Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

U.S. Secret Service; Landover (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Thrift Savings Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

personal leave days

paid federal holidays

tuition reimbursement

transportation subsidies

uniform allowance

health and wellness programs

fitness centers

Job summary

U.S. Secret Service in the Department of Homeland Security is seeking an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator within the Office of Technical Operations, Aviation and Airspace Security Division.

The role involves operating small drones for aerial surveillance, site assessments, and protective activities supporting mission-critical operations. Responsibilities include developing flight plans, ensuring FAA and agency compliance, and leading real-time aerial surveillance during events.

Qualifications

• Transcript required if substituting education for experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate small unmanned aircraft to conduct aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, site assessments and protective activities.
• Develop and review flight operations plans; ensure compliance with FAA regulations and agency policies; lead real-time aerial surveillance during events.
• Test, troubleshoot and evaluate UAS technologies and countermeasures; contribute to program development.

Skills

UAS operation

Flight operations

Job description

• Department: Department of Homeland Security

Joining the Secret Service, Office of Technical Operations, Aviation and Airspace Security Division will allow you to develop, coordinate, and implement airspace security plans for sites visited by the President and Vice President of the United States or other designated USSS protectees. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

Key Responsibilities

The selectee will serve as a(n) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator in the Office of Technical Operations, Aviation and Airspace Security Division. Typical work assignments include: Operating small, unmanned aircraft to conduct aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, site assessments, and related protective activities in support of mission-critical operations.

Developing and reviewing flight operations plans, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, agency policies, and operational constraints; leading real-time aerial surveillance during events, identifying potential threats or vulnerabilities and relaying critical imagery and data to protective teams.

Testing, troubleshooting and evaluating Unmanned Aircraft Systems technologies and countermeasures, contributing to strategic Unmanned Aircraft Systems program development.

This Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator position starts at a salary of $85,447.00, GS -11 step 1, with promotion potential to $158,322.00, GS-13 step 10.

Requirements & Education

if you are qualifying for a position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

• including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
• retirement plan
• Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• personal leave days
• and paid federal holidays
• Other benefits may include flexible work schedules
• tuition reimbursement
• transportation subsidies
• uniform allowance
• health and wellness programs
• and fitness centers

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $85447 – $158322/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-29.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.