GeoSearch is actively looking for a Director of Flight Operations to work on-site in Cedar Falls, IA. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Departmental

• Cooperate with Senior Management to design and implement business strategies, plans, and procedures. Set comprehensive goals for performance and growth.
• Exhibit servant leadership and encourage maximum performance and dedication of employees.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of flight crews and department by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics and establish corrective actions as needed. Prepare detailed reports for current and forecast operations.
• Coordinate data with our flight crews and subcontracting flight crews. 
• Ensure department staffing needs are met.
• Attend weekly management meetings.
• Maintain and extend your own professional development to stay current with required professional and vocational licensing.
• Ensure regular and thorough operational training of flight crews. 
• Demonstrate growth and adaptability with software and hardware used within the company.
• Must be prepared to change schedule or work overtime as needed for the successful completion of a project and/or task.
• Keep flight equipment in operational readiness by planning, directing, and coordinating the operations of aircraft maintenance in accordance with government and airport laws, rules, regulations, and safety policies. 
• Make recommendations to keep company operations up to date through purchase of new equipment and/or technology.
• Report any problems of equipment, software, and projects to the CEO as soon as possible.
• Project a professional appearance and cooperative attitude, always maintain high ethical standards of confidentiality in representing the company to ensure a professional representation.
• Review and approve flight personnel timesheets and expense reports.
• Comply with company handbook and guidelines.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the CEO.

Project Management

• Ensure successful collection and delivery of all projects under your direction to Production. Consistently meet contract specifications, schedule, and deliverables.
• Coordinate, schedule, and conduct project kickoff meetings for all projects assigned as Project Manager.
• Conducts pre-flight planning, acquisition, post-flight processing and quality control. 
• Establish contracts and coordinate all activity with subcontractors, teaming agreements, and work orders with specifications as agreed to with the Geospatial Solutions Manager.
• Prepare monthly work-in-progress (WIP) tracking and accounting reports.

Client Sales

• Manage, maintain, and build trusted relationships with key customers, clients, partners, stakeholders, and vendors.
• In coordination with the Geospatial Solutions Manager prepare project estimates, review mission planning, and set project schedules.
• Keep the Geospatial Solutions Manager fully informed each day on flight activities and priorities so all collection is performed to meet project and client goals.

Required Qualifications

• Local residency in the Cedar Falls, Iowa area.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit strong servant leadership skills
• Plan, organize, and function effectively in a dynamic environment, addressing multiple demands of production with minimal direction from supervisor
• Dedication and commitment to client satisfaction and company probability
• Strong supervisory and organizational skills
• Maintain internet service at home

Recommended Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required. 
• Valid driver’s license (subject to regular driving record checks)
• Commercial Pilot license and current medical
• Private Pilot and sUAS Remote Pilot in Command certificate is preferred, minimum of Private Pilot certificate required.
• Knowledge of sensors (imagery & lidar), and aviation is preferred and beneficial.
• Strong mechanical aptitude to repair aircraft, sensors, and other gear.
• Two years or more experience in a related field required. Background must include aviation and photogrammetry.