Drone and GIS Community Education Specialist 3 Davis, CA, Job ID 86968

Drone and GIS Community Education Specialist 3 Davis, CA, Job ID 86968

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

This Drone and GIS Community Education Specialist 3 will serve a dual role that combines technical and regulatory expertise in drone operations with a strong commitment to education and workforce development. The position is structured as a 75% full time equivalent (FTE) dedicated to supporting educational programming, training, and workforce development, and a 25% FTE dedicated to providing GIS support for applied projects, such as environmental monitoring, agriculture mapping, and other academic applications.

This position is ideal for a professional who is passionate about advancing drone and Ag Tech applications while also building capacity in the next generation of drone operators, technicians, and data analysts. This Drone and GIS Community Education Specialist will be responsible for developing and delivering curriculum through workshops focused on drone regulations and applications, engaging with students and workforce trainees, and applying drone technologies to real-world service projects in support of organizational goals.

Department Summary:

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Informatics and GIS (UC ANR IGIS) Statewide Program is ANR's primary resource for geospatial knowledge, education and innovation. IGIS serves as a bridge and innovation leader for all ANR programs and university affiliates, providing support for spatial data, tools, and analysis, and developing new applications of spatial data technology. This includes:

Training and technical support

Project assistance

Research and Innovation

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed and ends two years from date of hire with the possibility of extension if funding permits.

The home department is the Informatics & GIS Statewide Program. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $53,100.00/year to $71,400.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 7/2/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

30%

Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational materials through workshops, classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and outreach activities to K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce training centers. These efforts will require travel within Northern California, to serve both internal and external clientele, sometimes requiring logistical coordination/preparation of computer applications for photogrammetric processing and geographic information systems (GIS).

20%

Provide GIS support for applied projects, such as environmental monitoring, agriculture mapping, and other academic applications, using skills that are in alignment with the educational component of this position.

15%

Support a workforce development program through the development and testing of a drone education curriculum, with a focus on Part 107 remote pilot training, flight operations, and applications in agriculture and natural resources. Develop and implement new programs and curriculum, by adjusting existing resources in a continuing education effort.

10%

Adapt educational curriculum to meet UC ANR's digital accessibility requirements, while aligning education and operations with industry standards, FAA Part 107 requirements, and emerging technologies.

10%

Collaborate with university affiliates, workforce development staff, and community partners to integrate drone applications into career pathways, while making adjustments to educational materials based on feedback from clientele and partner organizations. This will require staying current on best practices in drone education and workforce development, including experiential learning models and potentially the use of simulation technologies.

10%

Coordinate collection of surveys and other evaluation tools, analyze data, and contribute towards program evaluation and reporting as required.

5%

Assist with project deliverables within timelines and scopes of work.

Requirements:

• Associates degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated experience with drone applications, including data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Strong communication and teaching skills, with experience delivering instruction, training, or technical workshops.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related geospatial technologies.
• Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or ability to obtain within first month of hire.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams.
• Background in curriculum design, instructional technology, or workforce training program development.
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, AGOL, and/or QGIS), including vector/raster processing, geostatistics, and spatial analysis techniques.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, clients, and project partners to deliver high-quality geospatial products and reports.
• Provide technical support in project planning, data management, and integration of drone-derived data into decision-making processes.
• Proficiency in photogrammetric processing (using Pix4D Mapper, Drone2Map, Site Scan, Agisoft Metashape, etc.).
• Commitment to equity, access, and workforce development, with the ability to engage any and all learners and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Advanced degree or specialized training in geospatial science, GIS, drone technologies, or STEM education.
• Experience with photogrammetry, LiDAR processing, remote sensing analysis, and 3D modeling.
• Knowledge of data management practices, cloud-based processing platforms, and drone fleet management tools.
• Experience working with community partners, government agencies, or private sector clients on applied drone projects.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
•  

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
  
  

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=86968&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant









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