Drone Operations Officer

Job Introduction
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
- 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**.
- ** Build your Profile.**Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
- ** Write your Supporting Statement.**Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.

**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)**

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.**

**Salary and benefits.**

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 essentia