How to Be Drone Surveillance Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 12, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for drone surveillance technicians is on the rise due to an increase in the use of drones for surveillance by businesses, law enforcement, and military operations. This has created a need for skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and repair these sophisticated pieces of technology. Drone surveillance technicians must possess a wide variety of technical skills in order to perform their jobs, including knowledge of electronics, computer programming, and mechanics.

they must have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations related to operating drones. As a result of the growing popularity of drones, drone surveillance technicians are in high demand and can potentially earn a lucrative salary.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Many employers require drone surveillance technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take Drone-Related Courses. Drone surveillance technicians should consider taking courses related to drones and aerial surveillance. Such courses may focus on the principles of flight, aerial photography, and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operations.
Earn a Vocational Certificate. Drone surveillance technicians may also consider earning a vocational certificate in drone operations or related fields. Such certificates may be offered at technical schools or community colleges.
Obtain a Pilots License. It is also important for drone surveillance technicians to obtain a pilots license. This will enable them to operate drones legally in most states.
Choose a Specialization. Drone surveillance technicians may choose to specialize in a certain type of surveillance technology, such as thermal imaging or night vision.
Obtain Certification. Drone surveillance technicians may also choose to obtain certification in the use of certain types of software and equipment used in drone surveillance.
Obtain Job Experience. Drone surveillance technicians should also gain experience in the field by interning or volunteering with an organization that uses drone technology.
Keep Up With Industry Trends. Finally, drone surveillance technicians should stay updated on industry trends by reading industry publications and attending conferences and seminars.

The rise of drone surveillance has created a need for highly trained and competent drone surveillance technicians. Without these professionals, modern surveillance systems would not be able to effectively monitor and report on potential threats. To become an ideal and competent drone surveillance technician, one must have a thorough understanding of the technology and its associated applications, as well as the ability to operate and troubleshoot the equipment.

they must possess excellent problem-solving skills, be detail-oriented, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. With all of these qualities, they will be in a better position to help organizations maximize their surveillance capabilities and stay ahead of potential security threats.

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Job Description

Operate drones to collect surveillance data in designated areas.
Monitor and evaluate aerial footage for accuracy and quality.
Troubleshoot and repair any technical issues with drones or related equipment.
Maintain inventory of drone equipment and parts.
Develop flight plans and protocols for surveillance missions.
Collect data and analyze results.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and local laws.
Provide detailed reports of surveillance operations and findings.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure efficient operations.
Monitor airspace for unauthorized activity.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drone operation and maintenance
Expertise in aerial photography and videography
Ability to interpret aerial footage
Proficiency in using mapping and surveying software
Understanding of aviation regulations, laws and safety protocols
Skilled in troubleshooting malfunctioning drones
Experienced in data analysis and reporting
Familiarity with security protocols and network systems
Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills

Being a Drone Surveillance Technician requires a variety of skills, but the most important one is attention to detail. This is because of the high level of accuracy and precision that is required when operating a drone. A Drone Surveillance Technician needs to be able to identify potential safety risks, which can require quick responses and decision-making.

the technician needs to be knowledgeable in the technology and understand the data they are collecting in order to achieve the desired results. Furthermore, understanding the regulations and laws in the area is essential in order to ensure the safety of the public, as well as the drone itself. All of these skills are necessary for a Drone Surveillance Technician to be successful and to ensure the security of their clients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with drone surveillance technology?
How do you stay up to date on the latest drone surveillance technologies?
What challenges have you faced in previous drone surveillance positions?
What processes do you use to maintain accurate records of drone surveillance data?
How do you troubleshoot technical issues that arise while using drone surveillance technology?
How do you ensure accuracy and reliability of drone surveillance data?
What strategies do you use to maximize the effectiveness of drone surveillance operations?
How do you ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding drone surveillance?
What methods do you employ to collaborate with other stakeholders during a drone surveillance mission?
What safety protocols do you use when operating drone surveillance technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Thermal Imaging Camera. Used to detect heat signatures of objects, people, and animals in low light and night time conditions. (eg: FLIR Systems thermal imaging cameras)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A drone used to take aerial images and videos of areas or objects from a certain height. (eg: DJI Phantom 4 Pro)
GIS Mapping Software. Software used to create and analyze geographical maps and data. (eg: ArcGIS)
Video Analytics Software. Software used to automatically detect and analyze objects in videos. (eg: Avigilon Video Analytics)
Networked Video Recorders. Digital video recorders connected to surveillance cameras to record and store captured footage. (eg: Hikvision NVRs)
Motion Sensors. Sensors used to detect motion in a specific area. (eg: PIR motion sensors)
GPS Tracking Devices. Devices used to track the movement of an object or person in real-time. (eg: Traqmate GPS Trackers)
Automated Surveillance Systems. Systems designed to monitor activities in an area using artificial intelligence, automation, and other advanced technologies. (eg: Avigilon Control Center)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
National Institute of Drone Technology (NIDT)
International Association of Drone Pilots (IADP)
Unmanned Systems Association of Canada (USAC)
Small UAV Coalition
Commercial Drone Alliance
Airborne International Solutions Group (AISG)
UAV Manufacturers Alliance (UMA)
Unmanned Aerial Systems Alliance (UASA)
International Drone Pilots Association (IDPA)

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Common Important Terms

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). An unmanned aircraft that is controlled remotely or autonomously.
Remote Pilot. Someone who operates a drone from the ground, often with a controller or remote device.
Autopilot. Technology that enables a drone to fly itself, based on pre-programmed instructions.
Line of Sight (LOS). The direct visual contact between the pilot and the drone.
Flight Path. A planned route for a drone to take from one point to another.
Geofencing. Technology that sets up parameters around a specific area, allowing access only to authorized users and setting boundaries for the drones operation.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). The ability to see the drone with unaided eyes.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). The ability to control and monitor the drone even when it is out of sight.
Mapping. The process of using drones to map an area using photos and videos.
Payload. The equipment and technology carried by a drone during its mission, such as sensors, cameras, and other hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drone Surveillance Technician?

A Drone Surveillance Technician is a professional who operates and maintains unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to capture images and data for surveillance, mapping, inspection, and other purposes.

What qualifications are needed to become a Drone Surveillance Technician?

To become a Drone Surveillance Technician, one must possess the necessary technical skills and knowledge in topics such as aviation, navigation, electronics, mathematics, and computer science. In addition, a valid pilot's license is typically required.

What type of equipment does a Drone Surveillance Technician use?

A Drone Surveillance Technician typically uses a variety of equipment including drones, ground control stations, radio transmitters, cameras, sensors, and software.

What types of tasks can a Drone Surveillance Technician perform?

A Drone Surveillance Technician can perform tasks such as aerial imaging and mapping, monitoring and tracking of objects, aerial inspections, environment and wildlife monitoring, search and rescue operations, and surveillance and security operations.