RTIC Drone Assistant

Individuals hired will be scheduled to work less than 14 hours per week.

About the role

Under the direction of a Rochester Police pilot, the Real Time Information Center (RTIC) Drone Assistant will provide additional staffing support to RTIC. This position will enhance public safety and improve response efficiency when drone presence is needed or requested. This civilian position will aid sworn police officers, allowing them to remain focused on frontline policing and investigative responsibilities. This is a part-time position intended to provide operational Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) support and limited analytical assistance as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in support of RTIC and field operations, in compliance with FAA regulations, state law, and department policy.
• Deploy UAVs as requested or assigned for situational awareness, search operations, traffic management, perimeter security, disaster response, and special events.
• Provide live aerial video feeds and imagery to the RTIC, command staff, and field units.
• Coordinate UAV operations with patrol officers, command staff, and other public safety agencies as directed.
• Conduct equipment inspections, document flight activity, and maintain UAV logs and records.
• Assist with the storage, handling, and basic maintenance of UAV equipment.
• Monitor incoming calls for service, CAD activity, and records data to assist with situational awareness, officer safety considerations, and emerging incidents.
• Provide real-time situational awareness and operational support to patrol officers, supervisors, detectives, and command staff.
• Monitor and operate department camera systems, including fixed cameras, and other RPD technologies.
• Conduct authorized database queries under the direction of sworn personnel or RTIC supervisors to support active incidents and investigations.
• Track incidents in progress and provide timely updates to responding units and supervisors.
• Assist with major incidents, critical incidents, special events, and planned operations as assigned.
• Assist with open-source intelligence (OSINT) and public information review, as directed, to support investigations and public safety operations.
• Observe and relay relevant information related to suspect activity, public safety concerns, or emerging issues to appropriate personnel.
• Prepare briefings, summaries, and intelligence support materials as directed.
• Ensure assigned RTIC and UAV tasks are performed in compliance with department policies, privacy standards, and applicable legal requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive law enforcement and criminal justice information.
• Document activities, intelligence support provided, and operational assistance during assigned shifts.
• Participate in training related to RTIC systems, UAV operations, data privacy, and emerging public safety technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED and be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• FAA Part 107 Certification (must obtain within one month of hire date).

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public safety, information technology, or a related field.
• Existing and current FAA Part 107 UAV license.
• Prior experience with UAV systems, camera systems, and information databases.
• Prior law enforcement related experience.
• Willingness to appear for court testimony in criminal trial proceedings.

Skills

Knowledge of: Police protocols, drone equipment, mechanics, and operation; evidence preservation.

Skill in: Adhering to strict policies to avoid unauthorized surveillance without a warrant or exigent circumstances.

Ability to: Safely fly and land an unmanned aircraft; maintain flight logs accessible to the public.

Physical and Environmental Criteria

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

Work Level: Light Work — Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

• Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity.
• Frequent demands: handling, reaching.
• Occasional demands: kneeling, climbing, walking.

Sensory requirements: Sight, hearing, and touch.

Environmental conditions: None (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions).

Pay

$30.00 per hour

Schedule

This position will be scheduled with days and times which may vary from week to week, averaging 13 hours per week over the course of a year.