Chief Remote Pilot

• UQ's Collaborative Research Platforms (CRPs)

• Lead groundbreaking RPAS research initiatives while navigating complex regulations, fostering innovation, and spearheading adventures in the skies

• Broaden your career within one of QLD’s largest employers

• Be part of an organisation with a meaningful purpose and impact

• Based at the St Lucia Campus

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions, 17.5% annual leave loading

• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• On campus childcare options

• Discount parking (from just $5.75 a day)

• Salary packaging options

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a visionary leader to fill the pivotal role of Chief Remote Pilot within our esteemed institution. You will spearhead initiatives in collaboration with the Director of the new "UQ Drone Collaborative Research Platform", delivering Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) services for a wide range of applications. This is your chance to shape the future of RPAS technology, ensuring compliance with regulations while supporting innovation and impactful research outcomes. This position reports to the Director, Research Infrastructure.

 If you're passionate about aviation, cutting-edge technology, and making a difference, please join us!

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain capabilities for RPAS research, development, training, and service activities, as the Chief Remote Pilot on UQ’s Operator Certificate (ReOC), working closely with the Director.

• Lead the development and maintenance of RPAS-related documents, including Operations Manual and Safety Management System, adhering to industry standards.

• Review proposed RPAS flights, maintain electronic flight records, and drive innovative enhancements to support Collaborative Research Platform goals.

• Provide support and logistics for RPAS field operations, including piloting VTOL and large multi-rotor platforms, and lead field trips as needed.

• Ensure best practices in RPAS activities through training/workshops for researchers and implementation of quality assurance processes.

• Assist with procurement and maintenance of aviation hardware/software and establish/strengthen relationships with external stakeholders.

This is a Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 4 years. At HEW Level 9, the full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $127,496.67 to $134,829.23 plus a generous super allowance of 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $149,171.11 to $157,750.20 per annum.  As these roles are covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases in line with the Enterprise Agreement.

About You

• Advanced qualifications and/or experience in gaining authorisations for complex flight situations (e.g., BVLOS, swarm, restricted airspace) and deploying RPAS overseas.

• Extensive experience as a drone pilot, holding a CASA Remote Pilot’s License (minimum multi-rotor <25kg) and Radio Operator’s Certificate, experience communicating with CASA and successful development and approval of ReOC/s for drone platforms.

• In-depth working knowledge of RPAS regulations, industry best practices, and standards for research conduct.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills for liaising, preparing reports, negotiating, and managing change effectively.

• Ability to manage and lead technical staff, fostering a positive culture and demonstrating contemporary leadership, especially with Maintenance Controllers.

• Proficiency in handling multiple projects under pressure, meeting deadlines, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

• Experience coordinating complex logistics and fieldwork in remote locations, ensuring smooth operations.

• Previous involvement in developing and amending ReOCs for large organisations with diverse user needs.

In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:

• Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

• Mandatory Immunisations: It is a condition of employment for this role that you will be required to provide evidence of immunisation against certain vaccine preventable diseases.

• Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits. 

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite .

For application queries or to request a copy of the full job description, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Other Information 

At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion .  We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in the broader community, whether that be gender identity , LGBTQIA+ , cultural and/or linguistic , Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples , or people with a disability . Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected] .

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.

Applications close 5 June 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-36824).