Drone and GIS Community Education Specialist Davis, CA,

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

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…