Wessex Archaeology – Chief UAS Pilot

Press

Location: Flexible
REF: GEO 04.21
Senior Project Officer / Technical Specialist grade: £29,667 – £38,896

Wessex Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in the UK and is a registered Charity whose aims are to promote the advancement of education and the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage and science. We have offices in Salisbury, Bristol, Sheffield, Meopham and Edinburgh, and are involved in some of the most high-profile developments in the UK.

We are seeking an experienced UAV pilot to lead our pilot team, taking on a key role within our Geomatics team within the Geoservices directorate. We believe in the power of high-quality data to transform our understanding of the world, get people excited about heritage and enable people to do their jobs better. Our UAV pilot team plays a key role in driving this, collecting aerial data of different types for a wide range of projects across the Company.

This is a great opportunity for those interested in applying their strong technical skillset to the archaeological sector, working on some of the largest infrastructure projects and most important archaeological sites in the country. It would also be suitable for those already working within archaeology who wish to focus more on the technical and business elements of UAV operations.

This role could be based out of any of our offices, though travel between to all of our offices to support team members and business will be a key element of the role. The successful candidate will be primarily working from home at this time, but office and site visits will be required. It is expected that a return to office working will happen in the coming months as Government guidelines ease.

Tasks will include (but are not limited to), leading the UAV pilot team, maintaining training, competency, and currency, managing UAV equipment, overseeing documentation and legal compliance, quality assurance, managing UAV H&S, technical support, general admin tasks, and occasional site work, all contributing to the successful delivery of projects across the Company.

There will also be elements of project management and tendering within the role. This may include both supporting managers within the Geomatics department and leading on these tasks, depending on the experience of the successful applicant.

Extensive knowledge of multirotor UAV flying and current UK regulations is essential. Any working knowledge of other survey techniques and associated software packages, including topographic, walkover, photogrammetry, laser scanning or remote sensing surveys would be an advantage. Mentoring and training of junior staff in your areas of expertise and driving innovation will be a significant element of the role.

The ideal candidate will also have experience of business development. A key aspect of this role will be expanding the use of UAVs within the Company, helping to sell the service to prospective clients and drive wider improvements in efficiency and quality. As part of the Geomatics team the successful applicant will also be involved in supporting the success of the wider department, and contributing to Company-wide goals.

This appointment will be on a permanent basis, with a six-month probationary period. Appointed grade and salary will be commensurate with the successful applicants’ skills and experience. Full details of our employee benefits package are available on our website Vacancies page.

Essential:

A UAV pilot qualification and up to date knowledge of UK regulations
Extensive experience of UAV survey
Experience of risk management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational skills; able to manage own time and work to deadlines
Experience in helping provide training and support to junior team members
An eye for detail and a commitment to quality
A full, clean driving license

Desirable:

Experience of project management and business development
Experience or knowledge of other metric survey techniques
IOSH Managing Safely qualification
Experience of using survey processing software
Experience of UAV LiDAR and multispectral surveys
A degree in archaeology or a related subject

Applicants are invited to submit a completed application form, available from the Vacancies page on our website (www.wessexarch.co.uk/vacancies), with a copy of their CV, and return it by email to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. Please indicate which office you would be interested in working from. Applications must be received by close of business on 21st May 2021. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged.

Wessex Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to promoting equality of opportunity.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.