Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)/Drone Operations Part-time Instructor

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Job Title:
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)/Drone Operations Part-time Instructor
Agency:

Columbus Technical College

Job Requisition ID:
JR0000007993
Shift:
Not Applicable (United States of America)
Compensation Details:

Job Description:

Columbus Technical College is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Adjunct Instructor to support the development and delivery of its Drone Operator Training Program. This position will provide classroom instruction, practical flight training, and hands-on technical demonstrations designed to prepare students for safe and effective drone operations, including preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification examination. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems, practical flight experience, and a passion for helping students develop industry-relevant skills. The program will serve a diverse student population, including transitioning military service members, veterans, working professionals, and community members interested in pursuing careers or expanding their capabilities in unmanned aviation. This position is part-time/exempt.

Responsibilities:

- Deliver classroom and hands-on instruction in small unmanned aircraft systems operations
- Prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification examination
- Teach FAA regulations, airspace classifications, weather, aviation safety, and flight planning
- Conduct supervised drone flight training, including preflight inspections, basic maneuvers, emergency procedures, and mission execution
- Instruct students in drone systems, flight controllers, batteries, sensors, and supporting equipment
- Introduce students to mission planning software, ground control stations, and autonomous flight operations
- Demonstrate proper equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational risk management
- Maintain a safe training environment and ensure compliance with applicable FAA regulations and institutional safety procedures
- Evaluate student performance through written assessments, practical exercises, and flight proficiency demonstrations
- Assist with curriculum refinement, instructional materials, and program development to maintain alignment with emerging industry technologies
- Collaborate with Economic Development staff to support program scheduling, equipment readiness, and student success

Minimum Qualifications:

- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required)
- Demonstrated work experience operating small unmanned aircraft systems
- Working knowledge of FAA Part 107 regulations, airspace requirements, and safe drone operations
- Ability to conduct classroom instruction and supervise practical flight training
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with students possessing varying levels of technical knowledge and aviation experience
- Ability to maintain a safe, professional, and engaging learning environment

Preferred Qualifications:

- Two or more years of professional or operational sUAS experience
- Previous experience as an instructor, trainer, evaluator, or aviation educator
- Experience developing or delivering FAA Part 107 examination preparation courses
- Military, law enforcement, emergency management, public safety, or commercial drone operations experience
- Experience with DJI, PX4, QGroundControl, or comparable flight control platforms. Knowledge of autonomous flight, mission planning, aerial mapping, photogrammetry, or drone-based inspections
- Experience with drone maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, or system troubleshooting
- Familiarity with aviation safety management and operational risk assessment
- Experience developing instructional materials, practical training exercises, or competency-based assessments

Salary/Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with education/experience. No benefits.

Application Deadline:

Applications accepted until filled. Applicants must submit a Columbus Technical College employment application online and upload a resume and copy of transcript(s) at time of application (Incomplete submissions will not be considered). **Please note: All references will be checked prior to employment offer. Post offer requirements will include a criminal background check and motor vehicle records check. **

Please note:  If you are a current retiree of the State of Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS) or Employee’s Retirement System (ERS), you must contact your retirement system prior to working for Columbus Technical College and verify your eligibility to work and the work hour limitations. Failure to comply with the retirement system’s requirements may cause a delay or stoppage of your retirement pay.  Upon hire, you must notify Columbus Technical College Human Resources Department of your retirement status.

Employment Policy:
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Columbus Technical College is an equal opportunity employer. All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the person is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution’s ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For nondiscrimination information, please contact:

- ADA/Title I, Title VI, Title VII and Title IX Coordinator for Employment – Jennifer Thompson - 706.649.1883 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
- Title VI, Title VII and Title IX Coordinator for Students Felicia Harris – 706.641.5032 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
- ADA/Title II & Section 504 Coordinator - Olive Vidal-Kendall – 706.649.1442 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

All coordinators can also be reached at Columbus Technical College, 928 Manchester Expressway, Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.