SENIOR STAFF ANALYST - UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS MANAGER

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications will be accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Division/ Section: HAS / IAH TERMINAL OPERATIONS
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM; Subject to change (may include after-hours, emergency, and on-call response)

PURPOSE OF DIVISION
IAH Management oversees the critical functions that ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The division is responsible for airside and landside operations, security, maintenance, custodial, customer service, emergency management, and the Integrated Coordination Center. Operating around the clock, the team works to provide a secure and seamless experience for all airport users, from the roadway to the runway. IAH Management also serves as the primary liaison to key partners and regulatory agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Houston Fire Department (HFD), Houston Police Department (HPD), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines and other key stakeholders.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Manager serves as a technical and administrative leader within the Houston Airport System (HAS). This position is responsible for planning, developing, and administering a comprehensive small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) flight program and drone-detection capabilities across all HAS airports (IAH, HOU, and EFD). The role oversees the development and management of HAS’s internal drone operations, leads airspace protection and monitoring initiatives, and functions as the primary liaison with the Houston Police Department (HPD), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other partner agencies. The position requires advanced analytical skills, sound independent judgment, and effective collaboration across multiple internal and external stakeholders. “Candidates must be able to obtain all security required badge access including CBP access within 6 months from the hire date.”

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive UAS program that enables HAS business units to use drones for operations, inspections, maintenance, planning, and other airport needs.
• Write and maintain UAS policies, standard operating procedures, and safety management protocols in compliance with FAA regulations, including Part 107 and airspace authorization requirements.
• Coordinate with the FAA, air traffic control, and airport operations to obtain approvals, waivers, and airspace authorizations for drone flights on and near airport property.
• Establish standards for remote pilot qualifications, training, currency, and flight documentation for HAS employees and contractors who operate drones.
• Oversee drone flight operations to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and proper risk assessment, and conduct flight operations as needed.
• Manage the UAS program budget, including equipment purchases, software licensing, maintenance, insurance, and vendor contracts.
• Maintain the drone fleet inventory, maintenance schedules, flight logs, and data management practices, including secure storage and handling of collected imagery and data.
• Continue to develop and expand HAS's drone detection program, including evaluating, selecting, and managing detection technologies and systems.
• Monitor and analyze drone detection data to identify trends, unauthorized activity, and potential risks to airport operations and security.
• Work with law enforcement, TSA, the FAA, and other federal, state, and local partners to develop, test, and update response plans for unauthorized drone incidents.
• Plan and lead tabletop exercises, drills, and training to prepare airport staff and partner agencies to respond to drone incidents.
• Serve as HAS's subject matter expert and primary point of contact on drone issues, advising leadership and representing the airport system at industry, regulatory, and community meetings.
• Track changes in drone technology, federal regulations, counter-UAS authorities, and industry best practices, and recommend program and policy updates accordingly.

WORKING CONDIDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. Requires the ability to make simple gross motor responses within large tolerances. There will be periods of extended walking while at the airports conducting site visits and meetings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, public administration or a field directly related to the type of work being performed.

Graduate degrees related to the type of work being performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Five years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed or required.

Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 28

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Thank you for your interest in a career with the City of Houston. We are committed to providing an accessible, transparent, and positive application experience for every candidate.

To be considered for this position, applications must be submitted online during the active posting period. We are unable to accept paper, emailed, mailed, or faxed applications. To apply, please visit the City of Houston Careers website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston/

Stay Connected Throughout the Process
After submitting your application, you may view your application status at any time by logging into your online profile http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm . If you have questions regarding your application status, please contact Human Resources at 281-233-1842.

Accessibility and Accommodations
The City of Houston is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. If you require reasonable accommodation or special assistance during the application or hiring process, please contact 281-233-1842 (TTY 7-1-1).

Technical Assistance
If you experience difficulties accessing your account, logging in, or completing your online application, technical support is available by calling 855-524-5627.

What to Expect Next
We carefully review each application received. Due to the high volume of applicants, only candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted directly by the hiring department.

Before You Begin Your Application

To help make your application process as smooth as possible, please gather your educational information and supporting documentation before you begin.

Depending on your qualifications, you may be asked to provide:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential from an accredited institution
• College, university, or technical school information
• Degrees earned, areas of study, and graduation dates
• Official transcripts or other educational documentation from accredited institutions
• Professional licenses, certifications, or other credentials relevant to the position

Having these materials ready in advance will help ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed without unnecessary delays. To learn more, we encourage you visit our How to Verify Education resource.

Please note: Applications requiring educational verification may be considered incomplete if the requested documentation is not submitted.

Pre-Employment Requirements

As part of the hiring process, all new hires and rehires must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening. Final employment offers may also be contingent upon a physical examination and verification of information provided in the application and supporting documentation.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents of our workforce. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

Employment decisions are made without regard to any legally protected status or characteristic, including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and look forward to learning more about you and the experience you can bring to our team.

Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Houston. We appreciate the time and effort you invest in the application process and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 11/18/2026 11:59 PM Central