Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Supervisor



JOB CODE: 1388

PAY GRADE: 1220

SALARY RANGE: $43,169 - $73,452

LOCATION OF WORK
EBR Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control District

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible supervisory oversight of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to carry out targeted treatment applications for mosquito control and to ensure the effective operation of advanced technologies. Work involves safeguarding public health, capturing aerial imagery and video for Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). Incumbent is responsible for pre-flight planning, safe operation from takeoff to landing, adherence to regulations, equipment maintenance, and data processing to deliver insights for specific projects to enhance the program. General supervision is exercised over the drone program and all drone division personnel. Work is highly independent and is reviewed through periodic conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Evaluates the performance of pilots, provides constructive feedback, and oversees their professional development. Oversees the recruitment, hiring, and scheduling of all flight crew members to ensure qualified personnel are selected; serves as primary liaison between pilots, senior management, and/or the Program Director. Develops, implements, and enforces company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and manuals related to flight operations. Ensures all flight operations are in strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other relevant local, state, or federal laws; serves as the primary point of contact for the FAA on matters related to pilot training, operations, and regulatory issues. Oversees the organization's Safety Management System (SMS); investigates incidents, analyzes data to determine root causes, and implements corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. Maintains and audits accurate records for all flight crew members, including flight time, training, and proficiency checks. Establishes, maintains, and conducts training programs for all pilots, including initial training for new hires and recurrent training for experienced pilots. Establishes standardized flight procedures and techniques across the pilot fleet to ensure consistency and a high level of safety. Ensures all treatment applications are in compliance and safety measures are met; applies an appropriate amount of concentration of chemicals and insecticide products for each drone flight in accordance with the product label. Maintains and manages vehicles to carry drones and supplies from the facility to the site to be treated; ensures safety measures are met for storage and transportation of fuel and chemicals. Works with staff to efficiently treat the entire parish for mosquitoes in alignment with the mission of the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of organizational structure and administrative and legislative procedures of City-Parish government. Knowledge of the department's operational policies and procedures. Knowledge of regulatory compliance with the FAA and aircraft maintenance documentation. Skill in the safe operation of UAS drones. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and to individuals. Ability to work independently and effectively, and maintain records and materials. Ability to plan, assign, direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff. Ability to exercise initiative, independence, and sound judgment in supervisory duties. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, department or division director, other departments, divisions, agencies, and the public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operations of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma, GED, HiSET, or equivalent certificate of competency, and two years of experience as a UAS drone pilot.

SUBSTITUTIONS
An Associate's degree in aviation or a related field will substitute for two years of work experience.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES: (Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) Possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Possession of a Louisiana Aerial Applicator License. Possession of a Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Pesticide Applicator Certification (General Standards and Category 8a). Possession of a valid Louisiana driver's license. If license is required, must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.


NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.