Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot

Salary

$33,820\.80 \- $75,000\.00 Annually

Location6001 \- Public Safety Admin

Job Type

Full\-time

Job Number

10435\-HR

Department

6001 \- Public Safety \- Administration

Division

600100 \- Div\-Public Safety Admin

Opening Date

04/02/2026

Closing Date

4/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description

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Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot

The Department of Public Safety, Administration Division, is seeking highly qualified candidates to assist the Department in planning, coordinating and conducting all activities related to the Public Safety Drone First Responder Program (Fire/EMS). The program enhances City first responder safety, operational effectiveness, and community protection through the strategic use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for aerial assessment, improved response times, situational awareness, and evidence documentation.

Under the administrative direction of the Pilot in Command, the Coordinator will be an innovative team\-player working closely with an external vendor to ensure proper implementation of vendor required protocols and maintenance. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, independent problem\-solving skills and ability to effectively interface with diverse populations. The ideal candidate will also have experience in public safety first responder activity, and the ability to manage cross functional communication between various City dispatching entities and responding agencies.

The Unit will maintain hours of operation that are in addition to normal business hours. The position will be expected to be staffed evenings, nights and weekends and possibly on call in cases of emergency.

Examples of Duties

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Under administrative direction, is responsible for planning and adminstering a specific project or program for a City department. Serves as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs. Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews activities of subordinate personnel. Monitors the project or program's operating budget and assists in the annual preparation of same. Designs, implements, and monitors procedures utilized in program evaluation. Develops and secures commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants. Provides technical assistance or reviews program policies and procedures. Maintains current information and oversees the preparation of project status reports. Prepares financial and narrative reports and program applications. Communicates project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities. May supervise employees assigned to the respective project. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

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Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four\-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. Two (2\) years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience in program administration required. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30\) pounds. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.

Supplemental Information

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Additional Duties

In addition to program oversight, the Coordinator serves as a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), Visual Observer (VO), or other assigned flight roles, supporting real time emergency response operations.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Program Administration and Coordination

• Plan, organize, and administer all aspects of the Drone First Responder (DFR) program.
• Serve as administrative lead and primary point of contact for program operations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate program policies, procedures, and performance metrics.
• Monitor and manage program budgets; assist in annual budget preparation.
• Maintain program documentation including operational records, compliance logs and reporting systems.
• Prepare financial, operational, and narrative reports for City leadership and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies to support program objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, City policies and vendor requirements.

Drone First Responder (DFR) Unit

• Maintain remote drone hangar and drone equipment and attachments to vendor specifications.
• Coordinate with external vendors for systems maintenance, repairs and upgrades.
• Track Unit equipment status, maintenance schedules and operational readiness.
• File necessary per flight, monthly, annual reports to include public transparency portal information.
• Participate in public outreach and education regarding Unit activity.
• Communicate program capabilities, policies and transparency initiatives to the public and stakeholders.
• Maintain professional working relationships with local and regional public safety partners and agencies.
• Maintain required certifications and training on a continuous basis.

Flight Crew Operations

• Operate as remote pilot in command / visual observer during drone flight operations.
• Operate UAS platforms and associated communications equipment during emergency and non\-emergency operations.
• Monitor City emergency radio channels to identify calls for service that require DFR assistance.
• Conduct pre\-flight, in\-flight, and post\-flight procedures in accordance with established protocols.
• Complete all required flight documentation, including incident reports and transparency portal entries.
• Physically respond to emergency flight termination locations to manage, investigate, recover and document as required.
• Initiate and manage proper emergency procedures during unplanned flight emergency.

Project Management Support

• Assist the Pilot in Command in developing project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Organize and coordinate project meetings with internal stakeholders and vendor representatives.
• Prepare meeting agendas, document minutes, and track action items.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates to the Director, Department and vendor.
• Identify potential risks, delays, or misalignments and recommend corrective actions.

General

• Supervise or provide direction to personnel assigned to the program, as needed.
• Perform any other duties as assigned and required by the Chief Director of Public Safety.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30\) pounds.
• Must possess a valid State of Ohio Driver's License or must have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of the date of hire.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications and the ability to quickly learn and apply other project related or government software utilized by the Department.
• Must have strong oral and written interpersonal communication skills \- including the ability to make effective.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain necessary Federal Aviation Authority certifications, including 14 CFR Part 107 licensing within six months of the date of hire and for the duration of employment.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.

Employer

City of Cleveland

Address

601 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio, 44114

Phone

216\-664\-2493