomosaic and elevation models using appropriate tools and software; 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 basic classifications for image analyses using ArcGIS, ENVI and/or LiDAR software applications.
• Other duties in relation to data analysis as assigned.

10% - Manage and Backup Data

• Manage and backup data on local and cloud-based file systems; maintain geospatial databases and repositories; produce and disseminate metadata.

10% - Mission Planning

• Plan missions to meet science and data requirements as laid out by the client; assist in testing 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; help mount and test sensors; securely pack and transport equipment and all accessories.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience and / or training.
• Working knowledge of GIS software, applications programming, database and table structure and design, user interface and experience design and web application development.
• Experience with ArcGIS Desktop and/or ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience processing data with Pix4D, Drone Deploy, and data analysis using GIS.
• Experience working with drone operations, UAV data collection, geoprocessing tools, application development, spatial data management, etc.
• Ability to operate independently and solve complex technical and logistical challenges in a time-sensitive environment.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• 40 hours UAV flight experience.
• Skilled in one or more programming languages commonly used in geospatial sciences, such as Python, R, IDL and Matlab.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification with sUAS Rating.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with LiDAR sensors and data processing.
• 100 hours UAV flight experience.
• Experience presenting technical subject matter to diverse audiences.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 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.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• 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.
• 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 vaccine program.
• 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 .

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.