Job Description
Lead innovation in the skies as our Chief Remote Pilot!
Are you an experienced Remote Pilot ready to step into a strategic leadership role? We’re looking for a Chief Remote Pilot to lead our drone operations, drive safety excellence, and shape the future of unmanned aviation within our organisation. This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on flying expertise with leadership and strategic influence.
Why SLSQ?
- You can be based on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, or Gold Coast
- Contribute to an organisation that saves lives!
- Increase your take home pay with Salary Packaging
- Paid parental leave available
- Membership to Fitness Passport
- Employee assistance program EAP for health and wellbeing
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Onsite parking at all office locations
What You'll Do:
- Lead and oversee all remote piloting operations
- Ensure compliance with CASA regulations and organisational policies
- Develop, implement, and maintain operational procedures and safety systems
- Mentor and supervise remote pilots and support their ongoing development
- Manage risk assessments, incident investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and audits
- Support the growth and innovation of drone capabilities across the organisation
About You:
- Working with Children Blue Card or ability to obtain
- Successful completion of the CASA (OCTA) Examination
- CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL Sub 25kg minimum)
- CASA approval/appointment as Chief Remote Pilot
- Extensive experience in UAV operations and aviation compliance
- Strong knowledge of CASA regulations, ReOC requirements, and aviation safety systems
- Proven experience managing multi-site operations and teams
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to develop policies, procedures, and operational frameworks
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work autonomously and provide strategic direction
- Current Surf Life Saving membership and proficient Bronze Medallion – Highly Desirable
- Demonstrated experience in EVLOS, BVLOS, Remote Operations Centre (ROC), or advanced RPAS operations – Highly Desirable
- CASA Instrument Rating Examination (IREX) pass – Highly Desirable
About SLSQ:
Surf Life Saving Queensland is a dynamic, purpose‑driven organisation committed to saving lives and building safer communities. Established in 1930, SLSQ now supports:
- 36,000+ members
- 57 surf lifesaving clubs
- 600+ staff
- Programs reaching 462,000+ community participants annually
Our proud history is built on volunteer dedication, community engagement and a lifelong commitment to beach safety.
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and representative organisation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and people with disability. We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by Work180 If you need assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the application process, please submit this form - https://form.jotform.com/252088501136856.
