SummaryThe Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Specialist provides operational oversight, planning, monitoring, and reporting related to the UAS Program and serves as the organization's primary UAS pilot, responsible for conducting and overseeing UAS flight operations. This position develops comprehensive execution plans for UAS projects, plans and executes UAS missions, files flight plans and requests airspace authorizations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and coordinates UAS flights to obtain necessary airspace clearance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The UAS Specialist is responsible for maintaining flight proficiency, aircraft readiness, operational safety, and compliance with applicable FAA regulations. Communicates program status, flight activities, operational results, and recommendations to mid-level, inter/intra-departmental management.
Minimum Requirements- Bachelors degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Information Systems, or related field and five (5) years project/program management experience or an equivalent combination of college coursework and experience equaling nine (9) years, including experience in managing a UAS Program.
- Holds and maintains an FAA 107 Remote Pilot Certification with over 200 hours of flight time.
Preferred Qualification and Requirements - Holds and maintains an FAA 107 Remote Pilot Certification with over 500 hours of flight time with experience in BVLOS operations.
Major Accountabilities1) Primary UAS Pilot and Flight Operations Serves as the organization's primary UAS pilot and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and personally executing UAS flight missions in support of organizational projects and operational requirements. Exercises direct responsibility for pre-flight planning, aircraft inspections, flight execution, post-flight activities, and mission documentation. Ensures all flights are conducted safely and in accordance with FAA regulations, approved operating procedures, and organizational safety standards. Provides timely and accurate information and status updates to leadership including detailed reports on UAS flights, FAA coordination, and compliance status.
2) UAS Aircraft Readiness and Flight Proficiency Maintains operational readiness of UAS aircraft, equipment, software, and associated systems. Maintains required FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, flight-hour currency, and proficiency across applicable UAS platforms. Coordinates routine maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment inspections, software updates, and repair activities to ensure aircraft availability and mission readiness.
3) Flight Operations Oversight and Pilot Support Provides technical and operational guidance to additional UAS pilots and personnel, as applicable. Establishes flight procedures, operational standards, safety practices, and documentation requirements. Provides hands-on support, training, and mentorship to ensure consistent and compliant UAS flight operations across the organization.
Onsite: Requires work to be performed in the field and/or at an APS facility. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, working at a power plant, job site, or in the community.
- Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
- Role types are subject to change based on business need.
