Reno, NV 89521
Date posted: 05/22/2026
Pay: $75,000 – $90,000 per year (DOE)
Job description: Health, Safety & UAV Aviation Safety Manager
Our Reno, Nevada office is currently seeking a Safety Manager to lead our Safety Management System (SMS) and our UAV aviation safety program. The position would be predominantly office-based but would require travel several times per month to remote field sites and visit our field crews in support of our Safety Management System.
Zonge performs both ground and UAV drone based geophysical surveys throughout the western U.S and is in a period of growth. We also have an instrument engineering and manufacturing office in Tucson, Arizona. The right candidate would be able to contribute some time to managing the Health and Safety of the office environment as well as the field.
Responsibilities of the Health and Safety Manager:
· Ensuring that field crews are prepared from a health and safety standpoint before leaving the office. This includes checking that the crew members have the proper training, vehicles are in working order and properly equipped with required PPE and field gear, and that the crew understands the Health and Safety Plan for the project. · Manage Zonge’s UAV Aviation Safety Program as the primary owner. Ensuring that our UAV aviation safety program remains in compliance with the Basic Aviation Risk Standards for Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (BARS for RPAS). BARS for RPAS Audit Program - Flight Safety Foundation
· Oversee Zonge’s Part 107 remote pilots; maintain pilot currency records, flight logs, and equipment maintenance records; coordinate FAA airspace authorizations, waivers, and (as applicable) emerging BVLOS / Part 108 framework requirements.
· Develop and review pre-flight risk assessments, flight plans, and emergency procedures for UAV-based geophysical surveys; investigate any UAV incidents or near-misses and implement corrective actions.
· Conducting frequent audits of our crews in the field including any subcontractors.
· Help onboard any subcontractors to follow Zonge’s Safety Management System.
· Work with the Corporate Safety Officer (CSO) and other managers to improve our documentation, policies, and procedures.
· Help write safety bulletins that are distributed to the crews. · Coordinate and/or deliver MSHA Part 46 and Part 48 training for crews working on surface and underground mine sites; maintain training records and ensure all required client-site orientations are completed before mobilization.
· Manage our systems of capturing risks and developing mitigation strategies.
· Manage our systems of incident reporting and work with the CSO to investigate any incidents that occur.
· Willing to do any additional training required and be open to taking on new responsibilities. Required Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Safety Management, Mining Engineering, or Aviation Safety, OR an equivalent combination of education and a minimum of five (5) years of progressive HSE experience in field-based operations.
· Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and demonstrable experience managing UAV/UAS aviation safety in a commercial operation. Familiarity with BARS for RPAS, ICAO Annex 13 investigation principles, and SMS (Safety Management System) frameworks strongly preferred.
· Self-motivated; able to take initiative and effectively prioritize work.
· Basic to intermediate computer skills.
· Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
· Ability to work in a team environment.
· Must be willing to directly address safety compliance issues.
· Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
· Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications:
· BCSP certification (CSP, ASP, OHST, CHST, or SMS) or SME Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP).
· MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 instructor approval (or willingness to obtain).
· Current First Aid / CPR / AED certification; Wilderness First Aid or WFR a plus given remote-site work.
· OSHA 30-Hour General Industry or Construction.
· Prior experience in geophysical, mineral exploration, mining, or other remote field-services environments. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
· Office-based work using a computer for extended periods.
· Ability to travel to remote field sites in the western U.S., often involving driving on unimproved roads and walking over uneven terrain.
· Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally (field equipment, PPE, safety supplies).
· Exposure to outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, sun, wind, dust, and high elevation; comfortable wearing required PPE.
· Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Zonge International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Zonge undertakes drug and alcohol testing as allowed by law and pursuant to its Drug and Alcohol Policy. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), national origin, citizenship status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Nevada, or local law. Zonge complies with the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Nevada Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act and will provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, as well as for known disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
· 401(k)
· Dental insurance
· Health insurance
· Health savings account
· Life insurance
· Paid time off
Willingness to travel:
· 25% - 50%
Work Location: Hybrid, office and at remote field locations
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- UAS Pilot: 1 year (Preferred)
- Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
