Job Description

A Drone Operator is responsible for controlling small unmanned aerial systems (UAS- commonly known as "drones"), while also performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks that support patrol, investigation and tactical operations. Employee ensures that the drone is operated safely and efficiently and must follow all applicable FAA regulations. The position requires good communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to interpret and follow detailed instructions, In addition, the employee is required to successfully pass and maintain all required certifications.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

Drone Operator is to pilot small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for a variety of purposes, ranging from intelligence gathering, surveillance, search and rescue to photography.
Responsible to for safely controlling drones and ensuring that they are used in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
Must be able to accurately interpret the purpose of the individual flight mission and the information received from equipment data, visual assessment and the National Weather Service in order to make informed flight decisions and adjust flight paths accordingly.
Must have a basic understanding of all UAS equipment in relation to maintenance and troubleshooting
Required to continuously monitor their drones and environments closely to ensure overall airworthiness to include all weather conditions
Continues troubleshooting of equipment, maintenance, connectivity and overall systems inspections to ensure airworthiness
Attends continuous development trainings and must successfully complete the course and obtain the desired certification. Out of town travel is involved.
Participates in court testimonies/presentations
Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use
Performs other duties as assigned

Skills And Abilities

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Seldom

Confined space
Warehouse environment

Sometimes

Outdoor environment
Street environment (near moving traffic)
Construction site
Vehicles

Frequently

Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

Individuals with known violent backgrounds
Communicable diseases
Fumes or airborne particles
Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

Individuals who are hostile or irate
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Moving mechanical parts
Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never

National travel
International travel

Seldom

Regional travel

Sometimes

Local travel

Minimum Qualifications

Required Experience and Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Engineering, or closely related field
At least one (1) year of experience in operating drones or other remote-controlled devices.
Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required Licenses Or Certifications

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 License)

**Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 License) must be obtained within 6 months of employment**

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:

10 days of paid vacation per year
6 1/2 days sick leave per year
Pension plan
16 paid Holidays
Paid health*
Dental plan*
Life insurance*

*30 day waiting period

For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: www.cityoflaredohr.com under Employee Benefits

01

Are you a current regular full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee?

I am a full-time City of Laredo employee
I am a part-time City of Laredo
I am not a full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee

02

What is your highest level of education?

Some High School
High School Diploma or G.E.D. recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
30 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
60 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
PhD from an accredited college or university
Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
Other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
None of the above

03

If you hold an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Juris Doctor, or Post Graduate Degree, please provide your major/minor:

04

Do you have one (1) year of experience in operating drones or other remote-controlled devices?

05

From the experience you provided on your application, list the name of the agencies you performed operating drones or other remote-controlled devices setting with: Note: Do not answer this question with "See Resume" or "See Application". Doing so will automatically disqualify your application from the process.]]]

06

Do you have a Valid Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 License)? (Note: If you answered "Yes" to this question, please make sure you attach a copy of your license to your application) (Failure to thoroughly and accurately provide this information in the indicated section may result in your application not being processed)

07

Do you have a valid Narcan Administration Certification? (Note: If you answered "Yes" to this question, please make sure you attach a copy of your license to your application) (Failure to thoroughly and accurately provide this information in the indicated section may result in your application not being processed)]

08

I understand that failure to complete ALL sections of my application, including the "Driver License" (if appicable), "Education", "Work Experience", "Certifications and Licenses" (if applicable), "Agency-Wide Questions", and "Job Specific Supplemental Questions" will result in my application not being processed.

I have read and understood the above information.
I have read and do not understand the above information. I will contact the Human Resources Department for further explanation.
Required Question

City of Laredo

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