Drone Pilot

Fem Recruitment; Middelburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in drone-based services is seeking a skilled UAV operator in Middelburg, South Africa. The ideal candidate will be responsible for conducting UAV flights, data collection, and ensuring safety compliance according to aviation regulations. Experience in using photogrammetry and mapping software is essential, along with a valid Remote Pilot License. Competitive remuneration and bonuses are offered, along with opportunities for professional development in an innovative working environment.

Benefits

Potential bonuses

Travel allowance

Access to professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of commercial drone flying experience.
• Valid Remote Pilot License according to SACAA.
• Strong skills in photogrammetry and mapping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct UAV flights for stockpile measurements and inspections.
• Capture and process aerial imagery for mine planning.
• Ensure compliance with SACAA regulations during operations.

Skills

Drone Operation

Photogrammetry

GIS

Education

Matric certificate (Grade 12)

Post-matric technical or GIS qualification

Tools

Pix4D

DroneDeploy

ArcGIS

Global Mapper

Job description

• Conduct UAV flights for a variety of applications including stockpile volume measurements, infrastructure inspections, tailings dam monitoring, and environmental audits.
• Ensure flights are executed safely, accurately, and in accordance with aviation regulations and internal operational protocols.

Data Collection & Processing

• Capture high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR data where applicable.
• Process drone-captured data using relevant photogrammetry and mapping software (e.g., Pix4D, Drone Deploy, Agisoft Metashape) for use in mine planning, environmental compliance, and operational reporting.
• Generate orthomosaics, DEMs, 3D models, and survey-grade maps for internal stakeholders.

Equipment Management

• Maintain and service UAV hardware and associated equipment.
• Conduct pre-flight checks, calibrations, and troubleshoot any technical issues to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensure all drone operations are logged, batteries are charged and maintained, and firmware / software is up to date.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Part 101 regulations.
• Uphold all health and safety policies on site during drone operations.
• Work closely with surveyors, environmental officers, mine planners, and geologists to support cross-functional data requirements.
• Compile reports, flight logs, and analysis summaries for each operation.
• Communicate effectively with line managers and support accurate integration of UAV data into mining workflows.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Minimum Education : Matric certificate (Grade 12) required; post-matric technical or GIS qualification advantageous.
• Licensing :
• Valid Remote Pilot License (RPL) as per SACAA Part 101 requirements.
• Valid Class 3 or higher medical certificate.
• Valid ROC association or affiliation (or ability to operate under a company ROC).
• Experience : 35 years of commercial drone flying experience, ideally in mining, construction, surveying, or agriculture.
• Experience in mapping, volumetric analysis, and photogrammetry is essential.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in operating a range of professional drones (e.g., DJI Matrice, Phantom 4 RTK, Mavic 3 Enterprise).
• Strong skills in photogrammetry, GIS, and mapping software such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, ArcGIS, or Global Mapper.
• Ability to interpret and work with 3D models, CAD overlays, and mine plans.
• Willingness to adapt to AI-driven drone software and data analysis tools.

Remuneration

• Salary Range : R300,000 R550,000 per annum (depending on experience, licensing, and drone specialization).
• Package Includes : Potential bonuses, travel allowance, and access to professional development opportunities.
• The company offers a high-reward culture where excellence and innovation in drone-based services are recognized and incentivized.