UAV Supervisor

Surf Life Saving NSW; City of Lake Macquarie; Remote; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

On-site parking

Professional development

Job summary

Surf Life Saving NSW seeks a proactive UAV Supervisor to oversee the Shark Management Program’s UAV operations across the Central Coast and Hunter regions. You will coordinate rostering, inductions, training, asset management, and ensure compliance with SOPs and safety standards.

The role involves remote and in-field support to pilots and staff, with strong emphasis on documentation and reporting. You will liaise with Surf Life Saving Clubs, councils, emergency services, and other stakeholders,

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience in project coordination or service delivery.
• Stakeholder and client management skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day UAV operations across Central Coast and Hunter regions.
• Coordinate staff rostering, inductions, training, and operational support.
• Maintain UAV equipment, stock, and asset readiness.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, safety standards and procedures.
• Complete timely reports and maintain records.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Flight planning

UAV operations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Flight management systems

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised UAV Supervisor to support the delivery and coordination of the Shark Management Program.

This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day UAV operations across Central Coast and Hunter regions, including rostering, staff support, recruitment assistance, asset management, training coordination, compliance, and operational reporting. The successful candidate will help ensure the program is delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with relevant policies, procedures, and SOPs.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy CRP and Team Leader, the UAV Supervisor will provide in-field and remote support to UAV pilots and operational staff. The role will involve coordinating equipment, supporting staff performance, assisting with inductions and training, maintaining operational documentation, and engaging with Surf Life Saving Clubs, councils, emergency services, and other stakeholders.

The role may also support innovation, trials, and service-wide UAV projects, including activities relating to flight planning, capability development, research, and operational improvement.

• Supporting the delivery of UAV operations for the Shark Management Program
• Coordinating staff rostering, inductions, training, and operational support
• Maintaining UAV equipment, kits, stock takes, and asset readiness
• Ensuring compliance with relevant SOPs, safety standards, and operational procedures
• Completing timely reports, AVCRM job logs, Deputy records, and other administration
• Liaising professionally with Surf Life Saving Clubs, councils, emergency services, and community stakeholders
• Supporting project delivery, trials, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Providing remote and in-field support to staff across the operational region

About you

• The ideal candidate will have strong organisational and communication skills, experience in project coordination or service delivery, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• You will be confident working independently and as part of a team, with a proactive approach to problem solving and a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination, administration, or service delivery
• Strong stakeholder and client management skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and support multiple operational requirements
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant flight management systems
• Substantial UAV operations experience or similar technical experience
• Unrestricted motor vehicle licence
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and public holidays
• Willingness and ability to travel as required
• Knowledge of UAV flight planning, regulations, safety standards, and operational requirements
• Background in Surf Life Saving or understanding of lifesaving operations
• Experience with teleoperations, BVLOS flights, or Drone in a Box systems
• Experience working with volunteers or remotely managed teams
• Understanding of radio technology and UAV equipment
• Familiarity with SLSNSW SOPs
• Experience with AI or computer vision systems for public safety applications

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible working options, subject to operational requirements.
• An additional paid day off over the Christmas period.
• Time off in lieu for additional hours worked.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• On-site parking.
• Access to Fitness Passport discounts.
• An Employee Assistance Program supporting your health and wellbeing.
• A positive, driven and supportive organisational culture.
• Salary packaging benefits to help increase your take-home pay.
• Modern, bright facilities with excellent staff amenities.

Location: Remote, working on the Central Coast and Hunter region

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.