Work. As a Maintenance Controller / RPAS Officer at Sunwater, you’ll play a key role in delivering the advanced remote monitoring and digital capability that supports safe, efficient and intelligent operational infrastructure across Queensland.

You’ll be part of our Operational Technology (OT) team — a group that brings together systems engineering, GIS, digital engineering, drone operations and control systems. It’s a place where technical expertise meets innovation, and where your work directly contributes to smarter asset management and operational excellence.

In this role, you’ll take the lead on planning and executing high‑quality drone operations, supporting LiDAR, bathymetry and photogrammetry surveys, and transforming spatial data into meaningful outputs that help guide engineering, dam safety and water resource decisions across the organisation.

You'll have room to work independently, apply your specialist skills, and contribute to expanding Sunwater’s internal RPAS capability.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage Sunwater RPAS fleet to ensure airworthiness, reliability, and compliance through routine and scheduled maintenance, fleet health checks, battery management, and coordination of repairs and replacements with vendors.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Sunwater RPAS operational documentation, including aircraft manuals, flight procedures, battery storage and disposal processes, and digital fleet records  to support safe, auditable, and standardised operations.
• Provide technical input in the delivery of Operational Technology strategic initiatives including; Baseline Asset Data Capture Program, long‑range EVLOS/BVLOS operations, Drone‑in‑a‑Box systems and Drone Weed-Spraying operations.
• Planning, coordinating and executing RPAS operations including LiDAR, bathymetry and photogrammetry surveys.
• Processing, validating and managing spatial datasets to required technical standards.
• Producing fit‑for‑purpose outputs and reports for Engineering, Dam Safety, IDD and Water Resources teams.
• Helping to deliver projects on schedule while reducing reliance on external consultants through reliable, timely drone survey services.
• Evaluating and implementing new and emerging drone technologies and solutions.

What you bring:

• Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Multirotor <25kg
• AROC (Aviation Radio Operator Certificate)
• 5+ years’ commercial drone operations experience
• Expertise in mission planning software such as DJI Pilot, UgCS and Google Earth
• Proficiency in geospatial processing tools (Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, QGIS)
• Experience with LiDAR survey, data capture and post‑processing
• Experience with maintenance activities and scheduling
• Skills in aerial media production (videography & photography)
• Experience with RPAS management platforms (FlyFreely, AVCRM etc.)
• Risk management training (e.g., SORA)
• Class C driver’s licence

Water. At Sunwater, your work helps deliver one of life’s most essential resources to communities, industries and agriculture across Queensland. You’ll join a team that genuinely cares about the service we provide, the people we work with and the customers we support.

Every day brings new challenges, new technologies and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. If you’re looking for a role where your skills have real impact — this is it.

Life. We believe great work happens when people feel supported, valued and able to balance work with the rest of life. That’s why we offer benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally.

My benefits: Enjoy access to discounts and offers through Reward Gateway.

My wellbeing: Take advantage of health and wellness programs designed to keep you at your best.

My time: Flexible working arrangements plus the option to purchase up to four extra weeks of leave each year.

My growth: Grow your career with study support, development programs, professional memberships and well‑structured career pathways.

Now is the perfect time to join Sunwater and take advantage of the boundless opportunities for your career today and in the future.  We are a diverse team and proud of the unique journeys and stories each of us brings. As we continue to grow, we need more diverse backgrounds and perspectives than ever before. We are committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodations, please let us know so we can ensure you can fully participate in our recruitment experience, which includes reference verification, psychometric testing, background checks and a pre-employment medical evaluation to ensure the best fit for our team.

Sunwater acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of this country and Traditional Custodians of the land and water we rely on. We respect and value their continued sacred connection to Country, including the diverse, rich traditions, languages and customs that are the longest living in the world.  We acknowledge their resilience in the face of significant and ongoing historical, cultural, and political change within Australia. We recognise and value the importance of truth-telling today, and our role to listen and learn.

Apply for this role by hitting the Apply button now or visit our website to learn more.