UAS Program Manager - Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island

hawaiianel•Honolulu, HI

About The Position

Under general direction of higher level management, operates and manages all activities of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS”) group. Ensures that UAS is operated as “One Company” in compliance with government regulations and Company policies and procedures. Performs various analytical and administrative tasks and training to keep the UAS group operational.

Requirements

An associate or higher college degree in the electrical or electronic field, preferred.
Thorough knowledge of planning, designing, installing, and/or inspection of electrical transmission, distribution or generating facilities.
Thorough knowledge of operating unmanned systems or remotely operated systems.
Working knowledge of information technology systems for design or inspection applications.
Working knowledge of procuring materials, equipment or services.
Working knowledge of leading/supervising teams.
Working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, MS Access database, etc.
Working knowledge of City, State and Federal laws, regulations and procedures as related to specific projects and assignments.
Working knowledge of iOS and Android operating systems and devices.
Demonstrates leadership skills including effective written, oral and listening communications skills and interpersonal skills, in order to work effectively with all levels of the company, with outside contractors and consultants, governmental agencies, community groups and customers.
Ability to conceptualize new ideas quickly.
Ability to evaluate new technology and incorporate into existing processes to gain efficiencies.
Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
Ability to develop new and/or revise existing procedures and standards that will increase the productivity and efficiency of the group.
Ability to mentor and be a reliable resource for the training and development of UAS operators.
Demonstrates interpersonal skills to handle confrontational situations, difficult and/or sensitive issues. Ability to handle such issues with professionalism while using tact, courtesy and discretion.
Demonstrates in-depth analytical and administrative skills for such tasks as demonstrating compliance to regulations or Company policies and developing scope of work for procurement activities.
Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.
Extensive (7 years) relevant utility experience in the planning, design, inspection, construction or maintenance of transmission, distribution or generating facilities.
Minimum 3 years experience in information technology systems for design, or inspection applications.
Minimum 3 years experience in operating unmanned or remotely operated systems.
Minimum 3 years experience leading teams.
Must have current pilot license (issued under 14 CFR part 61) or RPIC with current FAA Part 107 certification.

Responsibilities

Assists in the planning, coordination, and scheduling (and notification process) of UAS missions with appropriate parties within respective Company’s departments/divisions.
Operates and maintains UAS per government regulations (ie. FAA, State and Local Authorities) and Company policies and procedures. Employee may act as lead of a UAS mission where the team maybe comprised of employees from other departments.
Assists in the procurement process (which includes the scope of work and specifications for bid, evaluates proposals, makes recommendations, initiate SAP orders, create work authorizations, and process invoices for payments) for hiring/retaining UAS Contractors and data management platform.
Manages UAS equipment and accessories by tracking usage and initiating procurement activities to replace, upgrade and service such equipment within an established operating budget.
Assist with the development, management of the operating budget for the UAS group, and cost/benefit metrics to justify continuance of the UAS program.
Assists with (1) the development of training programs; (2) conducts training on UAS operations/services; (3) implementation of training and professional development programs for UAS members and ensures training and professional resources are available.
Keep abreast of the latest trends and best practices in UAS for electric utility applications. This may involve participating in conference and seminars and meeting with industry experts.
Assists on major task forces and standing committees as subject matter expert on UAS issues. Provide information and data to support Company in regulatory and other proceedings concerning UAS before external agencies and groups such as the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the Hawaii State Legislature and Federal Aviation Administration.
Assists with development and implementation of policies, processes and procedures for utilizing UAS for Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light as needed. This includes but is not limited to creating, organizing and managing documentation to demonstrate compliance per government regulations and Company policies and procedures. Oversees quality control measures (and reporting) to ensure UAS services are effective, accurate, timely and adds value to the departments needing such services.
Coordinate with Information Technology & Services or 3rd party vendor on information management needs to securely store and manage UAS mission data. Data gathered from missions into an information management system and make data available for use by Company personnel.
Ensure UAS Contractors have required Company training (e.g. safety and environmental requirements) and conduct pre-mission coordination meetings with UAS Contractors and Company Subject Matter Experts. Assist UAS Contractors during missions (if needed) and transfer data gathered into an information management system.
Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.