Salary/Position Classification

• $55,000+ annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week

Purpose of Position

The UAS Operations Specialist position ensures the safe execution of, and provides operational oversight of, UAS flights performed under the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS). This position provides high quality customer service in the field to clients of the Test Site. The UAS Operations Specialist position will act as a liaison between the NP UAS TS and affiliated research programs to ensure all operational requirements are included during the project development. Once a client is operational, this position will provide service, support, and oversight to the client’s flight operations and associated crews operating in the field. Flight operations frequently occur outside of the Grand Forks local area and travel will be required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• UAS Operations Support Tasks involved in fulfilling the above duties/responsibilities 
  • Prepare for flight execution with client through the following tasks;
    • Train client and/or internal flight crews.
    • Verify crew qualifications. c. Verify aircraft airworthiness.
    • Verify airspace. e. Review and/or write test cards.
    • Assist Director of Operations in ConOp development and/or other required documentation.
  • Ensure the safe execution of UAS flights performed under NP UAS TS.
  • Provide operational oversight of UAS flights performed under NP UAS TS including, but not limited to:
    • Lead daily pre and post flight briefings.
    • Collect accurate and complete flight data and COA Reporting requirements.
    • Assist client as needed to complete research objectives.
  • Provide high quality customer service to a wide variety of clients.
  • Verify clients have followed NP UAS TS procedures and that all operational requirements are met.
  • Operate NP UAS TS owned aircraft as required
  • Fulfill required crewmember positions during flight operations, if required. 
• Office Duties/Additional Responsibilities Tasks involved in fulfilling the above duties/responsibilities 
  • Support technical writing on documents 
  • Support potential client calls via email and teleconferences, as required.
  • Support local, regional and state meetings and conferences, as required.
  • Maintain NP UAS TS field equipment.
  • Stay up to date on FAA guidance on Unmanned Aircraft. 

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to perform without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities in busy office setting.
• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to a wide variety of clients.
• Proven ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field, or Associate degree with 4 years of equivalent aviation work experience, or 5 years of equivalent aviation work experience.
  • May 2025 graduates will be considered, degree must be conferred by start date.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Valid Drivers License.
• Export Control Compliance: This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and will be used in compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting safe UAS flight operations.
• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) License.
• Private or commercial pilot license.
• Experience with technical writing.
• Experience with Remote Control (RC) aircraft.
• Experience building or configuring UAS.
• Experience obtaining Part 107 Waivers.