Program Specialist I (Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot – Drones), Grade 18

Montgomery County • 100 Edison Park Dr Gaithersburg MD 20878 USA, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is seeking trained and experienced UAS pilots to support its drone operations, particularly within the award-winning Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. This role involves operating UAS (Drones) to support law enforcement activities such as patrol calls for service, search and rescue, and traffic accident investigation. Pilots will deploy drones to provide real-time aerial imagery, enhancing situational awareness and officer safety. Responsibilities include mapping crime scenes, documenting evidence, assisting tactical teams, maintaining flight proficiency, adhering to department policy, and improving response times and investigative accuracy. Pilots will also assist Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) personnel by providing real-time intelligence to Department employees. The role requires ensuring the safe delivery, operation, and light maintenance of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and serving as either a remote pilot in charge or a pilot/communicator in the DFR flight deck. This position also involves providing flight management and clear communication via police radio.

Requirements

• One (1) year of professional experience in UAS pilot (drones) with a minimum of 20 logged flight hours and a logbook with 15 or more Part 107 flight hours.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s start of residence when required for job-related duties.
• Current FAA 107 Drone Pilots License.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in operating drones for rapid deployment and real-time information gathering.
• Familiarity with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and FAA waivers.
• Law enforcement experience communicating via police radio system.

Responsibilities

• Operate UAS (Drones) to support law enforcement activities including supporting patrol calls for service (especially via our DFR Program), search and rescue, and traffic accident investigation.
• Deploy drones to provide real-time aerial imagery that enhances situational awareness and officer safety.
• Assist with responding to emergency calls for service, mapping crime scenes, documenting evidence, and helping tactical teams assess risks from a remote vantage point.
• Maintain proficiency in flight operations.
• Adhere to department policy.
• Use drone technology to improve both response times and investigative accuracy.
• Assist Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) personnel by providing real time intelligence to Department employees.
• Ensure the safe delivery, operation, and light maintenance of the Montgomery County Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
• Serve as either a remote pilot in charge on a rooftop, or as a pilot/communicator in the DFR flight deck.
• Provide flight management and clear communication via police radio.
• Provide real time intelligence to Department personnel using a variety of law enforcement technology to support patrol operations.

Benefits

• The salary range represents this position’s earning potential.
• Montgomery County Government (MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity.
• The County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law.
• MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level