Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Supervisor

County of Orange • Santa Ana, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Orange County Public Works is seeking an experienced and innovative Drone Team Supervisor (Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Supervisor) to lead its cutting-edge Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) operations. This is a unique opportunity to oversee a high-performing team responsible for collecting and delivering geospatial data that supports major infrastructure, environmental, and public safety projects countywide. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, technical expertise in drone technology and data processing, and a commitment to advancing aerial data capabilities through safe, compliant, and efficient operations. By ensuring the highest levels of data integrity, quality assurance, and technical interoperability, the ideal candidate will enable more informed decision-making, streamline project delivery, and directly contribute to the County’s ability to effectively serve its residents and stakeholders. The GIS Supervisor also trains, assigns, supervises, and monitors the work of GIS Analysts, Specialists, Technicians, and other related positions. This position is distinguished from the GIS Analyst by having responsibility for the full supervision and oversight of the most complex countywide GIS projects.

Requirements

• Five (5) years of professional drone experience operating Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles.
• Possession of a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is highly desirable but not required.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more to be able to transport UAVs and related equipment.
• Knowledge of UAV/UAS/Drone photogrammetry, LiDAR, and multispectral technology
• Strong understanding of surveying, engineering, and civil construction principles
• Proficient in working with GNSS devices
• Experience in building web applications, both custom and out-of-the-box solutions
• Capable of using scripting or programming languages
• Background in ESRI ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Desktop, and associated extensions
• Practical experience with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Portal
• Proficiency in programming languages including Python, JavaScript, AutoLisp, and .NET
• Experience performing complex survey/engineering analysis of Geospatial data
• Ability to provide analysis and recommendations for modifying procedures
• Skilled in developing story maps and using web GIS tools
• Capable of processing and analyzing 3-dimensional geospatial data
• Experience developing and preparing maps and reports of Engineering and GIS data
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, project progress and recommendations to all levels of invested parties
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external parties involved with assigned project
• Builds good working relationships with internal and external customers to achieve department objectives
• Identifies projects and coordinates resources to ensure successful completion of projects and achieve organizational goals and objectives
• Makes sound decisions under pressure
• Leads by example by having technical and interpersonal skills to direct the work of seasoned staff and mentor those with less experience
• Ability to delegate tasks to those employees best equipped to handle the task, while still ensuring accuracy and timely completion of tasks
• Effective communication both in directing the work and receiving information from subordinates and management
• Promotes a culture of valuing staff and their contribution
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required by date of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, and coordinates UAS flight operations and field assignments to support countywide infrastructure, environmental, surveying, and public safety projects
• Develops, implements, and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and best practices for safe, compliant, and efficient UAS operations, including flight planning, equipment use, data collection, and field operations
• Supervises and assigns work to Drone Team staff, coordinates project priorities and resources, and monitors the progress and quality of UAS projects from initial planning through final deliverable
• Oversees the acquisition, maintenance, deployment, and lifecycle management of UAS platforms, sensors, and related equipment, and evaluates emerging technologies to improve the County's aerial data collection capabilities
• Reviews and performs quality assurance/quality control of UAS-derived geospatial products, including imagery, photogrammetric products, LiDAR, and other datasets, to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards
• Coordinates with internal and external customers to identify project requirements, develop flight plans and project schedules, communicate project status, and ensure UAS deliverables meet operational and technical needs

Benefits

• Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed