GIS Drone Administrator

Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range will be: $8,926 - $12,833 monthly ($107,112 - $153,996 annually)

The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

Under general direction, administers, operates, and maintains the District’s drone program for Geographic Information System (GIS) data collection and analysis. The GIS Drone Administrator ensures Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance,  coordinates drone data acquisition, integrates remotely sensed data with the District’s GIS and asset management systems, and researches new technologies in drone mapping and remote sensing. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Assigns, coordinates, and reviews the work of GIS drone staff and outside consultants with minimal input from management.

With input from management and reporting employees, set priorities for drone data collection efforts and follow up to ensure high-priority work is performed expeditiously with high quality.

Oversees the administration of the drone data repository, including data design, organization, processing, and maintenance activities.

Plans and conducts drone flights for mapping, inspections, and asset management, ensuring compliance with any applicable FAA regulations and department policies.

Processes and analyses aerial imagery, LiDAR, and multispectral data for integration into GIS databases and District planning efforts.

Researches and implements new drone technologies, sensors, and methodologies to enhance data collection and operational efficiencies.

Develops and enforces safety protocols for drone operations, including obtaining necessary clearances and permissions for flight missions.

Coordinates with engineers, GIS staff, and other departments to support project needs and ensure seamless integration of drone data with GIS and asset management systems.

Prepares reports, maps, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to District staff and stakeholders.

Ensures maintenance and inventory management of drone equipment, including firmware updates and compliance checks.

Assists in preparing program and system documentation as required.

Assists with other GIS activities as required, including data collection, maintenance, and application development. 

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training. 

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in geography, engineering, remote sensing, aviation, or a related technical. Non-technical degrees may qualify with significant relevant experience.

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in drone operations, GIS, remote sensing, or related fields, including significant experience in project, consultant, and employee management and supervision. Experience in a water-related field is desired. 

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of drone operations, aerial data collection, and remote sensing technologies.
• FAA regulations, including Part 107 and any  applicable drone operation requirements.
• Principles of GIS, photogrammetry, and spatial analysis.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles of application development
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles of engineering economics and public finances.
• District safety policies and procedures.
• Surveying principles and GPS/RTK procedures

Ability to: 

• Proficiently operate GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, Enterprise and ArcGIS online. 
• Proficiently operate drone remote sensing software for processing aerial imagery and LiDAR data, such as Pix4D, Agisoft, or similar tools.
• Apply drone flight planning software and principles of drone operation effectively.
• Operate as the licensed remote pilot in command and provide instructions and training to staff as needed. 
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of a staff of outside professionals and technicians.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff in a cross-functional project team environment in which reporting relationships may not follow traditional rigid structures. 
• Understand and apply mathematical concepts, including statistics, algebra, and geometry fundamentals.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, proposals, studies and other written materials.
• Effectively and professionally represent the District’s interests with other agencies, regulators, and the public.
• Operate computer systems proficiently and utilize enterprise software, spreadsheet applications, and other standard business tools to support daily operations, enhance productivity, and streamline workflows.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Apply good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 80 pounds with assistance

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.