Drone Operations Officer

If you have experience operating drones and a passion for leveraging drone data to enhance the transport network, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

We have a brand-new role for a Drone Operations Officer to join our award-winning Security and Policing team. You will be responsible for overseeing the administration, deployment, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the authorities drone operations.

This role is vital in ensuring safe, efficient, and legally compliant drone usage, aligning with corporate objectives and industry standards. As the primary point of contact for all drone-related activities, you will coordinate with regulatory bodies, ensure pilot compliance, and uphold safety guidelines.

You will also stay ahead of emerging drone technologies and legislative developments, particularly in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, identifying opportunities to expand and enhance drone usage within the Combined Authority.

What you will be doing.

• Act as the point of contact for the TfWM (Transport for West Midlands) Drone Network 
• Take responsibility for the CAA Operations Manual PDRA01, keeping it up to date, reapplying every 12 months for permission to fly, reviewing civil air publication legislation updates, and ensuring version control revisions are documented
• Manage the email inbox, ensuring all requests and queries received are responded to in a timely manner
• Agree charges for services and ensure invoices are raised and actioned accordingly
• Oversee the safe and legal operation of the Network Resilience Drones, ensuring all risk assessments are completed prior to flying
• Explore future opportunities to develop new technologies for drone services
• Keep a cohort of trained flight observers to support pilots during operational deployments
• Document pre- and post-flight logs, analyse weather conditions, including uploading flight data to ‘Drone Desk’ computer system
• Ensure software updates for hardware/software, maintenance records and equipment testing of the drones are kept in line with the operations manual
• Plan effective drone flight routes

What’s essential.

• General Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Certificate
• Experience of developing and maintaining plans and strategies.
• 2 hours documented flight experience in the last 3 months
• Experience of working in a multi-agency environment, seeking agreement from multiple stakeholders at all levels
• Experience of Operating Drones
• Excellent communication skills with experience of engaging with colleagues/public at a range of levels
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure
• To be vetted to, or be able to be vetted to NPPV level 2 (abv)

Location. 
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. Due to the nature of the role, hybrid working isn't available and you will be expected to be in the office 5 days a week.

How to apply. 
Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.
Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).