CHIEF DRONE PILOT – Hippo Valley Estates 74 views

VACANCY 

 

 

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Hippo Valley Estates Limited

CHIEF DRONE PILOT

 

 

Reporting To: Security Manager – Triangle
Location: Triangle (covering Triangle and Hippo Operations)

 

 

Purpose of Role: The Chief Drone Pilot will lead and manage the company’s drone surveillance operations across both Triangle and Hippo Valley. The role is responsible for planning, execution, compliance, risk management, maintenance oversight, data security, and the performance of all surveillance-related drone activities. The Chief Drone Pilot will ensure optimal utilization of drone assets to enhance situational awareness, reduce security risks, and support the company’s strategic loss control objectives.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Strategic & Operational Leadership

 

 

• Provide overall leadership and coordination of drone surveillance operations for both Triangle and Hippo.

• Develop and implement drone deployment strategies, flight schedules, and surveillance patrol plans aligned with loss control priorities.

• Ensure consistent and standardized operating procedures across both estates.

 

 

Surveillance Operations

 

 

• Oversee daily flight operations, including routine patrols, night missions, emergency deployments, and incident-specific flights.

• Analyse aerial surveillance data and provide actionable insights to security management.

• Coordinate rapid drone response to security alerts, theft incidents, field anomalies, cane fires, and boundary breaches.

 

 

Compliance & Regulatory Management

 

 

• Ensure full compliance with national aviation regulations (RAZ, CAAZ) and company drone policies.

• Maintain all necessary pilot licenses, certifications, and operational permits for both the chief pilot and subordinate pilots.

• Conduct periodic audits to evaluate adherence to safety, airspace rules, and flight protocols.

 

 

Team Leadership & Training

 

 

• Lead, mentor, and supervise eight drone pilots across Triangle and Hippo.

• Develop training programs to enhance pilot competency in surveillance, safety, emergency manoeuvres, and data management.

• Conduct performance reviews, discipline management, and skills assessments for the drone team.

 

 

Drone Fleet & Equipment Management

 

 

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of the drone fleet, including batteries, sensors, cameras, and control stations.

• Maintain asset registers, service logs, and maintenance records for all equipment.

• Ensure optimal availability of drones for surveillance operations across both estates.

 

 

Data Management & Security

 

 

• Ensure secure handling, storage, and transmission of aerial surveillance footage, images, and reports.

• Safeguard sensitive information related to security operations, patrol routes, and incident data.

• Implement data retention protocols and ensure compliance with internal security policies.

 

 

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

 

 

• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly surveillance reports highlighting trends, incidents, and operational performance.

• Engage closely with Triangle and Hippo Security Managers to align surveillance priorities with estate-specific security risks.

• Serve as the technical lead for all drone-related matters during investigations, audits, and management reviews.

 

 

FINANCIAL PARAMETERS

 

 

• Actual versus budgeted headcount

• Accurate employee master data

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

 

 

• Valid Remote Pilot License (RPL) with experience in surveillance or security operations.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in drone operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead pilot role.

• Demonstrated experience in night flying, emergency response, and multi-drone management.

• Strong understanding of aviation regulations and drone compliance requirements.

• Experience working in security, loss control, or military/policing environments is an added advantage.

 

 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

 

 

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Excellent situational awareness and decision-making skills.

• Advanced drone piloting skills (manual and automated flight modes).

• Solid technical understanding of drone hardware, sensors, and software.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

• Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to emergencies.

 

 

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

 

 

• High discipline and commitment to operational excellence.

• Vigilance and strong security-mindedness.

• Reliability, accountability, and ethical responsibility.

• Proactive, innovative, and adaptable to evolving security threats.

 

Job Summary

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Job Type

Contract

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Location

Zimbabwe

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Closing Date

December 14, 2025