Salary : $107,598.40 - $144,892.80 Annually
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1757SM-0926-080 (O)
Department: OC Public Works
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

CAREER DESCRIPTION

DRONE TEAM SUPERVISOR
(Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Supervisor)

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Supervisorpositions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PT).
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/OC PUBLIC WORKS
Administrative Services leads the financial and administrative operations for the department. This includes management of public information, policies and procedures, fee studies, strategic financial planning, budgets, goods and services procurement, public records requests, parking and building administration.

OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works' core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance & OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

Click here for more information on OC Public Works.
Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY
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) operationsThis 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.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess 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. The successful incumbent will also need to be able to lift 50 lbs. or more to be able to transport UAVs and related equipment.

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Knowledge

• 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

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

• 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

Written and Verbal Communication

• 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

Supervisory/Leadership Skills

• 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

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required by date of appointment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Supervisor classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your level of expertise during the recruitment process. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested.If you do not have the experience in an area, please answer "N/A". Statements such as "see application" or "see resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a response. All employers, education, and/or training referenced on this questionnaire must be listed in your application.Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes

02

Do you currently possess a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher?

• Yes
• No

03

GIS Supervisor Experience is defined as:

• Progressively responsible experience operating, maintaining, implementing automated mapping or geographic information systems which would have applied or developed the required knowledge and abilities listed in the job bulletin and class specifications, with one (1) year at a lead or supervisory level.

Education is defined as:

• A college-level Geographic Information Systems certificate or Associate's degree from an accredited college or technical school in Geographic Information Systems, Geographic Information Systems Science, Geography, Geomatics, Cartography, Computer Science, Information Systems or related field is requiring at least 20 semester units of coursework may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geographic Information Science, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cartography, or related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
• A Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geographic Information Science, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cartography, or related field may be substituted for three (3) years of experience.

Please select the option below that best describes your qualifications:

• At least 5 years of GIS experience, as defined above
• 4 years or more but less than 5 years of experience, as defined above and a college-level GIS certificate or GIS related Associate's degree as defined above
• 3 years or more but less than 4 years of experience, as defined abo