Adjunct - AY27 Vocational Education, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Arrial Drone and Spatial Imaging NC

Los Angeles Community College District•Los Angeles, CA

41d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is seeking a part-time, hourly (adjunct) instructor to teach noncredit vocational courses in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Aerial Imaging. The instructor will provide both classroom and hands-on field training on topics such as manual drone operation, GPS-enabled autonomous flight, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot test preparation, aerial photography, and photogrammetry. Courses use industry-standard techniques to give students practical experience in capturing and processing aerial and spatial images. The goal is to prepare students for safe drone operations and entry-level careers in the UAS, aerial, and spatial imaging industry. Qualified applicants may be offered an interview with Noncredit Education Department members at one or more of LACCD’s nine colleges. Final determinations of part-time Noncredit Instructor assignments are contingent upon enrollment, funding, and class availability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field AND Two (2) years of full-time related professional experience; OR Associate degree in any field AND Six (6) years of full-time related professional experience.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college faculty, staff, and students.
The professional experience required must be directly related to the teaching assignment.
Meet the LACCD minimum qualifications for noncredit vocational instructors.
Qualifications require either a bachelor’s degree or higher, two years of full-time-equivalent professional experience directly related to the teaching assignment, or an associate’s degree and six years of professional experience directly related to the teaching assignment.
A current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) is required and must remain current throughout employment.
Verification of Experience (VOE) Letters must be on company letterhead stationery indicating: Dates of employment; Position title; Whether experience was full-time or part-time (if part-time, indicate weekly percentage or hours worked); Description of related duties performed.

Nice To Haves

Extensive Industry Experience: Demonstrates more than the minimum requirements in UAS or related fields. For example, substantial work as a drone pilot (Part 107 commercial operator) in areas such as aerial cinematography, surveying/mapping, construction monitoring, real estate imaging, environmental monitoring, or public safety/emergency response.
Experience performing a range of UAS missions (both multirotor and fixed-wing platforms) and familiarity with various drone hardware and sensor systems are highly desirable.
Teaching and Training Experience: Prior experience in teaching, training, or workforce development. This may include experience as an instructor in adult education, college courses, or professional training programs in UAS, aviation, photography, GIS, or technology.
Strong skills in developing curriculum and instructional materials, as well as in evaluating student learning, are highly valued.
Technical Skills in Imaging and GIS: Strong photogrammetry and geospatial analysis skills are essential.
Hands-on experience processing and analyzing drone-captured data with software such as Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, Drone2Map, or ESRI ArcGIS is highly desirable.
Familiarity with 3D imaging platforms, including Matterport and other LiDAR/3D scanning technologies, along with the ability to incorporate 3D models or maps into instructional materials, is a plus.
Relevant technical certifications, such as an ESRI GIS certification or a Pix4D user certification, would enhance a candidate's profile.
Certifications and Licenses: Additional certifications or credentials related to UAS and aerial imaging. Examples include FAA Flight Instructor certification (if applicable to drones), OSHA certifications on drone operation safety, Certified Photogrammetrist or Remote Sensing Technologist (e.g., through ASPRS), or manufacturer-specific training (such as DJI or other UAS vendor training programs).
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate with college staff, fellow instructors, and industry advisory boards to improve the program.
A proven history of teamwork or leadership on projects (especially those involving technology or aviation) and membership in professional associations related to UAS or GIS (such as AUVSI, AMA, or ASPRS) are beneficial.
Applicants with demonstrated certification in Canvas or other online instructional modalities may be given preference.

Responsibilities

Teach UAS theory, regulations, and best practices, including airspace rules, aviation weather, flight planning, and drone safety protocols, to prepare students for the FAA Part 107 exam.
Deliver engaging lectures and multimedia content covering the National Airspace System, FAA regulations, and aeronautical knowledge required of remote pilots.
Provide hands-on instruction in manual and GPS-guided drone flight using campus-supplied UAS equipment.
Guide students through pre-flight inspections, flight route planning, and safe flight operations during lab sessions and outdoor practice.
Mentor students in mastering manual controls and autonomous flight modes on small UAS platforms.
Teach students aerial photography techniques and 3D mapping/photogrammetry.
Show how to capture high-quality aerial images and create maps or models from drone data.
Use drone imaging and LIDAR cameras to produce 3D virtual tours and models, providing students with exposure to current industry technology.
Highlight UAS safety procedures and regulatory requirements throughout the courses.
Educate students on safety protocols, including pre-flight checklists, emergency procedures, equipment maintenance, and compliance with FAA regulations and local laws.
Ensure all practical flying exercises adhere to strict safety guidelines and uphold ethical airmanship principles.
Work with the department and industry partners to ensure course content remains current with evolving UAS technology and industry needs.
Collaborate with faculty colleagues or an advisory committee to develop and update the curriculum, aligning lessons with industry standards and FAA requirements.
Attend program meetings and help continuously improve the UAS/Aerial Imaging program.
Regularly review and evaluate student performance and learning outcomes to ensure a practical educational experience.
Design assessments, such as quizzes, practical flight checklists, and projects, to measure students’ mastery of the course material.
Offer constructive feedback and support to help students achieve competency in UAS operations and imaging.
Maintain accurate records of student attendance, progress, and achievement of student learning outcomes (SLOs) in accordance with college guidelines.
Create an inclusive, supportive, and diverse learning environment for adult learners.
Promote engaging, student-centered activities that accommodate diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
Encourage student participation, mentorship, and discussion of career pathways in UAS and aerial imaging, ensuring all students feel welcome and empowered to succeed.
Faculty may be required to conduct classes in a virtual learning environment using Canvas, hybrid, or hyflex modalities to support remote learning.