UAV Instructor/Technician Part-time

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s CSU Drone Center is seeking a Part-time UAS Instructor/Technician to support education programs. The role focuses on in-person training, classroom management, and curriculum development across K-12, vocational, and certificate classes, with frequent field work including mapping and aerial imagery.

You will pilot UAV systems for education, help manage airspace at Christman Airfield, and collaborate with a diverse client base.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or high school diploma with two years of full-time experience in higher education, aviation, marketing/communications, engineering or program management.
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and maintaining certification for at least one year.
• Experience with UAS software and hardware, including DJI and Skydio systems.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Assist in classroom instruction, logistics and program support.
• Deliver Drone Center curriculum to a wide variety of clients and students.
• Pilot UAV systems in education missions.
• Monitor flight line training for operational safety.
• Represent the Drone Center at events and K-12 seminars.

Skills

UAS operation

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Public speaking

Education

Associate degree

High school diploma or GED

Tools

DJI UAS

Skydio UAS

Microsoft Office

Google Suites

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:The Part-time Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Instructor/Technician will assist in all aspects of supporting the CSU Drone Center, but with a strong focus on delivering the CSU Drone Center’s education portfolio. This will be done through in-person training, classroom management and curriculum development within our K-12, vocational and certificate classes. Their role will be pivotal to the center's success and incorporates collaboration with a wide range of clientele and internal and external education and program support.This position is also responsible for frequent UAS field work including UAS mapping, photogrammetry, aerial photography / videography, and may involve deploying in support of local, state, and federal agencies. This position directly supports the educational functions of the Center and may assist with maintenance and development of UAS systems and will assist with managing airspace and drone use at the Christman Airfield.This is a part-time position anticipated to work 40-50 hours per month. Schedule may vary based on unit needs.Work Unit Description:The CSU Drone Center is a Core Facility at CSU supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. The Drone Center offices and lab are in the Daryl Simons Building at the Engineering Research Center.The Drone Center exists to serve the research, educational, outreach, and service needs of the University as it relates to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and general aviation. The work unit is comprised of the Director, an Associate Director, a UAS Research Associate, a UAS Technician and five part time student hourlies. They work together to provide drone flight services, aircraft building/integration, research support and consultation, computer mapping/modeling, educational programs, airfield management, and community engagement. The Drone Center staff also hosts teaching and training workshops for drone piloting, FAA endorsement, mapping and modeling, and first responder operations.The full consideration date for this position is 11:59 pm (MT) Monday, Septemberr 21st, 2026.Essential Job Duties:Assist in classroom instruction, logistics and program support.Deliver Drone Center curriculum to a wide variety of clients and students pursuant to the CSU and WSCOE mission.Pilot UAV systems in a variety of mission types primarily supporting the Drone Center's education mission.Monitor flight line training to ensure operational safety.Represent the Drone Center, WSCOE and CSU at public events and K-12 STEM seminars..Conditions of Employment:Pre-employment criminal background check (required of all new hires).Must be willing to travel approximately 50% of the time (mostly continental US, some international travel possible).Willing and able to work non-standard hours including some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.Must possess current FAA Remote Pilot / Part 107 credentials.Valid US drivers license.Must be authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department will not sponsor a visa for this position.Supervision:NoneMinimum Qualifications:Associates degree OR high school diploma (or GED) AND two (2) years of full-time experience working in higher education, aviation, marketing/communications, engineering or program management.Must possess a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (sUAS rating) and have maintained the certification for a minimum of one (1) year.Demonstrated experience with UAS software and hardware, including, but not limited to production DJI and Skydio UAS systems.Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office, Google Suites and associated workflows.Motivated to work in a high-performance team to innovate, educate, and promote the next chapter of aviation.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelors degree in any engineering, remote sensing, or computer science field.UAS program administration experience in an educational or research field, most notably in an R1 research context or affiliate.FAA Private Pilot Certificate or greater.Prior aviation experience or work with defense / aerospace organizations or contracts.Application Instructions:To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and proof of your FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107) certification.In your cover letter and resume, please describe how your education, experience, and skills meet the minimum qualifications and any applicable preferred qualifications for this position. Applications that do not clearly address the required qualifications may not advance in the review process.Salary Range$75,000 - $80,000 full-time equivalent (FTE). This position is expected to be hired at 25% FTE, resulting in an anticipated annual salary of $18,750 - $20,000.Required Application DocumentsTo apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Certification, Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.EEOColorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.