AIRCRAFT MECHANIC/INSPECTOR - 62000496

State of Florida•Starke, FL

26d•$65,000

About The Position

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. The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of drone systems for various applications, including aerial surveying, mapping, inspections, and deliveries. This role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and compliance with regulations.

Requirements

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification or equivalent certification (or willingness to obtain).
High school diploma or equivalent; a degree or certification in a related field (e.g., robotics, aviation) is a plus.
Proven experience flying Group 1-3 UAS (State public safety agency or emergency management agency experience a plus)
Proficiency in UAS flight planning, day and night flight navigation, remote and payload sensor, GIS imaging and mapping software, and data analytics.
Experience with specific drone platforms (e.g., Skydio, Ascent Aero, Event38, or custom-built systems).
Proficiency in drone software, mapping tools, and data analysis applications.
Familiarity with GIS and photogrammetry software (e.g., Skydio, Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or ESRI based software).
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and software components of drones.
Strong understanding of safety protocols and aviation regulations.
Knowledge of sensor integration and payload management.
Ability to work in diverse environments and adapt to changing conditions.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Ability to assist with non-routine and unforeseen administrative tasks as a result of incidents, activations, or direction of leadership
Ability to be resourceful, act independently, and take action in situations that lack clear direction
Ability to travel to various locations for project execution
Ability to work in challenging environmental conditions

Responsibilities

Execute flight operations with Group 1 – 3 UAS supporting public safety and emergency management missions in support of state, county, and local agencies.
Demonstrated experience flying Group 1-3 UAS systems that involve Line of Sight and Beyond Line-of-Sight operations.
Conduct pre-flight and post-flight checks to ensure drones are in optimal condition.
Plan and execute safe UAS operations using a variety of flight software.
Perform routine maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting on drones, and related equipment and software systems.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues.
Maintain accurate records of flight hours, maintenance schedules, and repairs.
Ensure adherence to all local, state, national, and agency specific aviation regulations (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S.).
Obtain and maintain required certifications, such as FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (in the U.S.) and FAA Medical Class II.
Understand and create curriculums for training, currency, and proficiency for both fixed wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems under both FAA Part 107 and Public Use statutes.
Capture and process data from drone flights, including photos, videos, and sensor data.
Use specialized software to analyze and report findings.
Collaborate with other departments or teams to deliver actionable insights from collected data.
Identify and mitigate potential hazards during drone operations.
Conduct site assessments to ensure safe flight conditions.
Develop and implement emergency procedures for various scenarios.
Report any incidents or near-misses, ensuring corrective actions are taken.
Collaborate with Team members, other departments and agencies to define mission goals and requirements.
Provide training and support to Fulltime Staff, State Agencies, and other departments/agencies on drone operation and flight software usage.
Participate in team meetings to discuss project updates and operational improvements.