Unmanned Aircraft Inspector - Wellington

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Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand seeks a permanent Unmanned Aircraft Inspector in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. You will certify unmanned aircraft operators under Part 102 and provide safety oversight for Part 101, with involvement in safety education and investigations. The role lets you influence aviation safety by advising operators as a specialist on unmanned aircraft and guiding risk decisions. Requirements include strong interpersonal skills, systems thinking, and risk management experience; a current CPL or equivalent UAS pilot qualification is desirable. Apply online with your CV and a cover letter mapping your experience to the role’s skills; the letter is a key assessment piece. Applications close 8 February 2026; accessibility support is available.

• Are you passionate about improving safety performance in New Zealand Aviation?
• Do you have substantial technical skill and experience in a broad range of activities across the aviation industry?
• Permanent full-time role, can be based in either Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch locations.
   

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation. 

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. 

Now’s the time to get on board. We’re building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day. 

If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity. 

About the Role 

As one of our Unmanned Aircraft Inspectors, you will be involved in the certification of unmanned aircraft operators under Civil Aviation Rule Part 102, providing safety oversight to ensure that operations meet the required safety-standards and that operators are actively managing their operational risks. You will also have responsibility for providing regulatory oversight and guidance for all aviation activities conducted under Civil Aviation Rule Part 101.

In addition, you may also be involved in safety education and promotion, spot-checks and investigations. 

This role will give you the opportunity to positively influence and improve aviation safety performance by working closely with operators to promote safe practices. You will be required to exercise sound judgement and responsibility within an established operating framework. You will play a crucial part in providing technical guidance regarding unmanned aircraft and act as a specialist advisor on matters relating to the evolution and operation of Unmanned Aircrafts internally and externally.

The salary band for this position is $115,536 to $161,412, with a midrange of $141,751. The starting salary will be based on the knowledge, skills and experience you may bring to the role and relativities across the organisation.

What You’ll Bring
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with substantial technical skill and experience across a broad range of the aviation industry with a passion for improving safety performance in the New Zealand aviation environment.

To be successful in this role you will have: 

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work closely with internal and external stakeholders and provide clear and objective advice to assist with decisions about safety issues.
• A systems thinking approach combined with the ability to think critically and solve problems.
• Working knowledge of the operational standards, procedures and administrative requirements specifically relating to Unmanned Aircraft is desirable.
• Experience in the application of formal risk management systems is desirable.
• A current commercial pilot licence, or equivalent commercial unmanned aircraft pilot qualification and operational experience is desirable.

About Us 

Our Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration – represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success. 

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter.

Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at [email protected]

Applications close: Sunday, 8 February 2026.