UAS Operations Lead | Chief Remote Pilot

NatCarbon Africa; Gqeberha; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

NatCarbon Africa seeks a UAS Operations Manager (Chief Remote Pilot) to establish and run its Part 101 UASOC for the Spekboom Restoration Project. Based in Gqeberha, you will lead flight standards, pilot training, and regulatory liaison with SACAA across multiple sites.

This senior role requires deep SACAA knowledge, proven RPIC leadership, and the ability to design Operations Manual and SOPs, while guiding field teams and ensuring safe, compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Aviation, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, or Engineering.
• Valid RPC certificate with BVLOS rating in progress or achieved.
• Strong SACAA Part 101 regulatory knowledge and UASOC experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, documentation, and submission of UASOC under Part 101.
• Serve as Chief Remote Pilot and RPIC leader across the organisation.
• Set and enforce flight operations standards and SOPs across teams.
• Plan operations for the UAS fleet including approvals and authorisations.
• Lead pilot training and currency-tracking programmes.
• Liaise with SACAA and ensure airworthiness records.
• Investigate incidents and support audits.
• Provide input to Safety Management System (SMS).
• Roster pilots and schedule flights across project teams.

Skills

SACAA Part 101

RPIC leadership

Operations planning

Cross-team leadership

Regulatory writing

Regulatory liaison

Education

A degree in Aviation, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, or Engineering

Tools

GIS software

Photogrammetry

Job description

NatCarbon Africa seeks a UAS Operations Manager (Chief Remote Pilot) to establish and run its Part 101 UASOC for the Spekboom Restoration Project. Based in Gqeberha, you will lead flight standards, pilot training, and regulatory liaison with SACAA across multiple sites.

This senior role requires deep SACAA knowledge, proven RPIC leadership, and the ability to design Operations Manual and SOPs, while guiding field teams and ensuring safe, compliant operations.