Drone Operations Manager

Position Title : Drone Operations Manager

Employment Type : Full Time

Contract Type : Temporary – 18-month term, with the possibility of extension

Location : Remote (Based in New Zealand or Australia)

Salary Range : $90 – $115k NZD based on experience and location

About Us

Island Conservation (IC) envisions a world filled with vibrant biodiversity, resilient oceans, and thriving island communities. We are the only international non-profit conservation organization with the mission to restore islands for nature and people worldwide. Islands are special places that provide outsized returns on our conservation investments. IC is committed to holistic island-marine ecosystem restorations that combine efforts to improve community livelihoods and climate resiliency, manage invasive species, and reestablish native animals and plants. Learn more about us at .

Position Overview

Island Conservation seeks an experienced and strategic Drone Operations Manager to lead and expand our drone-based restoration efforts. This position will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a drone fleet and managing contracted services, with a primary focus on heavy-lift drone baiting operations that support island restoration. The role includes developing strategic partnerships and business models to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the program.

This position will report to the Director of Impact and Innovation and collaborate closely with the Conservation Innovation Manager to establish effective drone solutions. The role will also work directly with project managers to support the delivery of effective restoration projects across diverse island ecosystems.

This is a grant‑funded position with guaranteed salary support and start-up resources for the first 18 months. Continued funding will be dependent upon securing revenue from internal and external projects through the implementation of the manager’s business plan.

40%

Duty : Program management

Tasks Include :

• Lead the development and implementation of a business plan to deliver effective, compliant, and safe heavy-lift drone baiting operations
• Develop, manage, and forecast program budget and costs to ensure long-term sustainability
• Establish and maintain appropriate standards, protocols, certifications, regulatory approval, and insurance for all drone operations or third‑party vendors
• Procure and maintain drones, payloads, and supporting equipment to meet operational needs in accordance with maintenance schedules
• Monitor, forecast, and respond to changes in drone legislation to ensure operational compliance
• Review and approve drone operation and safety plans
• Collaborate with Heads of Operations to support proposals and explore new business opportunities
• Create and present case studies at conferences and workshops to advance the use of drone in island restorations
• Collaborate with the Communications team to craft compelling narratives about the impact of drone technologies
• Forge and manage strategic partnerships with NGOs, private companies, and government agencies, to promote drone adoption for conservation

30%

Duty : Project management

Tasks Include :

15%

Duty : Innovation and improvement

Tasks Include :

10%

Duty : Supervision and capacity building

Tasks Include :

5%

Duty : Other

Tasks Include :

This is a full‑time exempt position with a competitive salary and a full benefits package, including a four‑day work week. Island Conservation offers a flexible work schedule with a remote home office.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply to Only applications including both a cover letter (including desired salary and remote office location) and a resume will be considered.

Island Conservation is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment. We value the cultural diversity of our team, and we encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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