Unmanned Aircraft Inspector

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service offer distinctively different career opportunities and embrace diverse talent. All jobs at the Authority contribute to ensuring safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly. The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory arm of our organisation and the Aviation Security Service is the nationwide provider for aviation security.

• Are you passionate about improving safety performance in New Zealand Aviation?
• Substantial technical skill and experience in a broad range of the aviation industry.
• Permanent full-time role, flexible location

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, were constantly adapting to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation sector.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, are driving our efforts to better position our teams for the future. These changes have created new opportunities across the organisation.

As we move to becoming a modern regulator, were embedding intelligence-led and risk-based principles into our approach, to make a tangible difference for our people and the communities we serve.

By joining our team, youll contribute to meaningful work where innovation, collaboration, and impact thrive to keep our skies safe and secure.

About the Role

As one of our Unmanned Aircraft Inspectors, you will be involved in the certification of unmanned aircraft operators under Civil Aviation Rule Part 102, providing safety oversight to ensure that operations meet the required safety-standards and that operators are actively managing their operational risks. You will also have responsibility for providing regulatory oversight and guidance for all aviation activities conducted under Civil Aviation Rule Part 101. In addition, you may also be involved in safety education and promotion, spot-checks and investigations.

This role will give you the opportunity to positively influence and improve aviation safety performance by working closely with operators to promote safe practices. You will be required to exercise sound judgement and responsibility within an established operating framework. You will play a crucial part in providing technical guidance regarding unmanned aircraft and act as a specialist advisor on matters relating to the evolution and operation of Unmanned Aircrafts internally and externally.

The salary band for this position is $115,536 to $161,412, with a midrange of $141,751. The starting salary will be based on the knowledge, skills and experience you may bring to the role and relativities across the organisation.

What Youll Bring

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with substantial technical skill and experience in a broad range of the aviation industry with a passion for improving safety performance in the New Zealand aviation environment.

To be successful in this role you will have.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work closely with internal and external stakeholders and provide clear and objective advice to assist with decisions about safety issues.
• A systems thinking approach combined with the ability to think critically and solve problems.
• Working knowledge of the operational standards, procedures and administrative requirements specifically relating to Unmanned Aircraft is desirable.
• Experience in the application of formal risk management systems is desirable.
• A current commercial pilot licence, or equivalent commercial unmanned aircraft pilot qualification, would be beneficial but not essential.

About Us

Our Values - Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency and Collaboration - represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: Tuesday 29 April 2025.