UAS Program Director - SES

Requisition No: 859849 

Agency: Military Affairs

Working Title: UAS Program Director - SES

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 62000487 

Salary: Up to $90,000 

Posting Closing Date: 12/31/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator

FLORIDA STATE GUARD

*** OPEN COMPETITIVE***

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. on closing date

VACANCY # 62000487

WORK LOCATION: Tallahassee, Florida

ABOUT THE FLORIDA STATE GUARD (FSG)

The Florida State Guard serves Florida as a cornerstone of statewide crisis and emergency response. The mission of the Florida State Guard is to protect and preserve the life and property of the people of Florida from all threats to public safety through 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

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. New employees of the Florida State Guard will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
2. New employees of the Florida State Guard are required to participate in a direct deposit/electronic transfer program.
3. The Florida State Guard is paid on a monthly basis.
4. 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.

*NOTE*

To be considered for this position, application must be fully completed, your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process and clearly stated within the employment history.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The UAS Program Director oversees all aspects of drone operations within the agency, ensuring efficient, compliant, and safe execution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) missions. This role requires strategic planning, team leadership, regulatory knowledge, and operational expertise to manage drone activities across various applications.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operations Management:
   • 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 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

Work Environment:

• 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.

SPECIAL REMINDERS:

The State of Florida and The Florida State Guard participate in the E-Verify program. Federal law requires that all employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of any person hired to work in the United States.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website:

All members of the Florida Retirement System are required to contribute 3% of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

The Florida State Guard values and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.