APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State’s Office for Research Protections (ORP) seeks a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Drone Operations Analyst in the Research Safety Program.

The ORP, part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, plays a pivotal role in supporting Penn State’s vibrant research community, boasting an annual research expenditure of $1.03 billion and ranking among the top 30 public research universities in the nation. The ORP is comprised of the following programs: Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC), Conflict of Interest, Research Misconduct, Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), Education, Quality and Integrity, Radioisotopes (UIC), Regulated Biohazardous Materials (IBC), Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC/IRE), Controlled Substances, Drone Operations, and Scientific Diving.

The Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Drone Operations Analyst will report to the Director of Research Safety and Compliance. As part of the Research Safety and Compliance team, this role will include the following:

DSO Responsibilities:

• Operationally be responsible for support of the scientific diving program, to include, at a minimum, training needed to become a scientific diver, diver authorizations, review and approval of dive plans, maintenance of diving records, and ensuring compliance with the Penn State and American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards and any applicable federal or state regulations or requirements.

• Assist divers with obtaining and maintaining scientific diver status.

• Administer check-out dives and offer diving opportunities for scientific divers to fulfill the required dives per year.

• Maintain an inventory of University-owned dive equipment and maintenance records. Conduct maintenance checks on dive equipment and repair equipment, as needed. May test and/or inspect all diving equipment used by divers participating in University-sponsored diving activities and apply judgment as to its suitability and safety for the planned dive(s). Test, evaluate, and recommend the purchase of diving equipment by the University and supervise its use.

• Maintain membership and good standing with the AAUS.

• Facilitate safe diving operations and suspend diving operations determined to be unsafe or unwise.

• Work closely with the Diving Control Board (DCB) and serve as a voting member of the DCB.

• Attend the annual AAUS symposium which includes a DSO Orientation.

• Stay current on AAUS training and credentialing requirements for DSOs.

Drone Operations Analyst Responsibilities:

• The Drone Operations Analyst will be responsible for and have authority over all drone operations requests conducted under the auspices of The University, including reviewing and approving requests to operate on University property and/or for University-affiliated activities. This includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Assess the risks involved with flight requests and coordinate with University stakeholders on site authorizations, film agreements, insurance matters, etc., to include but are not limited to the following stakeholders: Police Services, Risk Management and Strategic Communications, as needed, for internal (The University) and/or external requests (third party/contractors).

• Ensure flight safety by working with Penn State drone Safety Pilots to conduct standardization flight checks flight observations with third parties/contractors.

• Conduct Post-Approval Monitoring of approved flight requests.

• Hold a Remote Pilot (Part 107) certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

• Facilitate the Drones Advisory Committee and drone Safety Pilot Community on drones development, safety, privacy, and security standards/practices.

• Conduct drone compliance program reviews to identify program and process gaps, set and deliver compliance program goals.

• Develop and write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) around processes related to drones.

• Create and deliver compliance education and training programs for the drone Pilot Community.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, rules and policies (e.g., FAA/National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requirements) including submitting Certificate of Waiver/Authorization requests, reporting requirements, and will serve as the primary contact with the FAA.

• Troubleshoot issues within the online management system and submit enhancement requests. Provide overall system support to the drone Pilot Community.

  Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The Office for Research Protections is supportive of flexible work arrangements and when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. The location of this position is flexible and can operate in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Travel to locations within the state of Pennsylvania to conduct check-out dives and training is required periodically each year. Additionally, travel to the University Park campus locations to conduct standardization flight checks and flight observations is required periodically each year. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Minimum Qualifications: This position will be filled at an Advanced Professional level. This requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher and 4+ years of technical expertise and experience in research related diving, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Other qualifications include the following:

• Active underwater instructor from an internationally recognized certifying agency is required at time of hire or within 90 days thereof (e.g. PADI, SDI, SSI).

• Scientific diving experience required - engaged in sustained or successive scientific diving activities during the past two years or completed a course in scientific diving that meets the requirements as specified by the most current edition of the AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving.

• Knowledge of and experience in maintenance and repair of a variety of dive equipment.

• Possess risk-based decision-making skills about diving operations to ensure safety.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to summarize and convey technical information to a diverse audience is critical.

• Exceptional professionalism with a strong customer-service orientation required.

• FAA Part 107 certification is required at time of hire or within six (6) months thereof.

  Background Checks: This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

  The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

  Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$56,200.00 - $81,500.00

Salary Structure (https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/compensation/comp-modernization) - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labor-Law-Poster.pdf)

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr11)

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information (https://www.psu.edu/copyright-information)

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