Aerial Data Collection Systems Program Manager, Program Specialist 5 (Ps5)

Salary : $65,748.00 - $88,416.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-12-A339-15801
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 12/13/2023
Closing Date: 1/2/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Aerial Data Collection Systems Program Manager, Program Specialist 5 (PS5)Recruitment #2023-12-A339
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Olympia, WASalary: $5,479.00 - $7,368.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/20/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for an Aerial Data CollectionProgram Managerto join the DNR Air Operations Team for the State of Washington's largest firefighting department. The purpose objectives of the Aerial Data CollectionProgram Manager are to provide program management of aircraft contracting management, UAS program oversight, Mission Sensor Operator oversight and manage the training and staffing of the Department's Aerial Intelligence System Personnel for both UAS and flying MSO operators. The Aerial Data CollectionProgram Manager reports to the DNR Wildland Fire Management Division's Chief of Air Operations and is the Statewide expert on all items related to aircraft contracting and air support logistics. In office and field position in Washington State and at the WA DNR WFMD Air Operations Command Building at the Olympia Airport.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Serves as the Program Manager for the Division's aerial digital Data Collection assets and Geographical Information Systems resource section in support of the Wildfire Management Division's wildland fire mitigation, suppression, and restoration efforts.
• Identifies personnel training requirements and coordinates training to ensure the readiness of personnel in the section.
• Oversees work requirements and assigns personnel to support the Division's priorities.
• Assesses and coordinates for necessary resources to ensure aerial collection and imagery data processing teams are resourced to execute their duties and responsibilities.
• Assesses the section's capabilities against operational requirements and provides program recommendations to the direct supervisor.
• Oversees integration strategies for Un-crewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and airborne imagery Collection Systems in support of the Department/Division's wildland firefighting and resource management activities.
• Develops and maintains program operations and standards policy requirements; ensures compliance with established Federal, State, and Department regulations, guidance, and policies.
• Responsible for the management of the Department's Aerial Ignition Training Academy; identifies, coordinates, and facilitates the class content, location, and trainee attendance for Wildfire flight qualification standards.
• Provides subject matter expertise to the Division's Safety Manager in the implementation of safety program policy and accident investigation functions for UAS and MSO operations.
• Maintains Aviation Division's Safety Management Systems program for UAS and MSO functions and ensures access to Wildfire Division UAS remote pilots and Mission Sensor Operators (MSO).
• Assesses and institutes quality control and evaluation programs for personnel and equipment in the section.
• Acts as the primary interface between the Wildfire Division Assistant Division Manager for Aviation, the Division's Chief Pilot, Fixed Wing Asst. Chief Pilot, and Air Operations Air Coordinator for UAS and MSO operations.
• Works with the Division's Contract Specialist in the purchase, procurement, and contracting of goods in support of the program and mission requirements.
• Works with the Division staff to ensure fiscal compliance requirements are met in accordance with the Department's and Division's policies for the UAS/SO program.
• Identifies program operational, maintenance, and fiscal requirements and recommends implementation strategies to the Division's staff.
• Acts as primary UAS/MSO liaison within the Department, Division, Incident Management Teams, and Federal, State, and intrastate partners.
• Advises the Wildfire Division Assistant Division Manager for Aviation Manager of program growth requirements and facilitates personnel actions to meet the Division's mission.
• Interfaces with technology, equipment, and software vendors to fulfill program needs. Maintains certification, training, and currency standards in order to perform UAS and Mission System Operator (MSO) duties in support of the Division's aerial imagery collection requirements.
• Supervises the application and adherence to Federal, State, Department, and Division standards in the use of the Department's aerial digital collection assets.
• Oversees the development and implementation of drone maintenance standards.
• Responsible for the assessment and evaluation of the Remote Pilot and MSO readiness and qualifications.
• Provides supervisory role for assigned employees ensuring timecard, scheduling, and administrative requirements are met.
• Serves as the State's Subject Matter Expert on Aerial Collection means for Wildland Fire including UAS, MMA/IAA, Satellite, WAARNG Intel Platforms, and all other available interagency airborne collection assets.
• Serves as the Department point of contact/liaison officer for the coordination of UAS with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) including but not limited to:
  • Department coordination for UAS operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).
  • Special Government Issuances for UAS operations.
  • IAS Public Aircraft Operations during Wildland Fire Operations.
  • Certificate of Authorizations for UAS operations.
  • 14 CFR Part 107 UAS Operations.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• 4 years of Aviation Program Management (Preferable in Fire Aviation),
  AND 3 years experience in Fire Un-crewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and/or Fire Aerial Data/imagery Collection Systems (MMA/IAA).
• Intermediate level or higher knowledge of Microsoft Suite of products (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).
• Intermediate level user experience in EGP, Arc Gis, AFF, ESRI, Google Earth Pro, Avenza, Irwin, Foreflight/Garmin Pilot, FLIR Airborne Systems, Churchill/Shotover sensor software, and other fire mapping collection automated systems related to fire operations.
• Moderate or greater experience operating in an Aviation unit using an established Aviation Safety Management System.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Task-oriented and self-driven.
• Experience multitasking.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to function collaboratively with peers, partners, and public agencies in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to consistently make sound decisions with little direct supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Approximately 75% of work is office and 25% is field-oriented at locations throughout
  the State.
• Considerable travel may be required during fire season.
• FAA Part 107: Remote Pilot Certificate (Within 6 months of hire)
• FEMA ICS-100/200, IS-700/800
• IAT A-100/110/200/203 (Within 3 months of hire)
• N9059 Crew Resource Management 7 Skills (Within 6 months of hire)
• IAT A-450 Small Unmanned Aircraft System Basic Remote Pilot Course (Within 6 months of hire)
• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• 2 years experience with Geographic Information Systems and Aerial Data processing applications.
• 2 years experience managing, processing, or auditing federal/state vendor contracts.
• IQCS current or previous qualifications to include: UASP, UASL, UASD, ATGS, HMGB, SEMG, AOBS, ASGS, ICT 4 or greater, IAA Flight Manager, Aviation Management Specialist, Air Operations Coordinator, AOBD, ASGS.
• 2 years experience as an Aerial Mission System Operator (military or commercial payload operator).
• Qualified on any of the following Systems:
  • ARS Shotover/Churchill
  • Teledyne/FLIR HDC380 or HDC380x
  • Alta-X Freefly UAS Systems

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references - you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Dave Ritchie at 360-528-9011 or e-mail us at
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being -Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service -We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork -We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer:The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-...