Location: Cambridge area, covering sites across the South East of England
Employment type: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000, depending on experience
Benefits: Company vehicle, healthcare, pension and performance-related incentives
About the role
Drone Surveying is looking for an experienced and GVC-qualified Drone Pilot based in the Cambridge area to join our growing operational team.
Are you a skilled drone pilot ready to take your career to new heights? We have an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Drone Pilot to join our rapidly growing team in the commercial drone industry. This is your chance to become part of an innovative and cutting-edge organisation, delivering critical drone services across the UK.
The role will involve substantial travel throughout South East England and occasionally beyond and may involve overnight stays in remote locations.
We are seeking a skilled and licensed Drone Pilot to conduct aerial surveys and inspections on building sites. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in capturing accurate data and imagery to assist with construction planning and progress monitoring. This role demands technical expertise, operational precision, and a passion for emerging technologies in the drone industry.
Key responsibilities
- Plan and conduct safe, efficient aerial surveys on active construction sites.
- Capture accurate and consistent data for progress monitoring, topographical surveys, volumetric measurement and other construction-related applications.
- Operate enterprise DJI aircraft, RTK equipment and GNSS rovers.
- Establish and record ground control accurately where required.
- Complete site-specific flight planning, risk assessments and operational records.
- Identify airspace, environmental and site-specific hazards and implement appropriate mitigations.
- Support applications and coordination for operations within restricted or controlled airspace.
- Liaise professionally with site managers, clients, landowners and members of the public.
- Capture clear inspection imagery, progress photography and video when required.
- Maintain, inspect, troubleshoot and calibrate aircraft, cameras and associated survey equipment.
- Manage batteries, storage media and field equipment to maintain operational readiness.
- Upload survey data and maintain accurate flight, site and equipment records.
- Contribute to the continual improvement of our operational procedures and working practices.
Essential requirements
Applicants must have:
- A valid UK CAA General VLOS Certificate (GVC).
- At least 50 hours of logged commercial UAS flight time, including a minimum of 30 hours completed within the past 12 months.
- Demonstrable experience of planning drone operations, assessing risk and completing operational documentation such as RAMS.
- Strong working knowledge of DJI enterprise aircraft and flight-planning applications.
- Experience of operating safely around people, vehicles and active construction sites.
- The ability to interpret airspace information and obtain or support the necessary permissions for operations in restricted or controlled airspace.
- A full UK driving licence with no more than six penalty points.
- Strong organisational, time-management and decision-making skills.
- Confident and professional communication skills.
- A high standard of IT literacy.
- A basic understanding of photography and camera settings.
- The ability to work independently and manage a varied field schedule.
- A reliable home broadband connection suitable for transferring large survey datasets.
- The flexibility to travel, start early and stay away from home when required.
- The right to work in the UK.
This is a physically active outdoor role. Applicants must be comfortable carrying equipment, walking across uneven construction sites and working outside in varied conditions, within safe operational and aircraft limitations.
Desirable qualifications and experience
The following would be advantageous:
- A current CSCS card, or successful completion of the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test with the ability to obtain one.
- Previous experience conducting drone surveys within the construction, engineering or land-surveying sectors.
- Experience using RTK GNSS rovers, checkpoints and ground-control equipment.
- Knowledge of photogrammetry, GIS, CAD, digital twins or LiDAR.
- Experience capturing data for topographical surveys, volumetric measurement and construction progress monitoring.
- A surveying qualification or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with advanced DJI enterprise aircraft.
- Qualifications or practical experience in asset, roof or building inspections.
- Familiarity with EVLOS or BVLOS operations and operational safety cases.
- Current first-aid training.
- Photography, videography or editing experience.
- Experience supervising or supporting other remote pilots.
What we offer
- A key operational role within an innovative, award-winning drone surveying company.
- The opportunity to work with leading UK housebuilders on significant construction projects.
- A competitive salary and performance-related incentives.
- A company vehicle and payment of authorised business travel expenses.
- Healthcare and pension benefits.
- Professional development and training in emerging drone and surveying technologies.
- Modern aircraft, survey equipment and operational systems.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Varied projects across the construction and infrastructure sectors.
How to Apply
If you meet the requirements and are ready to bring your skills to a dynamic team, submit your CV, flight log, and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role.
Closing date for applications: 30th August 2026
Interviews will be held either remotely or should wish to attend in person, at our offices in the West Midlands.
Pay: £38,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
Work Location: On the road
