Working Title: Uncrewed Aerial Systems Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93483
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/15/2026
Closing Date : 05/05/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, occasionally
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
Work Area: MN Interagency Fire Center
End Date : 04/30/2027
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Coordinator in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays. Occasional overnight travel required.
This position exists to support and facilitate statewide leadership regarding the development and governance of a UAS (drone) program through its development and implementation at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). The position is responsible for consistency in maintaining collected data across functions, programs, and divisions and ensuring proper quality controls are used. This position will develop and maintain pilot training and records, approve and prioritize flights, develop data management and flight tracking, and provide ongoing guidance to programs and business functions on how drones might be used to benefit their projects. The position will recommend solutions to diverging requests between functions that create data or flight conflicts. The UAS Coordinator must be proactive and innovative in managing data collected and communicating the results of each flight to internal programs, regulated parties, partners and Minnesota citizens.
Responsibilities include:
Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encourage a diverse workplace, treat others with respect, and contribute to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.
This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all required MN DNR Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, training, maintenance, service, and inspections. They provide expertise to DNR personnel and remote pilots regarding UAS training, certifications, airworthiness, maintenance, contracting and service.
Provide direction, guidance and oversight for department Remote Pilots.
This position serves as the DNR UAS Safety Officer and is involved in the setting of UAS policy and procedures for DNR UAS aviation programs.
Conduct outreach to other state, federal, and local agencies regarding UAS safety and operations and coordinate training and interagency utilization.
Attend, participate, and lead department and interagency workshops, meetings and training.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of advanced level professional experience leading a program for a team that demonstrates budgeting and planning, contracting, performance management and oversight. A Bachelor's degree in Forest and Natural Resource Management, Wildland Firefighting, Forestry, Aviation Management, Remote Sensing or related field can substitute for one (1) year or experience and an Associate's degree in the above fields can substitute for 6 months of experience.
Knowledge of pilot training and record keeping, flight prioritization, data management, and flight tracking details and methods.
Leadership skills and project management skills sufficient to chair an inter-divisional work group that focuses on UAS policy and procedure.
Knowledge of UAS operations including registration sufficient to provide oversight for all UAS operations as well as develop, conduct, and document all UAS training, and perform UAS flights.
Knowledge of how drones are piloted for optimal results, options for using drones, data management needs of programs including quality control and chain of custody demands, drone piloting, and program development.
Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and external communications for routine and crisis situations.
Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
Leadwork skills sufficient to provide direction in field settings, administrative procedures and/or office functions.
Experience drafting and managing contracts for services.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite programs, remote sensing technologies, and mapping software.
Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for UAS and is Part 107 certified for drone operations.
Preferred Qualifications
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft Systems Data Specialist (UASD), Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manager (UASM), or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Module Leader (UASL).
Knowledge of Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Incident Command System Agency policies, procedures and operating guidelines for resource sharing, resource ordering, and associated programs.
Knowledge of aircraft flight planning, including but not limited to scheduling flights, pilots and aircraft; duty limitations, ordering procedures, procurement and cost comparison analysis.
Knowledge of aircraft mishap response plans and the impacts to aircraft operations caused by aircraft and airspace status, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR's), Notices to Airmen (NOTAM's), and activity in Military Training Routes (MTRs) or Military Operating Areas (MOAs).
Knowledge of the administrative processes so that information about aviation resources is available by updating daily plans, recording daily aviation activity, obtaining cost coding information for aviation managers, and maintaining statistical fiscal and calendar year reports using data recorded throughout the year.
Training Completed:
A-100, A-110, A-200, A-202, A-203, A-205, A-305, A-450, A-452R - Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)
A-450-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Basic Remote Pilot Course
S-270-Basic Air Operations
S-373-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Incident Operations
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
