RTIC Drone Assistant

Real Time Information Center (RTIC) Drone Assistant
Limited Appointment Opportunity 
Individuals hired will be scheduled to work less than 14 hours per week
Employment is anticipated to start late March, 2026

Mission - "To provide exceptional service and superior protection by reducing crime and enhancing the quality of life of the first-class community we serve. The Rochester Police will accomplish this through strategic collaboration, along with a commitment to our core values of integrity, service, compassion, respect, and innovation." 

Nature of Work
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 (less than 14 hours per week) intended to provide operational Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) support and limited analytical assistance as assigned.

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together  

WORK 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.

2026 PAY RATE:
$30.00 per hour
To have your application considered in the first round of interviews, please apply by Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment or location. 

*Operate unmanned aircraft (UAV) 

• 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.

*Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) Operations

• 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.

Education and Experience
A high school diploma or equivalent GED and be at least 18 years old.

Licenses and Certifications
Valid Driver's License
FAA Part 107 Certification (must obtain within one (1) 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as 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. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

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

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch

Environmental conditions.  NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)