UAS Chief Pilot

Position Information:

Description

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) is a global leader of autonomous solutions that transform humankind by innovating and advancing autonomous technology. Initially starting as one of the named FAA UAS Test Sites, the NPUASTS has evolved to be a unique asset within North Dakota with a focus on integration and safe use of UAS; developing advanced aviation initiatives; and supporting the advancement of all autonomous systems. The objectives of the NPUASTS are to 1) create a fully activated autonomous nation, 2) bring benefits of autonomy to every community, 3) gain value and efficiency in all industries through autonomy, and 4) be a recognized leader by delivering results to advance autonomy integration. The NPUASTS operates under the direction of the Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority, the oversight board chaired by the Lt. Governor of North Dakota and supported by several North Dakota state agencies. The NPUASTS' headquarters are in Grand Forks, ND at the University of North Dakota and supports activities all over the state and the nation.

The Chief Pilot plans, directs, and coordinates the safe execution of NPUASTS flight operations. The Chief Pilot assigns and supervises the duties of flight and operations personnel. The Chief Pilot manages the overall operation of flight activities, including but not limited to assurance aircraft are airworthy, crewmembers are highly trained, and operations comply with all applicable policies and regulations. The Chief Pilot position reports directly to the Director of Operations and supervises a team including the Assistant Chief Pilot and UAS Operations Support personnel.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, annual & sick leave in addition to 10 paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & Responsibilities

• UAS Operations Support
  • Plan, direct, manage, and coordinate flight operations
  • Ensure safe execution of all NPUASTS flight operations
  • Ensure compliance with appropriate FAA regulations/approvals, NPUASTS procedures, and additional operational requirements
  • Ensure flight activities are conducted in accordance with test objectives and project requirements
  • Ensure data collection is conducted in a timely and accurate fashion and in accordance with data reporting requirements.
  • Operate NPUASTS aircraft and/or fulfill crewmember roles, as required.
• Division Management
  • Provide strong leadership that conveys NPUASTS commitment to highest levels of aviation and safety standards
  • Oversee, direct, and lead the Operations Division personnel.
  • Plan, direct, organize, and manage operations and project tasks of Operations Division
• Support Operational Programs, Processes, and Equipment
  • Coordinate with project managers on spending to ensure that expenses are consistent with approved budgets.
  • Coordinate operational personnel, field services, and logistics support for all flight operations.
  • Responsible for facilitating all matters related to the safe conduct of operation such as airspace approval, airworthiness certification, and crew qualifications.
  • Develop and maintain operation division documents
  • Support technical writing including, operational proposal documents, periodic reports, final project reports, and client/research proposals.
  • Responsible for compliance with Emergency Response Plan.
  • Plan, Direct, or coordinate the training and development activities of Operations Division personnel.
• Office Work/Additional Responsibilities
  • Provide high quality customer service
  • Stay up to date on industry standards, best practices, and FAA guidance on Unmanned Aircraft
  • Support potential clients
  • Support local, regional, and state conferences

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.
  
• Proficient with Office365 applications
  
• Willingness and ability to travel, as required.
  
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as required.
  

Minimum Requirements

• Undergraduate degree
• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) License and/or manned aircraft license
• 3 years UAS operations experience
• 1 year supervisory experience
• Experience managing operations under FAA waivers
• Experience developing UAS training curriculums
• Experience developing UAS maintenance programs
• Experience developing UAS operations manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
• Valid Driver's License
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.
• 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in an aviation related field
• 2 years supervisory experience
• 5+ years UAS experience
• 100 hours UAS flight experience
• NPUASTS Operational excellence
• Certified flight instructor
• Experience building or configuring UAS including Pixhawk and Ardupilot

Minimum Hiring Salary/Position Classification

$65,000 / year; exempt; benefited; full-time

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Ability to work evenings and weekends, as required

To Apply

For full consideration, all application materials, including resume and cover letter, must be fully submitted by 11:59PM on the closing date.

Additional Information

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran's status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran's Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 showing character of service or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.