Drone Operator
About The Position
The Drone Operator remotely operates unmanned aircraft systems in response to calls for service and public safety incidents, providing real-time aerial intelligence and situational awareness to first responders, deputies, supervisors, and command staff. The role supports routine operations as well as special events, planned operations, disasters, and large-scale emergencies, deploying from command centers, staging areas, and incident locations. It includes coordinating with dispatch and public safety personnel; monitoring airspace; conducting flight inspections; and operating situational-awareness platforms, live video feeds, digital systems, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems. The operator also maintains and services equipment, evaluates emerging technology, documents missions, manages digital evidence, and supports program development and administrative reporting. The position works within a law enforcement agency and requires attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location. Employees may view objectionable images or disturbing situations, work outdoors in a subtropical climate and adverse weather, and travel to work sites in Sheriff's Office-issued vehicles. Work may involve day or night shifts, non-standard hours, weekends, holidays, and prompt emergency or disaster response. The position requires wearing a Sheriff's Office-provided uniform. Occasional heavy physical exertion, including handling objects up to 50 pounds, may be required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate.
- Current FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) certificate.
- Knowledge of FAA regulations, airspace requirements, and safe unmanned aircraft operations.
- Considerable knowledge of aircraft operational control, including instrumentation, weather, emergency procedures, radio communications, and navigation.
- Knowledge of GIS software and geospatial data.
- Ability to safely operate unmanned systems.
- Ability to maintain composure and provide accurate real-time information in high-stress situations.
- Ability to comprehend and effectively communicate radio traffic.
- Ability to use independent judgment and make sound technical and professional decisions.
- Ability to plan, organize, and complete assignments with little to no supervision.
- Ability to operate computers, peripheral equipment, and assigned software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to prepare documents, forms, and reports and compile statistical data.
- Ability to see and track an unmanned aircraft at an appropriate distance.
- Ability to use hand-eye coordination to manipulate small parts, controls, and assemblies.
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and work effectively with others.
- Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.
- Depending on assignment, a valid Florida Driver License may be required at time of employment; driving history is reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
- Must meet stated background and conduct standards, including restrictions on drug use, convictions, and military discharge, and successfully complete a background investigation, polygraph, medical evaluation, and drug screening.
- Must meet the stated residence requirement at appointment/employment: reside in Hillsborough County or one of the listed nearby counties within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail (certified only).
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a law enforcement or public safety environment.
- Familiarity with public safety-related technology, terminology, and operational procedures.
- Familiarity with law enforcement applications and systems for operations, records management, evidence management, and information sharing, including Axon Fusus, Evidence.com, DHSMV, Flock, Security Desk, Vigilant, MDTs, MRE, RMS, FCIC/NCIC, and related systems.
- Familiarity with HCSO 10-codes and signal codes.
- Experience operating unmanned aircraft systems, particularly the Skydio X10 drone.
Responsibilities
- Remotely operate drones in response to calls for service and active public safety incidents.
- Provide real-time aerial intelligence and situational awareness to deputies, supervisors, and command staff.
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections and monitor airspace to ensure safe and compliant flight operations.
- Coordinate with dispatch and other public safety personnel during incidents and communicate over public safety radio systems.
- Support special events, planned operations, disasters, and large-scale emergencies through remote and field deployments.
- Deploy and operate unmanned systems from command centers, staging areas, and incident locations.
- Respond to field locations to inspect, service, and maintain deployed drone technology and equipment, including retrieving inoperable drones.
- Operate and monitor situational-awareness platforms, live video feeds, digital systems, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS).
- Maintain operational readiness through equipment inspections, maintenance reporting, software updates, and performance testing.
- Evaluate emerging unmanned technologies and provide technical recommendations to improve agency drone operations.
- Maintain operational logs, reports, and documentation related to unmanned aircraft missions.
- Store, tag, and retrieve drone video and other mission data, and assist with public-records requests for drone footage in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
- Assist with program development, special projects, and administrative reporting.
- Perform other related duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
