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.

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

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

Essential Certification: UK remote pilot licence GVC.

What you’ll be doing as a Drone Pilot:

• 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.

What you should bring to the role:

• Desirable Qualifications (Training will be supplied): Confined Space Low/Medium Risk Operative certification.
• Work at Heights First Aid at Work certifications.
• DSEAR Experience: Extensive UAV operation experience, supported by logged flying hours, is desirable.
• 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 Works.
• 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.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary between £35,000 to £40,000 depending on skills and experience.
• Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Company Van provided.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.