Description

Working Title: Uncrewed Aerial Systems Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 93483
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/15/2026
• Closing Date: 05/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, occasionally
• Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Work Area: MN Interagency Fire Center
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Coordinator in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays. Occasional overnight travel required.

This position exists to support and facilitate statewide leadership regarding the development and governance of a UAS (drone) program through its development and implementation at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). The position is responsible for consistency in maintaining collected data across functions, programs, and divisions and ensuring proper quality controls are used. This position will develop and maintain pilot training and records, approve and prioritize flights, develop data management and flight tracking, and provide ongoing guidance to programs and business functions on how drones might be used to benefit their projects. The position will recommend solutions to diverging requests between functions that create data or flight conflicts. The UAS Coordinator must be proactive and innovative in managing data collected and communicating the results of each flight to internal programs, regulated parties, partners and Minnesota citizens. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encourage a diverse workplace, treat others with respect, and contribute to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.
• This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all required MN DNR Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, training, maintenance, service, and inspections. They provide expertise to DNR personnel and remote pilots regarding UAS training, certifications, airworthiness, maintenance, contracting and service. 
• Provide direction, guidance and oversight for department Remote Pilots.
• This position serves as the DNR UAS Safety Officer and is involved in the setting of UAS policy and procedures for DNR UAS aviation programs. 
• Conduct outreach to other state, federal, and local agencies regarding UAS safety and operations and coordinate training and interagency utilization.
• Attend, participate, and lead department and interagency workshops, meetings and training. 

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Requirements

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of advanced level professional experience leading a program for a team that demonstrates budgeting and planning, contracting, performance management and oversight. A Bachelor's degree in Forest and Natural Resource Management, Wildland Firefighting, Forestry, Aviation Management, Remote Sensing or related field can substitute for one (1) year or experience and an Associate’s degree in the above fields can substitute for 6 months of experience.
• Knowledge of pilot training and record keeping, flight prioritization, data management, and flight tracking details and methods. 
• Leadership skills and project management skills sufficient to chair an inter-divisional work group that focuses on UAS policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of UAS operations including registration sufficient to provide oversight for all UAS operations as well as develop, conduct, and document all UAS training, and perform UAS flights. 
• Knowledge of how drones are piloted for optimal results, options for using drones, data management needs of programs including quality control and chain of custody demands, drone piloting, and program development.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and external communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
• Leadwork skills sufficient to provide direction in field settings, administrative procedures and/or office functions.
• Experience drafting and managing contracts for services.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite programs, remote sensing technologies, and mapping software.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for UAS and is Part 107 certified for drone operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft Systems Data Specialist (UASD), Unmanned
• Aircraft Systems Manager (UASM), or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Module Leader (UASL).
• Knowledge of Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Incident Command System Agency policies, procedures and operating guidelines for resource sharing, resource ordering, and associated programs.
• Knowledge of aircraft flight planning, including but not limited to scheduling flights, pilots and aircraft; duty limitations, ordering procedures, procurement and cost comparison analysis.
• Knowledge of aircraft mishap response plans and the impacts to aircraft operations caused by aircraft and airspace status, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR's), Notices to
• Airmen (NOTAM's), and activity in Military Training Routes (MTRs) or Military Operating Areas (MOAs).
• Knowledge of the administrative processes so that information about aviation resources is available by updating daily plans, recording daily aviation activity, obtaining cost coding information for aviation managers, and maintaining statistical fiscal and calendar year reports using data recorded throughout the year.

Training Completed: 

• A-100, A-110, A-200, A-202, A-203, A-205, A-305, A-450, A-452R  – Interagency Aviation Training (IAT)
• A-450—Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Basic Remote Pilot Course
• S-270—Basic Air Operations
• S-373—Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Incident Operations

Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details
How to Apply 
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Darren Neuman at darren.neuman@state.mn.us or 218-322-2722.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. ]

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.