Drone Pilot Asset Inspector at Northpower in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand | Kablio

Role

Description

mission planning

logbook management

rtk inspections

evlos operations

field deployment

data processing

Supporting mission planning, risk assessments, and safety briefings using Fly Freely, AirShare, and Flight Advisor platforms.
Maintaining flight records, pilot logbooks, and Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) currency.
Conducting complex inspection missions with DJI RTK platforms across transmission lines, towers, substations and other RPAS operations as required.
Collaborating with the Chief Pilot and RPAS team to refine inspection methods, including EVLOS and BVLOS operations where authorised.
Travelling to sites across New Zealand to deliver inspection projects on critical national infrastructure.
Working as part of a dedicated pilot + observer crew to ensure safe and compliant operations under Northpower’s CAA Part 102 certification.
Capturing high-resolution imagery and supporting post-flight data processing to ensure inspection outputs meet client standards.

Requirements

ppl

driver licence

flyfreely

risk management

rpas

part 101

General aviation experience such as a PPL, AROC, or other crewed aviation background (highly desirable).
A full, clean NZ Class 1 driver’s licence, and the flexibility to travel nationwide.
Familiarity with digital flight planning tools (FlyFreely, AirShare, Flight Advisor).
Commitment to risk management, tailgate processes, and site safety controls.
Strong working knowledge of airspace rules, including NOTAMs, ATC coordination, and controlled/uncontrolled airspace operations.
Proven experience operating RPAS in complex environments, ideally around transmission or distribution assets.
A current CAA NZ Part 101 certification (minimum), with a preference for Part 102 qualification and Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) currency within the last 12 months.
Confidence working as part of a pilot + observer crew, using clear comms and standard phraseology.
The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Discounts on gym memberships and a range of retail partners.
Competitive remuneration
Life insurance and access to discounted medical insurance.
A social club, family events, and team activities.
An in-house wellbeing programme, peer support network (Kaitiaki), and EAP services.
Ongoing professional development and tailored leadership training.
A supportive, friendly workplace where people are valued and appreciated.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

criminal history check
drug and alcohol testing
medical assessment

Company

Overview

90 years

Network ownership

The company has a heritage rooted in decades of infrastructure ownership and operation.

It blends ownership and contracting—running its own electricity and fibre networks while delivering engineering and construction services nationwide.
Financially robust, it sustains large-scale contracts with major utilities and returns profits to its consumer-owned trust.
Its projects range from substation upgrades and submarine cable installations to managing transmission lines and future-energy installations.
Specialising in transmission, distribution, fibre rollout, inspection solutions and grid‑scale solar, it tackles every layer of utility infrastructure.
Unusually, the company owns and operates one of the region’s oldest hydro stations and recently launched a portable data centre prototype.

Culture + Values

Safety is our priority.
We work together as one team.
We care for the communities we serve.
We deliver excellence.
We act with integrity.

Environment + Sustainability

Net Zero 2050

Climate Commitment

The organization is committed to achieving net zero emissions by the year 2050.

The organization is working towards reducing its carbon footprint by implementing renewable energy solutions.
Sustainability is a key driver in the organization's operational decision-making processes.
The organization works to enhance environmental stewardship through better waste management practices.

Inclusion & Diversity

The company fosters an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Supporting gender balance with initiatives to improve female representation in technical roles.
Tracking gender-related data and encouraging diversity across all levels.

Articles

Northpower Careers

About Northpower

Role

Description

mission planning

logbook management

rtk inspections

evlos operations

field deployment

data processing

Supporting mission planning, risk assessments, and safety briefings using Fly Freely, AirShare, and Flight Advisor platforms.
Maintaining flight records, pilot logbooks, and Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) currency.
Conducting complex inspection missions with DJI RTK platforms across transmission lines, towers, substations and other RPAS operations as required.
Collaborating with the Chief Pilot and RPAS team to refine inspection methods, including EVLOS and BVLOS operations where authorised.
Travelling to sites across New Zealand to deliver inspection projects on critical national infrastructure.
Working as part of a dedicated pilot + observer crew to ensure safe and compliant operations under Northpower’s CAA Part 102 certification.
Capturing high-resolution imagery and supporting post-flight data processing to ensure inspection outputs meet client standards.

Requirements

ppl

driver licence

flyfreely

risk management

rpas

part 101

General aviation experience such as a PPL, AROC, or other crewed aviation background (highly desirable).
A full, clean NZ Class 1 driver’s licence, and the flexibility to travel nationwide.
Familiarity with digital flight planning tools (FlyFreely, AirShare, Flight Advisor).
Commitment to risk management, tailgate processes, and site safety controls.
Strong working knowledge of airspace rules, including NOTAMs, ATC coordination, and controlled/uncontrolled airspace operations.
Proven experience operating RPAS in complex environments, ideally around transmission or distribution assets.
A current CAA NZ Part 101 certification (minimum), with a preference for Part 102 qualification and Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) currency within the last 12 months.
Confidence working as part of a pilot + observer crew, using clear comms and standard phraseology.
The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Discounts on gym memberships and a range of retail partners.
Competitive remuneration
Life insurance and access to discounted medical insurance.
A social club, family events, and team activities.
An in-house wellbeing programme, peer support network (Kaitiaki), and EAP services.
Ongoing professional development and tailored leadership training.
A supportive, friendly workplace where people are valued and appreciated.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

criminal history check
drug and alcohol testing
medical assessment