Drone Pilot

We have an exciting opportunity to join Thames Water as a Drone Pilot. The Above and Below Ground Drone Operative plays a critical role in asset inspection, leveraging drones for aerial and underground surveys. The role supports operational excellence by reducing entries into underground assets and improving maintenance planning. When not operating drones, you will assist below-ground teams during high-demand periods, support other drone operators in skill development, and ensure equipment readiness.

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• Conduct aerial and underground inspections using drones and photogrammetry tools.
  
• Capture and process high-quality data to create models like point clouds.
  
• Develop and execute flight plans collaboratively with project teams.
  
• Ensure compliance with CAA regulations and maintain accurate flight logs.
  
• Mentor and support other drone operators to enhance their piloting skills.
  
• Ensure UAV equipment is always serviceable and available.
  
• Update dashboards, raise orders for defective equipment, and maintain inventory.
  
• Assist below-ground teams during high-task periods.
  
• Work with Catchment Managers and Field Operations Managers to identify survey opportunities.
  
• Engage with external departments to explore new surveying opportunities.
  
• Contribute to reducing entries into below-ground assets by 5% as part of the maintenance plan.
  

Base locations: London - Hammersmith (W69RS), Greenwich Storm (SE108JL) or Abbey Mills – Stratford (E152RN). You will cover a wider area and drive between several sites, therefore a full clean UK driving licence is required.

Working pattern: 36 Hours per week (Mon-Fri).

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• Essential Certification: UK remote pilot licence GVC.
  
• Knowledge of UK airspace regulations and confined space safety protocols.
  
• Microsoft Platforms, including Excel and knowledge of producing dashboards and pivot tables.
  
• Experience in writing Safe Systems of Work.
  
• Advanced IT and data processing skills.
  
• Ability to balance aerial and ground-based tasks effectively.
  
• Works well across teams and supports skill development in others.
  
• Seeks opportunities to optimise processes and reduce manual interventions.
  
• Prioritises compliance with safety regulations for confined space and flight operations.
  

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• Extensive UAV operation experience, supported by logged flying hours (desirable).
  
• Confined Space Low/Medium Risk Operative certification.
  
• Work at Heights.
  
• First Aid at Work certifications.
  
• DSEAR.
  

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• Salary between £35,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
  
• Annual Leave: 26 days per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
  
• Company Van provided.
  
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
  
• Access to benefits for health, wellbeing, and finances, including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.
  

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving more than 16 million customers. We aim to build a better future for customers, communities, people, and the planet. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive place to work and support adjustments as needed during recruitment.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.