Remote Pilot - Drone Operations

Overview

We are unique

Essential Energy is an organisation that values your voice, empowers your autonomy, recognises the strength in diversity, and prioritises your well-being while offering attractive remuneration and benefits. Take pride in having a meaningful impact on regional, rural and remote communities while being a pivotal player in the energy industry's future.

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Remote Pilot – Drone Operations to join the Operations, People and Safety team on a permanent full-time basis.

We are seeking applications for suitably qualified candidates based in Essential Energy’s operational footprint areas of Riverina Slopes, South-Eastern and Murray. This includes locations such as Wagga Wagga, Albury, Tumut, Queanbeyan and Goulburn .

The Remote Pilot – Drone Operations is accountable for providing remote pilot duties including applying technical and non-technical aviation skills and knowledge within RPAS operational environments. The role is further responsible for providing training and assessment for the use of RPA (Drones) within Essential Energy, providing governance and guidelines to reduce the risks associated with the use of drones for inspection activities across the network as well as RPA procurement, maintenance and administration.

About you

You are a highly skilled professional with demonstrated expertise in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) within Australia’s airspace regulations and procedures, ensuring compliance for the relevant RPA category. Your practical and extensive knowledge of Essential Energy Overhead Construction and Design Standards sets you apart, along with your ability to interpret Digital Asset Images to identify maintenance activities and requirements.

You bring a strong understanding of the Installation and Service Rules of NSW, electricity network infrastructure, and associated maintenance programs. Your proven experience in auditing, reporting, and assessment reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot).
• Certificate IV in Business or Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or demonstrated capability through past employment experience and / or relevant qualifications
• Attainment and ongoing successful maintenance of all regulatory, industry and business required licences, authorisations and other such certificates deemed necessary for the role
• Drivers Licence
• White Card – Workcover Induction for Construction Work – General Course.

Why Essential Energy

We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience and 16.5% superannuation.

Essential Energy provides employees with a broad range of employee benefits including relocation assistance, health and wellbeing programs and various discounts through our corporate partnerships with organisations such as Optus, JB HI FI, Mildura Health Fund and nib. For more information on our benefits, please visit the employee benefits page.

We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women.

Working with a regionally focused organisation requires a diverse mindset. Wellbeing, development and delivering tangible value are all core to our purpose as we connect and power the regional and rural communities of NSW and parts of southern QLD.

Joining Essential Energy means you are the type of person where camaraderie, supporting your colleagues and balance in your life are all important.

Our culture is diverse, respectful and one where you have a voice which is heard. We know we can only be successful in supporting the customers who depend on us if we work together.

How to apply

For further information, please contact Lachlan Tombs, Asset Inspection Supervisor – Chief Remote Pilot on 0421 042 953

Applications close on Thursday 29 January 2026 at 11 : 55pm.

Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart.

Building a better energy future.

Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees.

At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to Essential Energy, including alternate formats of application forms or alternate ways for accessibility. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact careers@essentialenergy.com.au or call us on 1800 255 777.

#J-18808-Ljbffr