Req Id: 43592
Job Title: UAS Research Operations Administrator
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Institute for Digital Forestry is seeking a UAS Research Operations Administrator. In this role, you will guide, develop, support, and/or lead unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground (BackPack) mission planning. You will be responsible for data collection and implementation, data inventory and processing, and develop or aid experimental design for multiple Institute projects, faculty, staff researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students. In addition, you will maintain UAS/BackPack labs, sensors, and equipment and advance other tasks as independently developed or assigned.
What Youll Be Doing:
- Training undergraduate, graduate, and temp staff assistants in UAS technology
- Ensuring all Institute for Digital Forestry UAS operations are in compliance with pertinent regulations including FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS and NDAA compliance
- Administering data catalog for primary Institute data repository
- Testing, utilizing, and overseeing the use of automated data processing pipelines
- Reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting collected UAS and ground-based data
- Managing dissemination of raw and processed data to research/stakeholder groups
- Documenting results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audience
- Engaging in detailed documentation of training content and workflows: Aircraft Checklists, UAS Mission Planning, UAS Sensor Operation, Accurate and detailed data processing training documentation/workflows
- Overseeing both high level and day-to-day operations of Institute data collection missions
- Reporting on existing and upcoming data collection plans
- Working with Institute faculty/researchers to coordinate and plan data collection and/or experimental design
- Planning personnel travel and equipment transportation for data collection missions
- Operating and implementing an equipment management website for check-in, check-out, and utilization of Institute equipment
- Operating, cleaning, and maintaining research equipment and research area
- Tracking inventory levels and placing replenishment/replacement orders as needed
- Monitoring the lab for missing or broken equipment and reporting all problems (hardware, software and facilities) in a timely manner
- Contributing technical and operational expertise to sponsored program proposals containing UAS/ground missions
- Contributing technical and mission expertise to sponsored program reports to funding agencies
- Assisting/leading development and implementation of technical workshops for Institute and Purdue personnel and external stakeholders
- Representing the Institute at professional and public stakeholder conferences and meetings
- Advising prospective UAS users on all aspects of UAS operations and missions
- Offering guest lectures on UAS/Digital Forestry to relevant undergraduate/graduate courses
- Assisting with teaching FNR Summer practicum
What Were Looking For:
- Bachelors in natural resources, ecology, geography or related field
- 2 years of operational experience with UAS, including related hardware/software
- In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered (Associates + 4 years of experience)
- Must show proof of an up to date 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Must be able to work independently to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
- Must have strong problem-solving skills to address issues and problems that come up with Equipment
- Must have strong communication abilities to work with undergraduate assistant pilots and affiliated faculty to address and report completed tasks
- Ability to work in a team with strong time management and willingness to learn new skills and ideas
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm
- Excellent organizational, leadership, time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
What Wed Like You to Know:
- This position works between the hours of 8-5, Monday - Friday. At times the position will also call for making flights off hours, and on weekends.
- Learn more about Purdue's benefits summary
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A Background Check is required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
Career Stream
Professional 2
- Pay Band: S065
- Job Code: 20002104
Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
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Posting Start Date: 8/20/26