UAS Program Manager

Summary

NYPA is moving to a digital utility and newer technology to increase safety, cost effectiveness, efficiency and to improve processes as well as provide Mutual Aid in New York State.  This UAS Program Manager is intended to manage the UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) program across every business unit in NYPA. The UAS Program Manager is a provisional role that will have a maximum of a 3-year term. 

Responsibilities

• Grow the UAS program through identification and buildout of new use cases, expansion of pilot training and capabilities, exploration and vetting of promising new technologies, and engaging corporate communication.
• Ensure that NYPA is a leader in UAS safety and risk management techniques and policies.
• Work closely with NYPA’s Procurement and Risk organizations to understand and comply with all relevant policies and regulations, both internal and external to NYPA.
• Work closely with NYPA’s Manager Digital Utility Worker (DUW) Program to report on UAS Program progress and status to NYPA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Digital Transformation Office (DTO).
• Work closely with Manager DUW Program to coordinate joint corporate communications and outreach.
• Manage training program for Part 107 certification and required internal and external recurring training.
• Act as central management and new application authority of all FAA airspace waivers across NYPA sites.
• Manage authorization and fulfillment of new mission requests from all NYPA divisions.
• Ensure consistency in UAS operational procedures and policies and strictly enforce them across all NYPA sites.
• Act as ‘Chief Pilot’ and oversee regional UAS Pilots. Qualifies NYPA UAS Pilots or delegates authority to qualify UAS pilots.
• Coordinate with Labor Relations to handle issues relating to UAS-use and program participation by Union employees.
• Assist with and support the implementation, development, training, exercising and maintenance of the Business Continuity Plan at Headquarters to minimize disruption of mission critical business operations following a disrupting event.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

• FAA Certifications: Part 107

Preferred:

• FAA Certifications: Part 61
• Superior abilities to facilitate communication with and between people and organizations of diverse professional and educational backgrounds; this role will involve interaction with professionals from engineers to corporate communications and bargaining unit employees
• Extensive knowledge of both UAS-related safety and Utility infrastructure safety policies, techniques, and procedures
• Extensive knowledge of FAA and state-level UAS regulations including training (initial and recurring), certification, and airspace classification and waivers 
• Firm technical knowledge of the UAS market including the capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses of specific models and their manufacturers
• Proficient understanding of UAS-specific cyber security functions and requirements
• Proficient understanding of radio communications technology, especially those used in UAS’s
• Proficient understanding of UAS IT components including data ingestion, management, and usage
   

Education, Experience and Certifications

Required:

• Minimum of a 2-year college degree
• FAA Certifications: Part 107, (Part 61 Preferred)
• 1+ years of experience in managing drone operations
• 3+ years of supervisory / management experience

Preferred:

• 3+ years of experience  managing drone operations  and equipment
• 2+ years of experience working in the Utility Industry
• Experience leading complex projects
• Experience in management and oversight of technical contractors and consultants
• Experience in Union supervisory and management
• Business sense to guide growth and development of the program
• Experience working across business units at NYPA

Physical Requirements

• On-demand travel to NYPA sites and headquarters as needed for program administration
• Valid US driver’s license