Drone Specialist

Key Responsibilities Drone Strategy & Implementation - Design and implement drone strategies that support mine planning, production monitoring, environmental management, safety inspections, and logistics. - Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and flight protocols for safe and efficient UAV deployment. - Advise on drone hardware and software selection based on project needs and advancements in UAV technology. Flight Operations & Oversight - Conduct and oversee drone flights for volumetrics, terrain mapping, stockpile monitoring, infrastructure inspections, environmental surveillance, and emergency response. - Supervise compliance with SACAA Part 101 regulations and ensure alignment with mine site aviation safety procedures. - Maintain oversight of drone pilots, flight scheduling, and mission approvals. - Data Processing & Analysis - Process drone-captured data into actionable outputs including orthomosaics, digital terrain models (DTMs), 3D models, and GIS layers. - Integrate UAV data into mine planning and monitoring systems, collaborating with surveyors, geologists, engineers, and environmental officers. - Ensure data quality, accuracy, and timely delivery to internal clients using platforms such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft, Global Mapper, ArcGIS, or equivalent tools. System Integration & Automation Champion the integration of AI-driven analytics, real-time telemetry, and cloud-based UAV management systems into operational processes. - Collaborate with IT and survey departments to embed drone solutions into mine ERP and technical workflows. - Evaluate emerging technologies for autonomous flight, obstacle avoidance, thermal imaging, and AI-enabled object recognition. - Fleet & Equipment Management - Manage and maintain the companys drone fleet, including airframes, payloads, sensors (e.g., LiDAR, multispectral), and batteries. - Oversee firmware updates, calibrations, repairs, and documentation to ensure fleet readiness. - Ensure all flights and maintenance logs are up to date and auditable. - Training & Compliance - Train and mentor junior drone pilots and technicians on UAV safety, operation, and data processing. - Maintain company compliance with aviation, safety, and data security policies. - Ensure all operators adhere to SACAA regulations, ROC procedures, and site-specific flight restrictions. Qualifications & Certifications - Education: Degree or diploma in Geomatics, GIS, Remote Sensing, Engineering, or similar technical discipline. - Licensing: - Valid Remote Pilot License (RPL) under SACAA Part 101. - Valid Class 3 Medical Certificate. - Affiliation to a ROC (Remote Operating Certificate) or experience managing drone operations under ROC. - Experience: Minimum 57 years of experience in drone operations, with at least 3 years in an industrial/mining setting. - Proven experience in high-level drone data processing and enterprise drone system management is essential. Technical Skills - Mastery of drone platforms such as DJI Enterprise, SenseFly, Parrot, or fixed-wing UAVs. - Advanced proficiency in photogrammetry and GIS software: Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape, Global Mapper, ArcGIS. - Experience in LiDAR, multispectral sensors, RTK/PPK workflows, and 3D modeling. - Comfortable with cloud-based drone management platforms and telemetry systems. - Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office, data visualization, and CAD/GIS integration. - Proactive in adopting AI-based analytics, automation tools, and real-time monitoring systems. Core Competencies & Attributes - Strategic Thinking: Ability to align drone operations with broader mine and business objectives. - Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of drone systems, hardware specs, flight mechanics, and data architecture. - Leadership: Capable of leading a small team of drone pilots and technicians and managing cross-departmental collaboration. - Efficiency-Driven: Focused on achieving operational accuracy and reducing turnaround time in data reporting. - Resilience: Performs well under pressure, meets tight deadlines, and adapts to field or weather disruptions. - Integrity: Committed to safety, data confidentiality, and ethical UAV operations. - Innovation-Oriented: Passionate about drone tech advancement and bringing smart aerial solutions to mining challenges. Additional Requirements - Valid drivers license and own transport preferred. - Willingness to travel regularly between sites and work outdoors under various environmental conditions. - Must have a clear criminal record and no adverse media exposure. - Willingness to undergo and comply with companys lie detector (polygraph) policy. - Availability for extended hours and weekends when critical flights or emergencies arise. Remuneration - Salary Range: R450,000 R750,000 per annum, depending on licensing, skills, and seniority. - Benefits: May include performance bonuses, travel allowances, and access to professional development programs. - This is a high-reward role in a future-focused company where drone specialists are critical to digital transformation in mining.

Location: Middelburg, ZA

Posted Date: 6/6/2025