Albuquerque, New Mexico
UAS - Aviation Coordinator (EMNRD #10116149)
Job details
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $56,930 - $85,405/yr
- Posted
- Oct 5, 2026
- Apply on
- careers.share.nm.gov
About this role
Salary
$27.37 - $41.06 Hourly
$56,931 - $85,396 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C7
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
The position ensures compliance with aviation regulations, supports firefighters and public safety, expands statewide technical capacity, and delivers actionable information that helps incident commanders identify threats, plan suppression strategies, and safeguard homes, communities, watersheds, and critical facilities. Through program management, training, field leadership, and aviation expertise, the role enhances New Mexico¿s ability to respond to wildfires.
How does it get done?
2. UAS Program Management and Training
3. Mapping, Geospatial Analysis, Infrared (IR), and Data Management
4. Support Division wildfire response operations and Resource Protection Bureau wildfire suppression as needed to prepare for wildfires and manage active incidents.
Who are the customers?
local governments, tribal nations, and non-federal forest landowners.
Ideal Candidate
1. Advanced Wildfire Aviation & UAS Operational Expertise
2. Strong Program Management & Leadership Skills
3. High-Level GIS, Mapping, and Data Analysis Proficiency
4. Wildland Fire Qualifications & Incident Support Capability
Minimum Qualification
Employment Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain any FAA Certificates of Authorization (COA) or waivers needed for state level UAS operations.
- Must possess or be able to obtain NWCG wildland fire qualifications appropriate for aviation and UAS operations, which may include:
- Basic wildland fire qualifications such as FFT2 and ICS 100/200.
- NWCG UAS positions as they continue to evolve (obtain), including UAS Pilot (UASP), UAS Manager (UASM), or other recognized UAS roles when established.
- Completion of NWCG aviation courses such as S 270, S 271, and other aviation safety modules.
- Ability to meet task book requirements for Incident or Aviation positions, including participation in live incidents, simulations, and supervised training.
- Must maintain annual aviation and UAS currency, proficiency, and recurrent flight training consistent with FAA and NWCG standards.
- Must possess or obtain Red Card qualification through NWCG for deployment to wildfire incidents statewide and through interagency partners.
- Must attend required Division and interagency safety refreshers, annual UAS program training, and aviation briefings.
- Must be able to travel frequently for wildfire assignments, training, and interagency operations.
- Must adhere to all federal, state, and NWCG aviation safety regulations and operational protocols.
- Must pass a yearly arduous pack test.
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel throughout the state is required, often on short notice, to support wildfires, all hazard incidents, training assignments, and interagency operations.
- Field work may occur in remote, rugged terrain with limited access, requiring the ability to hike long distances carrying UAS systems, batteries, and safety equipment.
- Exposure to extreme environmental conditions is routine, including high heat, smoke, wind, bright sunlight, and adverse weather common to wildland fire operations.
- The position operates in high risk and fast changing environments around aviation assets such as helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, and multiple UAS platforms. Strict adherence to aviation safety protocols is required.
- Work schedules may include extended shifts, irregular hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency mobilizations during wildfire season or statewide disaster events.
- The role requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, operating UAS equipment, and performing data or mapping tasks that may involve extended screen time or field processing.
- The position must maintain readiness with assigned equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and be capable of rapid deployment to incidents anywhere within New Mexico.
- Coordination with multiple agencies, communication centers, and field personnel requires the ability to work in high stress, high tempo operational environments.
- The role may involve operating vehicles over long distances, sometimes in hazardous or low visibility conditions, including smoke impacted areas or remote forest roads.
- Work includes handling electronic equipment, batteries, charging systems, and sensitive technical systems that require careful management and adherence to safety procedures.
- The position may be exposed to hazards associated with wildfires and emergency incidents, including uneven terrain, falling trees, wildlife encounters, and proximity to active fire suppression activities.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Brian Fox 505-469-9405 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
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