Drone Manager

Job description

Overview

Island Conservation seeks an experienced and strategic Drone Operations Manager to lead and expand our drone-based restoration efforts.

This position will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a drone fleet and managing contracted services, with a primary focus on heavy-lift drone baiting operations that support island restoration.

The role includes developing strategic partnerships and business models to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the program.

This position will report to the Director of Impact and Innovation and collaborate closely with the Conservation Innovation Manager to establish effective drone solutions.

The role will also work directly with project managers to support the delivery of effective restoration projects across diverse island ecosystems.

This is a grant-funded position with guaranteed salary support and start-up resources for the first 18 months.

Continued funding will be dependent upon securing revenue from internal and external projects through the implementation of the manager’s business plan.

Location: Remote (Based in New Zealand).

Schedule: 32-hour work week (Tuesday – Friday).

Salary: NZD 90,000 – 115,000 depending on experience and location.

Responsibilities

• Duty: Program management
• Lead the development and implementation of a business plan to deliver effective, compliant, and safe heavy lift drone baiting operations
• Develop, manage, and forecast program budget and costs to ensure long-term sustainability
• Establish and maintain standards, protocols, certifications, regulatory approvals, and insurance for all drone operations or third-party vendors
• Procure and maintain drones, payloads, and supporting equipment to meet operational needs
• Monitor, forecast, and respond to changes in drone legislation to ensure compliance
• Review and approve drone operation and safety plans
• Collaborate with Heads of Operations to support proposals and explore new business opportunities
• Create and present case studies at conferences and workshops to advance drone use in island restoration
• Collaborate with Communications to craft narratives about drone technologies
• Forge and manage strategic partnerships with NGOs, private companies, and government agencies

• Duty: Project management
• Plan and coordinate heavy lift drone baiting operations as part of island restoration projects
• Develop project-specific drone operation plans with interdisciplinary teams
• Secure necessary flight waivers and clearances from aviation and land management authorities
• Ensure compliance with operational plans and regulations
• Manage drone operation teams to deliver projects
• Manage contracts and agreements in line with responsible fiscal practices
• Conduct post-operation reviews and ensure documentation is complete and accurate

• Duty: Innovation and improvement
• Coordinate with the Conservation Innovation Manager to develop and refine new drone-based tools and methods
• Identify and assess emerging drone use cases with teams and experts
• Integrate promising new technologies into Island Conservation’s restoration operations

• Duty: Supervision and capacity building
• Supervise contracted drone pilots as required for project delivery
• Build internal drone operation capacity by training and mentoring team members
• Develop and maintain instructional materials and digital guides for safe equipment use

• Duty: Other
• Support other duties as assigned that align with the position’s scope and goals

Requirements

• Travel: Extensive travel domestically in New Zealand and internationally, approximately 10+ trips per year; trips may be up to 4 weeks in remote island operations
• Physical requirements: Ability to transport and handle heavy equipment up to 50 lbs / 23 kg; work in remote environments
• Fieldwork may involve long days in rugged terrain and basic camping; ability to participate in physically demanding tasks
• Must possess a valid passport and a valid driver’s license
• Must already possess authorization to work from and reside in New Zealand
• Must be able to work hours that overlap with multiple time zones

• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of two years’ experience piloting and managing aircraft or drone operations
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, including remote and contract staff
• Ability to lead others without formal supervisory authority
• Experience developing and managing budgets, business plans, or cost recovery models
• Experience establishing partnerships or service contracts in technical or conservation contexts
• Valid Remote Pilot license certification for New Zealand or equivalent
• Strong understanding of drone technology, aviation regulations, safety protocols, and best practices
• Ability to develop and implement aviation or drone operation safety protocols
• Ability to analyze operational data, forecast costs, and provide business insights
• Ability to communicate complex technical and financial information clearly
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational planning
• Excellent English communication skills
• Demonstrated alignment with Island Conservation’s values and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Desired Qualifications
• Master’s degree in business, aviation management, environmental science, or related field (preferred)
• Experience scaling a drone program in a nonprofit, government, or corporate setting
• Experience securing regulatory approvals and service agreements for international drone operations
• Experience in business development
• Familiarity with fleet and operations management software
• Experience using financial tools to monitor and forecast project viability
• Spanish fluency desirable; additional languages a plus

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply to Include a cover letter (with desired salary and remote location) and a resume.

Island Conservation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and equitable working environment.

We value cultural diversity of our team and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Required Skill Profession

Management & Leadership