Drone Project Coordinator- Senior Management Analyst

This is a limited-term (6 months with a possibility to extend up to 3 years on Board approval), full-time, benefited position. 

Purpose

This specific position will develop a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.  Under general supervision the incumbent will perform a wide variety of complex and diverse advanced level professional and technical administrative duties, including those requiring a significant level of expertise in UAS; assume responsibility for managing the more complex program areas; plans, coordinate, direct, and evaluate systems, procedures and operations; coordinate activities with other divisions and outside agencies; and perform related work as required. 

About the Role

The incumbent will develop a DFR program including a written a proposal to the Fire Chief and Board of Directors that will include the goal of the program, feasibility studies, risk assessments, program model, procurement plan, training and testing plan, operational guidelines, program evaluation, and budget needs. 

The DFR Program

The fire service has long desired autonomous drones that automatically launch and respond to appropriate emergency calls. Staff would like to enhance our current drone program to once again become one of the leaders in this area. 

The long-term vision is to have a drone respond based on longitude and latitude and hover over the call location while live streaming real-time video to the first responders and dispatchers. This would provide valuable, lifesaving information in advance of our arrival. This tool would be used primarily on calls such as structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials calls, and technical rescues. It would be incredibly valuable for our responses on the Dumbarton Bridge and water rescues in the Bay. 

The desired outcomes from a successful Drone as First Responder (DFR) program are numerous. Having a drone arrive on the scene to provide critical real-time information could allow us to augment our resources quickly and allow responding units to anticipate the situation and needs before they arrive. From the perspective of a responding engine company, imagine the station tones alerting us to a reported structure fire. As the tones go off, the drone is automatically launched to the location of the reported fire. The members of the engine company make their way into the station’s apparatus bay, they glance up at the display monitor and see our First Arriving software program showing live stream video of a two-story apartment building with heavy smoke emanating from the rear of the structure. After suiting up in their turnouts, the Fire Captain continues to monitor a live stream video feed from the incident location via the Tablet Command program on the iPad in the fire engine. A remote pilot directs the drone to a better position at the rear of the building, capturing an image of smoke and flames coming from a second-story window and a resident waving from the adjacent window for help. The Fire Captain radios dispatch for an augmentation of resources and prepares their crew for an immediate rescue when they arrive on scene. 

The scenarios in which this tool could provide invaluable information seem limitless. The long-term vision is for our program to become the benchmark of a DFR program with adjacent agencies seeking adoption, with San Mateo County’s Public Safety Communications becoming an integral part of the system.

Duties may vary depending upon assignment. Some key duties include: 

1. Coordinates, oversees, and performs work in such areas as: program development and oversight, project coordination, budget development, financial administration and reporting, purchasing, contract administration, management analysis and program evaluation.
2. Performs a wide variety of complex and diverse advanced level professional and technical administrative duties in support of assigned division.
3. Assumes responsibility for managing the more complex program areas in assigned division; plans, coordinates, directs, and evaluates systems, procedures and operations; identifies issues; collects data; analyzes alternatives and make recommendations.
4. Conducts surveys and performs research and statistical analyses on administrative, fiscal, and operational issues; creates tables, charts and spreadsheets to collect, evaluate and present data; coordinates and participates in organizational studies involving administrative or operational systems, procedures, functions, processes, and techniques; develops recommendations based on findings.
5. Directs or supervises the work of support staff and outside vendors on a project or day-to-day basis; plans, assigns, and reviews work and trains staff in work procedures. 
6. Performs multiples responsibilities as it relates to capital improvement project coordination, including review of change orders, requests for information, and the resolution of design issues, and verification of completed work. 
7. Implements new systems, methods and procedures; monitors program progress in meeting goals and objectives; conducts updates with management staff to inform and advise on project progress; makes adjustments as necessary.
8. Participates in the budget development and administration for assigned area of responsibility.
9. Oversees and coordinates assigned services and project activities with other divisions, boards, committees, task forces, external organizations, and the general public; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
10. Plans, coordinates, evaluates, and participates in assignments and special projects; prepares and presents reports.
11. Coordinates the research, development, review, and preparation of grant applications; oversees and monitors existing grants for compliance with regulations; tracks and monitors expenditures; closes out grant monies and prepares reports.
12. Assists with updating operation plans and conducting program gap analysis.
13. Manages and oversees social media platforms and websites for assigned division.
14. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in assigned field; maintains awareness of federal, state and local regulations.
15. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience and Training

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

Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional or related experience in development, testing, training, or managing UAS/drone programs with government agencies or public vendors for enhancement of technology and use. UAV flying and technical experience and instructor experience highly desired.

Training:  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, finance, public safety, aviation, or a closely related field. 

• Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of UAS programs including administrative, financial and/or operational functions.
• Principles and practices specific to UAS or DFR programs.
• Appropriate information for comprehensive situational awareness for first responders in operational and incident command capacities.
• FAA laws and procedures.  
• UAS program development for multiple applications including emergency scenes.
• Advanced methods and techniques of data collection, research and report preparation.
• Principles and practices of public administration and program development.
• Advanced methods of administrative, organizational, and procedural analysis.
• Advanced methods and techniques of program, statistical and financial analysis.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of grant applications and administration.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and records management.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
• Principles and practices of accounting.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

 Ability to:

• Develop and establish DFR Operating procedures and safety policies.  
• Develop, train and manage a team of DFR pilots.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government and technology leaders in the field of UAS.
• Analyze data, plan flight paths, assemble maps, footage and digital images.
• Perform an needs assessment for UAS capability, needs and use modifications.
• Perform a wide variety of complex and diverse advanced level professional and technical administrative duties in support of assigned division including those requiring a significant level of expertise.
• Assume responsibility for managing the more complex program areas in assigned division.
• Plan, coordinate, direct, and evaluate assigned systems, procedures and operations.
• Participate in and perform various complex organizational studies and analyses.
• Research, analyze and evaluate programs, policies and procedures.
• Collect, evaluate and interpret complex information and data.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Understand the organization and operation of the District and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibility.
• Analyze complex problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Review and analyze technical documents and proposals.
• Participate in budget development and administration activities as assigned.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Effectively multi-task and prioritize.
• Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations as well as District policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Special Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical: Must possess mobility to work in an office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; read printed materials and a computer screen; and effectively communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Employees in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 15 pounds.

Environment: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.