UAV Instructor/Technician Part-time

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 19,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Drone Center seeks a Part-time UAS Instructor/Technician to support in-person training and curriculum development for K-12, vocational, and certificate classes. The role involves field work such as mapping and photogrammetry, plus airfield management support at the Christman Airfield.

The position emphasizes delivering education programs, coordinating with diverse clients, and maintaining UAS systems while working 40–50 hours per month.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or high school diploma (or GED) AND two (2) years of full-time experience in higher education, aviation, marketing/communications, engineering or program management.
• Must possess a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (sUAS rating) and maintain it for a minimum of one year.
• Demonstrated experience with UAS software and hardware, including production DJI and Skydio UAS systems.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suites.

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 various mission types to support education.
• Monitor flight line training for operational safety.
• Represent the Drone Center, WSCOE and CSU at public events and K-12 STEM seminars.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

UAS software & hardware knowledge

Microsoft Office / Google Suites

Teamwork / high-performance work

Education

Associate degree

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or remote sensing or CS (preferred)

Tools

DJI UAS systems

Skydio UAS systems

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 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. The full consideration date for this position is 11:59 pm (MT) Monday, Septemberr 21st, 2026.

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.

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.

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

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.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado 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.

EEO

Colorado 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.

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Employee Benefits

Colorado 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. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!