Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

U.S. Secret Service•Landover, MD

About The Position

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator serves in the U.S. Secret Service Office of Technical Operations, Aviation and Airspace Security Division. The position develops, coordinates, and implements airspace security plans for sites visited by the President and Vice President of the United States and other designated protectees. It supports the Secret Service mission by helping provide a technically secure environment for protectees and technical support for agency criminal investigations. The operator flies small unmanned aircraft for aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, site assessments, and related protective activities. The role also develops and reviews flight operations plans, ensures compliance with FAA regulations and agency policies, and leads real-time aerial surveillance during events. Operators identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and relay imagery and data to protective teams. They test, troubleshoot, and evaluate UAS technologies and countermeasures, contributing to strategic program development. The position has a starting salary of $85,447 at GS-11 step 1, with promotion potential to $158,322 at GS-13 step 10. It is covered by Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime, with additional compensation of up to 25% of base salary. The role requires irregular shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may require overtime and recall for extended periods.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Obtain and maintain a Top Secret Tier 5 clearance.
Pass a full-scope polygraph examination before appointment.
Submit to a credit check after accepting a conditional offer.
Pass a pre-appointment drug test and submit to random drug testing while in the position.
Pass a physical fitness assessment as required by Secret Service policy.
Hold a valid motor vehicle operator's license at appointment, maintain it while employed, and operate motor vehicles as required.
Hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or Department of Defense equivalent, with UAS flight experience on both VTOL and fixed-wing platforms; successfully recertify every two years.
Meet the applicable grade-level qualification requirement: GS-11 requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, qualifying graduate education, or an eligible combination; GS-12 requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11; GS-13 requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12.
Current or recent federal employees applying under applicable procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements and provide the required SF-50 documentation.
Applicants substituting education for experience must submit transcripts or equivalent documentation; official transcripts are required if selected.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.
Employees may not have visible body markings on the head, face, neck, hands, or fingers, except for one conservative, unobtrusive ring tattoo on one finger.

Responsibilities

Operate small unmanned aircraft for aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, site assessments, and protective activities.
Develop and review flight operations plans and ensure compliance with FAA regulations, agency policies, and operational constraints.
Lead real-time aerial surveillance during events, identify potential threats or vulnerabilities, and relay imagery and data to protective teams.
Test, troubleshoot, and evaluate UAS technologies and countermeasures.
Contribute to strategic UAS program development.
Support airspace security plans for locations visited by the President, Vice President, and other designated protectees.
Provide technical support to Secret Service criminal investigations.