UAV Instructor/Technician Part-time

csusystem; United States; On-site; USD 19,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

The CSU Drone Center in Colorado is seeking a Part-time Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Instructor/Technician to support in-person training, curriculum development, and classroom management within K-12, vocational, and certificate programs.

Responsibilities include field work in UAS mapping, photogrammetry, aerial videography, and at the Christman Airfield; strong emphasis on education and program support across diverse clients. Travel up to 50% and non-standard hours may be required.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Classroom instruction

Curriculum development

Flight operations safety

Team collaboration

Education

Associates degree OR high school diploma with 2 years of full-time experience in higher education, aviation, marketing/communications, engineering or program management

Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Experience with UAS software and hardware including DJI and Skydio

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suites

Tools

DJI UAS systems

Skydio UAS systems

UAS mapping software

Job description

Job Description

Position 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 centre'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

None

Minimum 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.

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.