UAV Pilot - Sydney Northern Beaches

Surf Life Saving NSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Salary packaging / FBT benefits

Job summary

Surf Life Saving NSW is seeking qualified UAV Pilots to support Australian UAV Service operations across the Sydney Northern Beaches. You will conduct UAV flights safely under CASA and AUAVS SOPs, log flights, and manage missions using AVCRM and Deputy.

Collaboration with lifeguards, councils and emergency services is essential. Requirements include a current RePL, availability for 5 days/week with split shifts of up to 10 hours, and the ability to commence by 1 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Current Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) for the type and rating of RPA being operated.
• Evidence of RePL qualification uploaded during application.
• Availability to work 5 days per week and split shifts (up to 10 hours/day).
• Commencement from 1 October 2026 across Sydney Northern Beaches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct UAV operations safely and in compliance with CASA and AUAVS procedures.
• Complete flight logs, risk assessments, incident and defect reports.
• Use AVCRM and Deputy to manage missions, rostering and reporting.
• Maintain situational awareness and operational readiness.
• Communicate professionally with teams, councils and emergency services.

Skills

RePL

UAV operations

CASA rules

Microsoft Office

Deputy

Microsoft Teams

Education

RePL certificate

Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate

Tools

AVCRM

Deputy

Job description

Surf Life Saving Services is seeking qualified UAV Pilots to support Australian UAV Service operations across the Sydney Northern Beaches.

This is a targeted recruitment campaign for candidates who already hold a current Remote Pilot Licence, have 5 days per week availability, and are available to commence work from October 2026 under a split-shift operational arrangement.

At this stage, we are only considering applicants who:

Already hold a current RePL, with evidence required to be uploaded as part of the application

Are available to work 5 days per week

Are available to work split shifts, up to a maximum of 10 hours per day

Are available to commence in early October 2026

Are able to work across Sydney Northern Beaches locations

Applicants who do not currently hold a RePL, or who have less than the required availability, will not be considered for this recruitment intake.

Employment Options

Successful applicants may be considered for one of the following arrangements:

Fixed Term UAV Pilot contract until 30 June 2027
This arrangement includes a minimum of 46 hours per fortnight, paid at the applicable base rate, with access to eligible salary packaging / FBT benefits.

About the role

As a UAV Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting UAV operations safely and professionally in line with CASA requirements, AUAVS Standard Operating Procedures, and relevant operational guidelines.

You will work closely with UAV Supervisors, lifeguards, Surf Life Saving Clubs, councils, emergency services, and other stakeholders to deliver safe and effective flight operations.

• Conducting UAV operations safely and in compliance with CASA and AUAVS requirements
• Completing flight logs, risk assessments, incident reports, defect reports, and other required documentation
• Using systems such as AVCRM and Deputy to manage missions, rostering and reporting
• Maintaining strong situational awareness during operations
• Assisting with equipment checks, setup, charging, and daily operational readiness
• Communicating professionally with team members, councils, emergency services, and members of the public
• Participating in training, inductions, proficiency checks, and specialised operational activities where required
• Promoting a positive safety culture and contributing to continuous improvement

About you

The successful applicant will have:

• A current RePL for the type and rating of RPA being operated
• Evidence of RePL qualification available for upload during the application process
• Availability to work 5 days per week under a split-shift arrangement
• Availability to commence from 1 October 2026
• Strong experience and technical knowledge of UAV operations
• Strong organisational, administrative, and problem-solving skills
• A professional attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Deputy, AVCRM, and database systems
• A strong commitment to safety, compliance, and ethical workplace practices
• Willingness to travel daily to various Sydney Northern Beaches locationsAvailability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
• A general understanding of weather forecasts and current conditions
• Previous involvement in Surf Life Saving NSW UAV programs
• Understanding of Surf Life Saving procedures, practices, and policies
• Working knowledge of WHS requirements
• Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate, or willingness to obtain one

What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to contribute to an important public safety program
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Access to Fitness Passport discounts
• Employee Assistance Program support for your health and wellbeing
• A positive, driven and supportive organisational culture
• Eligible salary packaging / FBT benefits for fixed term employees

Location: Sydney Northern Beaches
Position: Casual or Fixed Term, depending on suitability and operational requirements
Commencement: Immediately

About SLSNSW

Surf Life Saving NSW is the state's primary water safety and rescue organisation and one of the largest volunteer movements in the country. We support more than 83,000 members across 129 clubs to serve the community through beach patrol services, coastal emergency response, training and education, sport and junior development.

Surf Life Saving NSW is an equal opportunity employer, and we embrace and celebrate the diversity of our people.

Please note that only suitably experienced applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in working with Surf Life Saving NSW.