UAS Program Director - SES - Tallahassee, FL

The Florida State Guard (FSG) is a crucial component of the Florida Department of Military Affairs, serving as the state's primary force in crisis and emergency response. Known for its rapid deployment capabilities across ground, maritime, and air domains, the FSG acts in close partnership with state and local agencies to protect and preserve the lives and property of Florida's citizens against all threats to public safety. This organization operates under a commitment to readiness, professionalism, and service, making significant contributions to the state's ability to manage emergencies effectively. The FSG offers a supportive work environment that includes comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance, retirement benefits, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, career advancement opportunities, tuition waivers for public college courses, and extensive training programs. This creates a strong foundation for employees dedicated to serving the public on various missions and operations within Florida. The UAS Program Director - SES with the Florida State Guard is a leadership role focused on the direction and management of the agency’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) program. This position demands a high level of expertise in drone operations and aviation management. The director is responsible for overseeing all drone activities, ensuring that missions are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all pertinent regulations. This role combines strategic planning, team leadership, regulatory knowledge, and operational execution to support the deployment of UAS technologies across a range of applications within the agency. The director will be managing drone fleet maintenance, developing standard operating procedures, enforcing safety and risk management protocols, and maintaining regulatory compliance with FAA and other governing bodies. Additionally, this position requires coordination with clients, stakeholders, and partners to align drone operations with organizational goals and mission needs. The role demands strong leadership capabilities, including recruiting, training, and supervising drone pilots and technicians, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering an innovative and safe work culture. The director will also manage data collection and analysis from drone missions and utilize this information to optimize operational outcomes. Travel is a component of this position as support for ongoing missions, operations, and training includes overnight travel commitments. The salary for this position is offered at up to $90,000, with an application deadline set for December 31, 2025. The position is located in Tallahassee, Florida and falls under the Senior Executive Service (SES) pay plan, representing a highly responsible and impactful role within the Florida State Guard.

• 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
• Willingness and ability to undertake overnight travel in support of missions, operations, and training
• Ability to work flexible hours as operations demand
• Physical fitness to handle equipment and participate in field missions
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening
• Must participate in direct deposit/electronic transfer program
• Willingness to provide documentation verifying qualifications
• Must comply with state and federal employment eligibility requirements
• Ability to work both in office and field settings, including challenging environmental conditions