Public Safety Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator

City of Dothan • Dothan, AL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator is to provide airborne support to police operations and public safety. In addition, increase officer safety in a safe, responsible, and transparent manner to preserve the peace, reduce response times, and increase the quality of life for all citizens of Dothan. To assist personnel in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention and suppression of criminal activities for aiding in the investigative process, and for increasing the number of apprehensions and clearance of cases. After successful completion of training and satisfactory work performance, an incumbent may progress to a Senior Public Safety Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator ($27.08 - $43.29).

Requirements

• Knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other relevant legal requirements pertaining to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations.
• Knowledge of flight software and data analytics.
• Knowledge of airspace structures, air traffic control, and procedures like LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) for coordination.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of GIS tools and data analytics.
• Skill in operating, maneuvering and/or controlling the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Skill in the safe operation of UAV/drone equipment/devices.
• Skill in the use of drone flight software and GIS tools.
• Skill in the use of flight planning software and GPS technology.
• Skill in problem-solving.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in clear communication both oral and written.
• Skill to ensure airspace safety, battery management, and post-flight maintenance logs.
• Skill in the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria, including exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical operations to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of references, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
• Ability to maintain current and accurate records.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during high-stress situations, emergencies, and changing conditions.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Three (3) months recent work experience with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and/or other authorizations pertaining to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.
• Possession of a valid operator driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.
• Employees in this position may work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Employees are subject to twenty-four/seven (24/7) emergency call-out.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standard, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) months recent work experience in the operation of UAV’s preferred.
• Six (6) months recent work experience in criminal investigations, intelligence technology, and/or forensics/forensic science preferred.
• Successful completion of UAV tactical flight course(s) preferred.
• Possession of a current and valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Flight Operations, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs collection, collation, research, and analysis of crime information using various databases, software programs, files, reports, and networks to evaluate and interpret crime series, patterns, and trends, to conduct background research on suspects, to determine criminal associations and affiliations, and to develop suspect profiles.
• Views and analyzes public safety calls, crime and fire scene videos and/or photographs, and, if necessary, visits crime and fire scenes; reviews FBI intelligence reports; assists investigating officer as needed.
• Cooperates with federal, state, and other local law enforcement/investigating agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities are related to on-going investigations within city jurisdiction.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations and new standards in crime intelligence technology; reads professional literature and may maintain professional affiliations.
• Maintains information sources and possesses the ability to know how to obtain needed information; requests telephone and other records needed for investigations; maintains records and files.
• Assists with special projects; performs clerical/office skills such as entering and retrieving data from computers, answering telephone, preparing correspondence, sending and receiving facsimiles, and making copies.
• Collaborates with other forensic analysts, law enforcement officers, and legal experts to identify and recommend methods and procedures for recovery, preservation, analysis and presentation of digital evidence.
• Conducting and documenting flight operations per policy; coordinating with dispatchers for mission requests.
• Collecting, tagging, and transmitting video feeds to Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and field units; ensuring onboarding of new drone data into fusion system.
• Ensuring airspace safety, battery management, and post-flight maintenance logs.
• Maintaining and operating an aerial platform [First-Person-View (FPV/HD) video, thermal if available].
• Performing real-time monitoring, long-term trend analysis, technical duties, and connecting disparate data points to identify threats or investigative leads.
• Assisting with criminal analyst responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• The City of Dothan’s Police Department may administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired into the Police Department.
• Employees are required to complete Certification of Understanding & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Transfer/Demotion form.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED