Uncrewed Systems Project Support Technician (Center of Excellence)
Apply NowCompany: State of Colorado
Location: Rifle, CO 81650
Description:
Salary : $70,140.00 - $91,188.00 Annually
Location : Rifle, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: DFPC-CoE-11117-042025
Department: Department of Public Safety
Division: Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 275 County Road 352 #2065-A, Rifle, CO 81650.
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Ryan McCombs, HR Specialist, ryan.mccombs@state.co.us.
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Type of Announcement: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
A residency waiver has been granted for these positions. Applications will be accepted from both Colorado residents and non-residents.
An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
While the salary range for this position is listed, employees are normally hired towards the lower end of the range.
This position is required to be onsite full-time.
Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado
Our Core Values -Unity, Honor, Service
CDPS commits to cultivating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment. We ensure that we recruit, retain, and promote engaged employees. Our approach to diversity is simple - it's about embracing everyone! We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. Our strength is our promise to be inclusive with intentional strategies to welcome and uplift our employees to thrive - while building a more equitable workplace. CDPS is an equal opportunity employer. See our CDPS 2022 Equal Employment Opportunity Plan
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Unmatched Benefits:
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to be the Nation's premier state fire organization by acting with foresight, providing bold leadership, enhancing our partnerships, and exemplifying the highest level of professionalism in fire prevention and protection, while building a safe and supportive work environment for our employees.
The Center of Excellence (COE) drives technological advancements to improve firefighting practices and influence innovation across the public safety community.
About the Job
This position reports to the Uncrewed Projects Manager at the Center of Excellence (COE) and supports UAS training and testing projects. The COE manages pilot certification for all CDPS personnel operating UAS according to policy CDPS 1.09.001. This responsibility adds significant work for the Uncrewed Projects Manager, which can impact efficiency in other areas. This position takes on the identified additional duties, including managing and maintaining UAV platforms to ensure they are operational and compliant when needed. The position also identifies any issues with potential platforms that could affect Public Safety operations, both positively or negatively. This position plays a crucial role in helping the COE Unmanned Projects Section balance the needs of local and state departments, COE priorities, and CDPS policies. This position must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Support
Participates in UAS platform demonstrations, maintenance, and operational flights for the COE and other CDPS personal requests. Assists in operating COE's UAV platforms while testing new software for CDPS and local departments. The position will be available to take on additional requests from the Uncrewed Projects Manager to provide the highest customer satisfaction to the Public Safety community. Has thoughtful and sound discussions with the Project Manager regarding UAS and UGV technologies. Travels to UAS conferences, robotics operations training, and presentations to educate interested audiences on the subject of COE's projects.
Outreach and Training
This position finds, reads, understands, and assesses the impact of policies, regulations, cooperator agreements, and other OEM documents, such as operating manuals. Position safely operates various aircraft and equipment in diverse environments, ensuring compliance with safety procedures while transporting personnel and equipment. Coordinates with vendors and participating in demonstrations. Organizational skills are required when conducting maintenance and operational flights for the COE and assisting with UAV operations and software testing for the CDPS and local departments, along with other assigned duties.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience Only:
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is onsite full-time -- five days per week.
APPEAL RIGHTS
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at A standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF AN ACCOMODATION?
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Please direct questions and requests for reasonable accommodations to
NOTIFICATIONS
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "" and "" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - RECRUITMENT TIMELINE INFORMATION
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Please describe your interest in working with DFPC and how your professional experience makes you a good fit for this role.
02
Please describe your experience with the UAVs.
03
Do you hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA? (Please make sure to upload your Remote Pilot Certificate with this application)
04
Are you aware that this position requires successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph as a condition of employment?
05
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
06
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If you are not a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please state "N/A".
Required Question
Location : Rifle, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: DFPC-CoE-11117-042025
Department: Department of Public Safety
Division: Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 275 County Road 352 #2065-A, Rifle, CO 81650.
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Ryan McCombs, HR Specialist, ryan.mccombs@state.co.us.
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Type of Announcement: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
A residency waiver has been granted for these positions. Applications will be accepted from both Colorado residents and non-residents.
An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
While the salary range for this position is listed, employees are normally hired towards the lower end of the range.
This position is required to be onsite full-time.
Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado
Our Core Values -Unity, Honor, Service
CDPS commits to cultivating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment. We ensure that we recruit, retain, and promote engaged employees. Our approach to diversity is simple - it's about embracing everyone! We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. Our strength is our promise to be inclusive with intentional strategies to welcome and uplift our employees to thrive - while building a more equitable workplace. CDPS is an equal opportunity employer. See our CDPS 2022 Equal Employment Opportunity Plan
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Unmatched Benefits:
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
- Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
- State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
- Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
- Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
- We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.
- CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and annual wellness days.
- The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
- Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
- Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to be the Nation's premier state fire organization by acting with foresight, providing bold leadership, enhancing our partnerships, and exemplifying the highest level of professionalism in fire prevention and protection, while building a safe and supportive work environment for our employees.
The Center of Excellence (COE) drives technological advancements to improve firefighting practices and influence innovation across the public safety community.
About the Job
This position reports to the Uncrewed Projects Manager at the Center of Excellence (COE) and supports UAS training and testing projects. The COE manages pilot certification for all CDPS personnel operating UAS according to policy CDPS 1.09.001. This responsibility adds significant work for the Uncrewed Projects Manager, which can impact efficiency in other areas. This position takes on the identified additional duties, including managing and maintaining UAV platforms to ensure they are operational and compliant when needed. The position also identifies any issues with potential platforms that could affect Public Safety operations, both positively or negatively. This position plays a crucial role in helping the COE Unmanned Projects Section balance the needs of local and state departments, COE priorities, and CDPS policies. This position must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Support
Participates in UAS platform demonstrations, maintenance, and operational flights for the COE and other CDPS personal requests. Assists in operating COE's UAV platforms while testing new software for CDPS and local departments. The position will be available to take on additional requests from the Uncrewed Projects Manager to provide the highest customer satisfaction to the Public Safety community. Has thoughtful and sound discussions with the Project Manager regarding UAS and UGV technologies. Travels to UAS conferences, robotics operations training, and presentations to educate interested audiences on the subject of COE's projects.
Outreach and Training
This position finds, reads, understands, and assesses the impact of policies, regulations, cooperator agreements, and other OEM documents, such as operating manuals. Position safely operates various aircraft and equipment in diverse environments, ensuring compliance with safety procedures while transporting personnel and equipment. Coordinates with vendors and participating in demonstrations. Organizational skills are required when conducting maintenance and operational flights for the COE and assisting with UAV operations and software testing for the CDPS and local departments, along with other assigned duties.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience Only:
- Seven (7) years of professional experience with managing and maintaining UAV platforms.
- A Bachelors degree and three (3) years of professional experience with managing and maintaining UAV platforms
- An Advanced degree and one (1) year of professional experience with designing and managing and maintaining UAV platforms
- Hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
- Please upload a copy of your Pilot Certificate with this application
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Ability to make independent and creative decisions when definitive guidance is limited.
- Strong organizational and follow up skills.
- Able to form working relationships with a myriad of stakeholders.
- Self-sufficient, highly motivated and team player.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Must be Colorado resident at the time of application.
- Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 6 months of hire.
- Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam and a fingerprint based criminal history search
- Hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is onsite full-time -- five days per week.
APPEAL RIGHTS
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at A standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF AN ACCOMODATION?
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Please direct questions and requests for reasonable accommodations to
NOTIFICATIONS
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "" and "" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - RECRUITMENT TIMELINE INFORMATION
- Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
- All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
- If six (6) or less applicants apply a numerical structured application review may not be completed.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Please describe your interest in working with DFPC and how your professional experience makes you a good fit for this role.
02
Please describe your experience with the UAVs.
03
Do you hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA? (Please make sure to upload your Remote Pilot Certificate with this application)
04
Are you aware that this position requires successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph as a condition of employment?
- Yes
- No
05
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
- Yes
- No
06
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If you are not a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please state "N/A".
Required Question