UAS Field Operations Technician/ Skillbridge/ Heartland Drone Services LLC
The UAS Field Operations Technician position provides hands-on training and experience supporting commercial drone operations in agricultural and land-management environments. Participants assist drone pilots with field logistics, equipment staging, battery management, operational safety, and mission readiness. Technicians learn how to maintain efficient workflow during flight operations while supporting safe and compliant procedures in a regulated aviation environment.This role offers practical experience in UAS field operations, teamwork, equipment management, and safety awareness while working alongside experienced pilots and operations personnel. The position prepares participants for civilian careers in drone operations support, aviation field operations, and technical equipment support roles.
Position OverviewThe UAS Field Operations Technician supports commercial unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations by assisting drone pilots with field logistics, equipment preparation, battery management, and operational safety. This role plays a critical part in maintaining efficient workflow during drone missions by ensuring equipment readiness, supporting refilling operations, monitoring safety conditions, and assisting with site setup and breakdown.The position combines technical equipment support with hands-on field operations in agricultural and land-management environments. Technicians work closely with pilots and operations personnel to ensure safe, organized, and compliant flight operations.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist drone pilots during commercial UAS flight operationsManage battery charging cycles and monitor battery readinessTransport, stage, and organize batteries, equipment, and operational suppliesAssist with chemical mixing, loading, and refill operations when requiredServe as a visual observer (VO) during active flight operationsMaintain safe operational zones and monitor surrounding conditionsAssist with field setup, site organization, and operational stagingSupport loading and unloading of drones, generators, and equipmentMonitor equipment condition and report maintenance needsMaintain organized workflow to support efficient mission executionAssist with equipment cleaning and daily inspection proceduresFollow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and operational guidelinesSafety & Compliance ResponsibilitiesFollow company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Adhere to FAA safety guidelines applicable to ground support personnelUse required personal protective equipment when handling chemicals or equipmentSupport risk mitigation practices during field operationsAssist with incident reporting when requiredPreferred QualificationsMilitary, agriculture, construction, or field operations backgroundExperience working with equipment, machinery, or power systemsStrong work ethic and reliability in outdoor environmentsAbility to follow structured safety procedures and checklistsGood communication and teamwork skillsNo prior drone experience is required. Training will be provided.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift and carry 50–75 lbs regularlyAbility to work outdoors in variable weather conditionsAbility to stand, walk, and move around job sites for extended periodsComfortable working around equipment, generators, and agricultural materialsWork EnvironmentOutdoor, field-based work environmentAgricultural and rural operational locationsFast-paced work during active drone missionsSeasonal workload depending on agricultural schedulesCareer Development OpportunitiesThis position provides direct exposure to commercial drone operations and may lead to advancement opportunities such as:Senior Field Operations TechnicianUAS Drone Pilot (with certification)Field Operations SupervisorUAS Operations CoordinatorCompensation Range (Typical Midwest Market)Entry-level: $18 – $22 per hourExperienced technician: $22 – $26 per hourPotential performance or seasonal incentives depending on operational needs
Position may include additional field support tasks as required to maintain safe and efficient operations.
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Interview prep for this program▸
- ▸ "How many of your past SkillBridge interns received full-time offers?" — a serious program knows the number.
- ▸ "Who will my day-to-day mentor be, and what does week one look like?"
- ▸ "The listing says 91 - 120 days — can that flex to my approved window if my command shortens it?"
- ▸ "Is relocation expected for a full-time offer, or can I convert where I am?"
- ✓ Your projected start window and separation date (from your profile)
- ✓ Your command's approval status — even "packet drafted" signals you're serious
- ✓ Your civilian-translated resume bullets (generate them here)
- ✓ A written training-plan ask — you'll need it for your packet anyway