UAV Operator – Recon & Mission Planning

DC Army National Guard; Lakehurst (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Army National Guard seeks an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator to pilot drones (UAVs) and relay intelligence to crews for tactical missions.

You will plan flights, perform preflight and post-flight checks, conduct air reconnaissance, and maintain essential communications gear during operations.

Training lasts 10 weeks of Basic Training and 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, offering paid instruction and potential paths into civilian government roles after service.

Qualifications

• Must enlist in the Army National Guard and be eligible for security clearances.
• Must be at least a high school graduate or hold a GED.
• Willingness to learn flight operations and data analysis.
• Ability to follow protocols and work in team environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct air reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and acquisition missions
• Plan and analyze flight missions
• Perform preflight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and procedures
• Launch and recover airframe from runway
• Perform maintenance on communications equipment, power sources, and related vehicles

Skills

Drone operation

Intelligence gathering

Flight planning

Computer systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

UAV control systems

Communications equipment

Job description

DC Army National Guard seeks an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator to pilot drones (UAVs) and relay intelligence to crews for tactical missions.

You will plan flights, perform preflight and post-flight checks, conduct air reconnaissance, and maintain essential communications gear during operations.

Training lasts 10 weeks of Basic Training and 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, offering paid instruction and potential paths into civilian government roles after service.