Location
Stratford, London (Abbey Mills – Stratford E15 2RN), with additional base locations at London - Hammersmith (W6 9RS) and Greenwich Storm (SE10 8JL). You will cover a wider area and drive between several different sites, so a full clean UK driving licence is required.

Hours
36 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Salary
£35,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience

About the Role
Join Thames Water as a Drone Pilot and play a critical role in asset inspection by leveraging drones for aerial and underground surveys. This role supports operational excellence by reducing entries into underground assets and improving maintenance planning. You will conduct aerial and underground inspections using drones and photogrammetry tools, capturing and processing high-quality data to create models such as point clouds. Collaboratively develop and execute flight plans with project teams while ensuring compliance with CAA regulations and maintaining accurate flight logs.

In addition to piloting drones, you will mentor and support other drone operators to enhance their skills, ensure UAV equipment is serviceable and available, update dashboards, raise orders for defective equipment, and maintain inventory. During high-demand periods, you will assist below-ground teams and work closely with Catchment Managers and Field Operations Managers to identify survey opportunities. You will also engage with external departments to explore new surveying possibilities and contribute to reducing entries into below-ground assets by 5% as part of the maintenance plan.

Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference while working in a diverse, rewarding environment with excellent benefits and career opportunities. Become part of a team committed to building a better future for customers, communities, and the planet.

Experience
- Knowledge of UK airspace regulations and confined space safety protocols.
- Experience in writing Safe Systems of Work.
- Advanced IT and data processing skills, including Microsoft Excel and dashboard creation.
- 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.

About you
- Strong communication and mentoring skills to support other drone operators.
- Proactive and safety-conscious with a commitment to operational excellence.
- Flexible and willing to assist below-ground teams during high-demand periods.
- Full clean UK driving licence is essential due to travel between sites.

Qualifications
- UK Remote Pilot Licence (GVC) is essential.
- Desirable additional certifications include Confined Space Low/Medium Risk Operative, Work at Heights, First Aid at Work, and DSEAR.
- Extensive UAV operation experience supported by logged flying hours is advantageous.