| Location | Dothan, AL |
| Salary | $25.76–$41.20 Per Hour |
Public Safety Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator
Salary
$25.76 - $41.20 Hourly
Location
210 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL
Job Type
FULL TIME
Job Number
278-26-01
Department
Police
Opening Date
10/01/2026
Closing Date
10/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
The purpose of the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator is to provide airborne support to police operations and public safety. In addition, increase officer safety in a safe, responsible, and transparent manner to preserve the peace, reduce response times, and increase the quality of life for all citizens of Dothan. To assist personnel in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention and suppression of criminal activities for aiding in the investigative process, and for increasing the number of apprehensions and clearance of cases.
Major Duties
Performs collection, collation, research, and analysis of crime information using various databases, software programs, files, reports, and networks to evaluate and interpret crime series, patterns, and trends, to conduct background research on suspects, to determine criminal associations and affiliations, and to develop suspect profiles.
Views and analyzes public safety calls, crime and fire scene videos and/or photographs, and, if necessary, visits crime and fire scenes; reviews FBI intelligence reports; assists investigating officer as needed.
Cooperates with federal, state, and other local law enforcement/investigating agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities are related to on-going investigations within city jurisdiction.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations and new standards in crime intelligence technology; reads professional literature and may maintain professional affiliations.
Maintains information sources and possesses the ability to know how to obtain needed information; requests telephone and other records needed for investigations; maintains records and files.
Assists with special projects; performs clerical/office skills such as entering and retrieving data from computers, answering telephone, preparing correspondence, sending and receiving facsimiles, and making copies.
Collaborates with other forensic analysts, law enforcement officers, and legal experts to identify and recommend methods and procedures for recovery, preservation, analysis and presentation of digital evidence.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other relevant legal requirements pertaining to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations.
Knowledge of flight software and data analytics.
Knowledge of airspace structures, air traffic control, and procedures like LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) for coordination.
Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
Knowledge of GIS tools and data analytics.
Skill in operating, maneuvering and/or controlling the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Skill in the safe operation of UAV/drone equipment/devices.
Skill in the use of drone flight software and GIS tools.
Skill in the use of flight planning software and GPS technology.
Skill in problem-solving.
Skill in the use of a computer.
Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
Skill in clear communication both oral and written.
Skill in conducting and documenting flight operations per policy; coordinating with dispatchers for mission requests.
Skill in collecting, tagging, and transmitting video feeds to Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and field units; ensuring onboarding of new drone data into fusion system.
Skill to ensure airspace safety, battery management, and post-flight maintenance logs.
Skill to maintain and operate an aerial platform [First-Person-View (FPV/HD) video, thermal if available].
Skill in the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria, including exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
Ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
Ability to perform complex mathematical operations to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
Ability to utilize a wide variety of references, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
Ability to maintain current and accurate records.
Ability to remain calm and effective during high-stress situations, emergencies, and changing conditions.
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Police Captain, Administrative Services Bureau, oversees this position. The Division Commander, Technical Services Division, provides supervision and general guidance.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include local, federal, and state laws, court rules, department general orders, and city policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of related technical duties. The unique nature of each case contributes to the complexity of the work.
The purpose of this position is to perform real-time monitoring, long-term trend analysis, technical duties, and connect disparate data points to identify threats or investigative leads.
Successful performance ensures efficient and effective collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence.
Assist with criminal analyst responsibilities as needed.
CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with department personnel, other city staff, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, and members of the public.
Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
The work is typically performed in an office setting with exposure to law enforcement traffic. The employee may be exposed to irritating chemicals and contagious or infectious diseases. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc. The work requires the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals.
May require rotating shifts, including nights/weekends.
Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and
Three (3) months recent work experience with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and/or other authorizations pertaining to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.
Six (6) months recent work experience in the operation of UAV's preferred.
Six (6) months recent work experience in criminal investigations, intelligence technology, and/or forensics/forensic science preferred.
Successful completion of UAV tactical flight course(s) preferred.
Possession of a current and valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification preferred.
Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a degree in Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Flight Operations, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or related field preferred.
An accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER
The City of Dothan's Police Department may administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired into the Police Department. The examination will be a question-and-answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.
Employees are required to complete Certification of Understanding & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Transfer/Demotion form.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid operator driver's license and an acceptable driving record (PBA 09/10/01).
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Possession of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.
In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation within a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/ promotion/demotion/transfer.
Employees in this position may work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees are subject to twenty-four/seven (24/7) emergency call-out.
An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
Must meet the City of Dothans employment physical standard, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
Application / Examination
Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.
Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.
An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer
The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:
Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year
Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected
Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama
Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses
Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....
Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.
01
Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty. Rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.
02
Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.
03
Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.
04
If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"
05
Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and/or other authorizations pertaining to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.?
06
List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
07
List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
08
Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in the operation of UAV's ?
09
List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #8. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
10
List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #8. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
11
Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in criminal investigations, intelligence technology, and/or forensics/forensic science?
12
List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #11. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
13
List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #11. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
14
Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in a crime scene unit?
15
List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #14. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
16
List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #14. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
17
Have you successfully completed a UAV tactical flight course?
To receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your completed course by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.
18
Do you possess a current and valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification?
To receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your current and valid certificate by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.
19
This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing to obtain and maintain this certification? Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)
20
This is to certify that I have read and understand the Certification of Understanding of Employment/Promotion/Transfer form for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.
Click here to view form. Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)
21
Do you have a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record?
Click here to view the City of Dothans Motor Vehicle Policy.
22
Will you be at least 21 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement?
23
The City of Dothans Police Department may administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications. Are you willing to take a polygraph?
24
In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing to meet this requirement?
25
This is to certify that I have read and understand the Certification of Understanding & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama. Click here to view form. Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of employment/ promotion/demotion/transfer.)
26
I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at (334) 615-3180 for assistance.
27
Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your examination score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and this supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.
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Personnel Use Only
Required Question
Employer City of Dothan
Address 126 North Saint Andrews Street
Room 116
Dothan, Alabama, 36303
Phone 334.615.3180
Website http://www.dothan.org