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Remote Drone Testing Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior GIS Analyst

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$42.58 - $66.07/hr

Classified Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 0151-26A Department: City of Tacoma ... Software research, testing, installation, and upgrades * Maintain and update asset management data ...

New

Remote Drone Testing information

What is remote drone testing?

Remote drone testing refers to the process of evaluating and assessing drones' performance, functionality, and safety from a distance, often using specialized software and communication tools. This typically involves running diagnostics, monitoring flight patterns, and analyzing data without being physically present with the drone. Remote testing helps ensure drones meet regulatory standards and operate safely in various environments, while also allowing for efficient troubleshooting and upgrades. It is commonly used in industries such as delivery, agriculture, and surveillance to maintain and improve drone operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote drone testing specialist?

To thrive as a Remote Drone Testing Specialist, you need a solid understanding of drone technology, flight principles, and troubleshooting, usually supported by a background in engineering, robotics, or a related technical field. Familiarity with drone piloting software, telemetry systems, and certifications such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for reporting test results and collaborating with development teams. These skills ensure the safe, precise, and efficient testing of drone systems, which is vital for product reliability and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in remote drone testing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Remote drone testing professionals often encounter challenges such as connectivity issues, unpredictable weather conditions, and troubleshooting hardware or software malfunctions from a distance. Effective communication with on-site teams and a thorough understanding of remote control systems are crucial for overcoming these obstacles. Staying organized, keeping detailed logs, and participating in regular team meetings can help ensure smooth collaboration and prompt issue resolution in remote settings.

What is the difference between Remote Drone Testing vs Drone Pilot?

AspectRemote Drone TestingDrone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, technical knowledgeFAA Part 107 certification, flying skills
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, office, or remote testing sitesOutdoor, various locations, on-site flying
Industry UsageManufacturers, R&D, testing facilitiesAerial photography, surveying, inspections

Remote Drone Testing involves evaluating drone systems, software, and hardware remotely or in controlled environments, focusing on technical assessments. Drone Pilots operate drones in the field, performing flights for various applications. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Remote Drone Testing emphasizes technical testing and analysis, whereas Drone Pilots focus on operational flying skills.

What job categories do people searching Remote Drone Testing jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Drone Testing jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Remote Drone Testing job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior GIS Analyst

City of Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, WA • On-site, Remote

$42.58 - $66.07/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Salary: $42.58 - $66.07 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 0151-26A
Department: City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
The City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilites are establishing an eligible list for Information Technology Analyst, Senior (GIS) that will be used to fill vacancies for one year.
Vacancies may occur within the following departments:
  • City of Tacoma Information Technology GIS
  • City of Tacoma Enviromental Services GIS
  • Tacoma Water GIS
  • Tacoma Power GIS

This position is to be responsible for the development and maintenance of City Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This includes performing data analysis, customer solutions development, application configuration and development, software integration for GIS applications along with support, maintenance and monitoring of SQL Server geodatabases.
This is a highly technical and professional position. It is distinguished from other technical positions by the requirement to demonstrate expertise in the area of GIS data analytics, systems design, implementation, maintenance support, and overall knowledge of systems integration to ensure high-availability of mission critical systems.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Create, edit, update, and maintain GIS Data residing in a SQL Server/SDE geodatabase virtual server environment and hosted feature layers utilizing appropriate tools and best practices
  • Support in the administration of ArcSDE and ArcGIS Server
  • Develop desktop, web and mobile GIS applications utilizing Esri desktop products, including ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and associated application templates, developer API's and SDK's
  • Develop Data Editing processes and procedures, which may include versioning, for creating and maintaining spatial and attribute data in support of enterprise GIS applications
  • Assist in the installation, updates, configuration and management of ArcGIS Server and SQL Server in a virtual environment
  • Develop and Publish map and editing web services using ArcGIS Desktop and ArcServer
  • Design and maintain daily/weekly/monthly data processing and quality control tasks using ESRI's Data Reviewer tool
  • Help to support, maintain, and promote a geospatially-focused environment
  • Develop and maintain documentation on all relevant information, processes, workflows, and tasks
  • Support the planning and implementation of projects
  • Software research, testing, installation, and upgrades
  • Maintain and update asset management data interfaces
  • Support current and future systems integration with asset management software

Qualifications
Equivalent combination to:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field AND
  • Four or more years directly related information technology work experience
    • Utility GIS work experience preferred

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Some positions may require a valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
  • Some positions may require incumbents to successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check
  • Positions assigned to the Tacoma Police Department may require additional background checks which may include fingerprinting and/or a polygraph test

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Geography, Biology, Business Administration and/or related field
  • Esri Utility Network Experience
  • Development & Testing experience with ESRI's Attribute Rules
  • Professional Leadership Training, Public Speaking, and community service
  • Power, water, and telecommunications Utility experience
  • Python, Arcade, .NET programming experience
  • Current FAA Drone Pilot License and UAS training for GIS applications
  • Successful completion of a GIS Certificate program
  • GIS training in 1 or more of the following areas is highly desired:
    • ESRI's ArcGIS Server (web-based) administration
    • ESRI's ArcGIS Online use and administration
    • ESRI's ArcGIS desktop software
    • Python scripting in the ArcGIS environment
    • ArcGIS Pro software
    • ESRI Data Reviewer extension
    • ESRI's Utility Network Software

Selection Process & Supplemental Information
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on !
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $42.58 - $66.07
Tacoma Power
is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma:
Application Process
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
Do you have an equivalent combination to: bachelor's degree in computer science or related field AND four or more years directly related information technology work experience?(Please note, education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis)
  • Yes
  • No

02
Please describe your experience with ESRI's Utility Network technology
03
Please describe your experience with ESRI's Attribute Rules in ArcGIS Pro 3.5.7
04
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
Required Question