UAS Operations Manager (Chief Remote Pilot)

About the role

NatCarbon Africa is seeking a UAS Operations Manager (Chief Remote Pilot) for its Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa. The role leads the establishment and ongoing operation of the company's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Certificate (UASOC) under Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations. It acts as the Chief Remote Pilot and nominated operations post-holder, owning the Operations Manual, flight standards and pilot training and currency, and is the main contact with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The position is based in Gqeberha with travel to project sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, documentation and submission of the UASOC application, including the Operations Manual and Operational Specifications.
• Serve as Chief Remote Pilot, responsible for the standardisation, currency and technical competency of all Remote Pilots in Command.
• Set and enforce flight operations standards, SOPs and pre- and post-flight procedures across project teams.
• Plan the UAS fleet, including aircraft type approvals, airspace coordination and flight authorisations.
• Run pilot training, certification and currency-tracking programmes (RPC, BVLOS, type ratings).
• Liaise with the aircraft post holder and maintenance technicians on aircraft airworthiness.
• Act as the main operational liaison with SACAA, including future scope expansions such as BVLOS approval.
• Investigate flight incidents and occurrences and provide input into the Safety Management System and quality audits.
• Roster pilots, schedule flights and ensure the Operations Manual and IAIP are current at all sites.

Required profile

• Degree or relevant tertiary qualification in Aviation, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Engineering or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Valid Remote Pilot Certificate (fixed-wing and multi-rotor) and BVLOS rating required or in progress.
• Valid AVSEC certificate, and ability to pass a criminal and background check and obtain police clearance.
• At least 5 years' experience in commercial UAS/RPAS operations with exposure to SACAA processes.
• Experience establishing or maintaining a UASOC, and developing Operations Manuals, SOPs and pilot training programmes, is strongly preferred.

Required skills

• Strong working knowledge of SACAA Part 101 regulations and the UASOC process.
• Operational planning, SOP development and standardisation.
• Leadership and coordination of geographically dispersed field teams.
• Written communication for regulatory documents and incident reports.
• Familiarity with photogrammetry, GIS and geospatial workflows is advantageous.

The role involves frequent travel, including to remote locations, and irregular hours during audit and approval periods.