Let Your Career Take Flight with a Certificate in Drone Technology

Let Your Career Take Flight

with a Certificate in Drone Technology

If you’re looking for a career that will get you out of the office and out into the world, consider drone technology! “We want the student experience to be enriching and educational. Drones are fun to fly! Students are able to fly advanced models with cutting-edge GPS and cameras. We emphasize mapping applications as it is one of the leading sub-sectors in this emerging industry,” said Jeffrey Miller, geography/unmanned aerial systems (UAS) professor. DVC initially developed a drone course as an elective within Geographic Information Systems/ Global Positioning Systems (GIS/ GPS) to introduce interested students to UAS technology. “We soon realized that with the growing number of drone-related applications, one drone course would not suffice,” said Michael Quinn, geography professor and drone certificate coordinator at DVC. DVC now offers two options for certificates in drone technology. Both certificates also prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Drone Pilot License Exam required for commercial drone operations.

Photo Credit: Reya Martin

STUDENT SUCCESS Drone Technology at DVC

DVC drone technology coursework covers UAS flight operations, safety procedures, data acquisition and processing.

Certificate of accomplishment:

• Complete two core courses in drone technology:

GEOG 164 - Fundamentals of

Drone Operation and Licensing

GEOG 165 - Drone Remote Sensing

Certificate of achievement with specialization:

• Complete the above core drone courses • Complete an additional six units from ONE of the following disciplines: administration of justice art digital media biology business and entrepreneurship environmental science geography and geospatial horticulture

Career Paths

The program at DVC prepares students to enter a myriad of fields that utilize drone technology. Although the certificate programs are relatively new, students are already experiencing success. Several students have already passed the FAA drone pilot exam. “A certified drone pilot can work in marketing, public safety, utilities and infrastructure, engineering, architecture, geotechnical companies, or with a commercial drone services company,” said Quinn. For professionals looking for a way to enhance skills in a related field, drone technology offers many opportunities. “Flying a drone is the easy part. It’s the data acquisition and processing that sets our students apart. A biologist may hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, but the job description may call for extensive field work and mapping,” said Miller. Students studying business and entrepreneurship may also find interest in DVC’s drone technology program. “For drone technology, it might be wise to look at trends that push money into drones, such as fighting fires or crime. Understanding where the money comes from helps drone entrepreneurs decide what services to offer,” said Ryan Buckley, an entrepreneur and associate professor for business administration. Buckley is also the chair of the Diablo Valley Tech Initiative (DVTI), an organization that got its start within the DVC business administration department’s advisory board.

“DVTI is actively reaching out to drone company CEOs throughout the Bay Area and around the state. We’re telling them about the great opportunity to build drone businesses in the Diablo Valley. Contra Costa County has two countyowned airports at Byron Airport and Buchannan Fields. Both are permitted for certain types of unmanned aerial systems testing,” said Buckley.

Job Outlook

“This is a growing industry. In the past, large companies were more likely to hire a small group of drone service providers. Now these companies have shifted to developing drone programs in-house, and they are looking to hire drone staff,” said Miller. Annual salary depends on experience and education level. According to Salary.com*, the salary range for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilot in California is anywhere from $45,048 to $124,669, with a median salary of $89,239. For more information about the drone technology program, visit www.dvc.edu/drone-technology.

* Source: https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav-pilot-salary/ca

Reya Martin

Drone Technology

Martin highly recommends DVC’s drone technology program for students interested in this exciting Reya Martin is currently field. pursuing a certificate of “The program is excellent for achievement in drone those looking to complete the technology at DVC. Reya Martin FAA pilot exam, add a new skill to “My main goal is to use my their resume and/or learn about drone skills for wildlife conservation. The drones in general and their applications,” conservation sector already uses drones said Martin. Martin highly recommends to help struggling species in the wild, DVC’s drone technology program for and I aim to help in this regard,” said students interested in this exciting field. Martin. “In my opinion, the drone tech program Even though she won’t graduate until this is excellent for those looking to complete spring, Martin already passed the FAA the FAA pilot exam, add a new skill drone pilot exam. to their resume and/or learn about “The first drone class I took, GEOG 164, drones in general and their applications. covered most of the information included Drones have been, and still are, rapidly on the FAA drone pilot exam. The class’s becoming a larger part of the workforce, guidance and resources definitely helped so I believe it is both wise and practical me pass,” said Martin. to pursue the program,” said Martin.

Cyrus Khambatta

Drone Technology

Cyrus Khambatta was introduced to drone technology through his enrollment in DVC’s Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning Systems (GIS/GPS) program. “The remote sensing class piqued my interest. When DVC offered a program that was focused on preparing you to become a successful drone pilot, I knew I had to enroll,” said Khambatta. Khambatta has completed several programs at DVC. He has earned associate in science degrees in environmental science, computer Cyrus Khambatta science and GIS/GPS. This year, he completed a certificate of achievement in drone technology. These programs have been invaluable and have made a difference in his career. “I am a Geospatial Technician at GeoWing Mapping Inc. I process light detection and ranging data and annotate and mark high resolution maps of proposed projects. The drone technology program helped me get my Part 107 UAV commercial pilot’s license,” said Khambatta.