UAS Research Operations Administrator

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 (Back Pack) 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/Back Pack labs, sensors, and equipment and advance other tasks as independently developed or assigned.

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 (Back Pack) 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/Back Pack labs, sensors, and equipment and advance other tasks as independently developed or assigned.

• 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

• 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…