UAS Program Director - SES

Requisition No: 859849 

Agency: Military Affairs

Working Title: UAS Program Director - SES

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 62000487 

Salary:  Up to $76,000 

Posting Closing Date: 12/31/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA STATE GUARD

*** OPEN COMPETITIVE***

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. on closing date

VACANCY # 62000487

 

WORK LOCATION: Tallahassee, Florida

 

ABOUT THE FLORIDA STATE GUARD (FSG)

The Florida State Guard serves Florida as a cornerstone of statewide crisis and emergency response. The mission of the Florida State Guard is to protect and preserve the life and property of the people of Florida from all threats to public safety through rapid deployment of ground, maritime, and air capabilities in partnership with state and local agencies. The Florida State Guard is a Division of the Florida Department of Military Affairs.

 

OUR BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Supplemental Insurance     
• Retirement Benefits   
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• Tuition Waiver for Public College Courses
• Training Opportunities
• For benefit information available to State of Florida employees, go to http://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. New employees of the Florida State Guard will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
2. New employees of the Florida State Guard are required to participate in a direct deposit/electronic transfer program. 
3. The Florida State Guard is paid on a monthly basis.
4. As a CANDIDATE, you may be required to provide documentation (i.e., High School Diploma or Equivalency, College Transcripts, ETC.) to verify meeting these Minimum Qualifications.

 

*NOTE*

To be considered for this position, application must be fully completed, your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process and clearly stated within the employment history.   

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, business management, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in drone operations or aviation management.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent certification (mandatory).
• Strong knowledge of UAS technology, regulations, and industry trends.
• Experience with fleet management, risk assessment, and safety protocols.
• This position will require overnight travel in support of ongoing missions, operations, and training.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The UAS Program Director oversees all aspects of drone operations within the agency, ensuring efficient, compliant, and safe execution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) missions. This role requires strategic planning, team leadership, regulatory knowledge, and operational expertise to manage drone activities across various applications.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operations Management:
   • Plan, coordinate, and execute drone missions for various organizational needs.
   • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
   • Monitor and optimize mission efficiency, safety, and resource allocation.
2. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Ensure adherence to all local, national, and international aviation regulations (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S.).
   • Manage drone registrations, pilot certifications, and operational permits.
   • Stay updated on evolving drone-related legislation and adapt policies accordingly.
3. Team Leadership:
   • Recruit, train, and supervise a team of drone pilots and technicians.
   • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
   • Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and collaboration.
4. Fleet Management:
   • Oversee maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of drones and related equipment.