sUAS Operations Specialist (Field)

About Us

At SoCalGas, we believe that every Californian deserves a resilient energy future. We are working to achieve that future by empowering California to reach its sustainability goals through innovation, collaboration, and decarbonization. As our state's energy needs change, we will be there providing reliable energy that is clean, safe, and affordable to our 22 million customers.

In addition to helping shape the future of hydrogen technology and clean energy, as an employee of SoCalGas you'll also enjoy an aggressive total compensation plan, multiple upward mobility opportunities and the ability to find a true work life balance. We also strive to reflect the communities we serve by attracting top talent and maintaining a diverse workforce. To discover more about how rewarding it is to work here, we invite you to visit these pages on our website: Our Mission; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sustainability, In the Community, and Employee Benefits. Join SoCalGas today to share in our mission to build the cleanest, safest, and most innovative energy company in America!

Primary Purpose
Supports activities in the Aviation Services Department's (ASD) sUAS (drone) operations program. Participates in ASD sUAS flight operations as Pilot or Visual Observer and in Company emergency responses. Observes sUAS Contractors and participates in establishing their pilot qualifications and in determining their compliance with Company, Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Authors internal Company communications, documentation and tracking of sUAS operations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of sUAS flights to include: Preflight determination of Federal and Local regulatory requirements for the planned flight operations. Applies for applicable legal waivers and/or permits for planned flight operations. Making appropriate internal and external notifications of planned flight operations. Determines safe and legal take-off and landing sites. Interprets weather forecasts and reports to determine if minimum operating conditions are met. Acts as sole manipulator of the controls of sUAS in flight. Coordinates with client management and assigned personnel prior to and during flight operations.
• Supports sUAS System Operations Advisor in Project Management. Coordinates activities leading to successful sUAS operations to include: Reviews state of the art aerial tools and analytical applications for applicability to gas utility operations. Assist in the determination of the project scope, identifying resources (internal and external) and selecting candidate manufacturers, consultants, and research agencies. Performs cost estimates for budgets and procurements of components and services, and validates testing and field trials. Prepares periodic reports and presentation materials.
• Assists the sUAS System Operations Advisor in supervising sUAS operations of contracted Pilots in Command (PICs) and flight crews. Determines contractors' compliance with Company policy related to sUAS operations by direct observation of contractor field and office operations. Performs vetting of the qualifications of potential Aviation Services contractors. Responsible for providing timely status reports to the sUAS System Operations Advisor.
• Internal customer collaboration. Participates with the sUAS System Operations Advisor in interfacing with various company departments as needed.
• Supports the sUAS System Operations Advisor in preparing and delivering presentations to workgroups and external workshops.
• sUAS and Payload Maintenance and Upkeep: Follows and applies manufacture's recommended maintenance procedures. Performs minor repairs and adjustments. Performs weight and balance calibrations.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Education

• H.S. Diploma/GED General Education Required
• Bachelor's Degree Aviation, Engineering, Data Science or related Preferred

Experience

• 3+ Experiance as a aUAS pilot. Demonstrates a high proficiency in sUAS flight operations. Required
• Certificates, logbooks or other recommendations Preferred
• 2+ Successful commercial aviation experience is highly desirable. Preferred
• 2+ Utility operations experience is highly desirable. Preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have the ability to perform responsibilities under minimal supervision and in remote locations. Intermediate
• Requires understanding of business disciplines, pipeline safety regulations and company operational procedures including safety-related practices and equipment. Beginner
• Exercises analytical ability, ingenuity and independent judgment in the performance of job duties. Intermediate
• Requires general knowledge and understanding of Title 14 CFR Parts 91 and/or 107. Intermediate
• Requires thorough knowledge and understanding of Federally regulated airspace as depicted on Sectional and TAC Aviation charts and FAA Approved electronic LAANC systems including allowed, restricted and prohibited operations within that airspace. Intermediate
• Knowledge of gas utility operating practices, policies and procedures. Beginner
• Must be able to prepare written communications on technical matters. Intermediate
• Requires general computer skills and use of Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio. Beginner
• Primary work location is the Pico Rivera base, but this position requires frequent travel to anywhere in the Company's and or SDG&E's service territory including remote locations. Intermediate

Licenses & Certifications

• DOT/FAA remote pilot certificate Required
• , "Valid California Driver's License or reliable transportation" Required

SoCalGas strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SoCalGas offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.