GIS Drone Administrator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Effective July 1, 2025, the salary range will be: $8,926 - $12,833 monthly ($107,112 - $153,996 annually)

The District
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:
Under general direction, administers, operates, and maintains the District’s drone program for Geographic Information System (GIS) data collection and analysis. The GIS Drone Administrator ensures Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance, coordinates drone data acquisition, integrates remotely sensed data with the District’s GIS and asset management systems, and researches new technologies in drone mapping and remote sensing.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A GIS Drone Administrator performs advanced professional-level duties, technical lead-level drone administration functions, and ensures the quality and accuracy of collected data to support planning, design, and operational decision-making for water and wastewater facilities. Assignments are broad in scope, requiring significant independent decision-making and impact on the department’s success. The GIS Drone Administrator is distinguished from the Enterprise GIS Manager in that an incumbent in the latter class has management responsibilities for the entire GIS division and has broader financial planning, recordkeeping, and administrative duties.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon Headquarters full-time, without the option for remote work.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assigns, coordinates, and reviews the work of GIS drone staff and outside consultants with minimal input from management.

With input from management and reporting employees, set priorities for drone data collection efforts and follow up to ensure high-priority work is performed expeditiously with high quality.

Oversees the administration of the drone data repository, including data design, organization, processing, and maintenance activities.

Plans and conducts drone flights for mapping, inspections, and asset management, ensuring compliance with any applicable FAA regulations and department policies.

Processes and analyses aerial imagery, LiDAR, and multispectral data for integration into GIS databases and District planning efforts.

Researches and implements new drone technologies, sensors, and methodologies to enhance data collection and operational efficiencies.

Develops and enforces safety protocols for drone operations, including obtaining necessary clearances and permissions for flight missions.

Coordinates with engineers, GIS staff, and other departments to support project needs and ensure seamless integration of drone data with GIS and asset management systems.

Prepares reports, maps, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to District staff and stakeholders.

Ensures maintenance and inventory management of drone equipment, including firmware updates and compliance checks.

Assists in preparing program and system documentation as required.

Assists with other GIS activities as required, including data collection, maintenance, and application development.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in geography, engineering, remote sensing, aviation, or a related technical. Non-technical degrees may qualify with significant relevant experience.

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in drone operations, GIS, remote sensing, or related fields, including significant experience in project, consultant, and employee management and supervision. Experience in a water-related field is desired.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of drone operations, aerial data collection, and remote sensing technologies.
• FAA regulations, including Part 107 and any applicable drone operation requirements.
• Principles of GIS, photogrammetry, and spatial analysis.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles of application development
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles of engineering economics and public finances.
• District safety policies and procedures.
• Surveying principles and GPS/RTK procedures

Ability to:

• Proficiently operate GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, Enterprise and ArcGIS online.
• Proficiently operate drone remote sensing software for processing aerial imagery and LiDAR data, such as Pix4D, Agisoft, or similar tools.
• Apply drone flight planning software and principles of drone operation effectively.
• Operate as the licensed remote pilot in command and provide instructions and training to staff as needed.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of a staff of outside professionals and technicians.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff in a cross-functional project team environment in which reporting relationships may not follow traditional rigid structures.
• Understand and apply mathematical concepts, including statistics, algebra, and geometry fundamentals.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, proposals, studies and other written materials.
• Effectively and professionally represent the District’s interests with other agencies, regulators, and the public.
• Operate computer systems proficiently and utilize enterprise software, spreadsheet applications, and other standard business tools to support daily operations, enhance productivity, and streamline workflows.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Apply good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing up to 80 pounds with assistance

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination: will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

Show more