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

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:

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.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California 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.

• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

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

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId=86968&PostingSeq=1

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*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.