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 company’s 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 5–7 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 driver’s 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 company’s 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.

Click Go Apply to apply online!

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