Deputy Chief Drone Pilot


Company:	Lincolnshire Police
Salary:	£34,662 to £39,276 a month
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Lincoln, LN6 7PH
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	14 Sept 2026
Closing date:	27 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to support the leadership, development and governance of our established drone capability.

Working under the direction of the Chief Pilot/Flight Safety Manager (Drones) and reporting to the Superintendent Specialist Operations, the successful candidate will undertake the role of Deputy Chief Drone Pilot, helping to ensure the safe, effective and compliant delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations across the Force.

This is a unique opportunity to combine operational flying, training, leadership, innovation and public service within a role that delivers a tangible impact on frontline policing and community safety.

The Role:

As Deputy Chief Drone Pilot, you will play a critical role in maintaining and developing Lincolnshire Police's drone capability. You will be responsible for supporting the Chief Drone Pilot in ensuring the Force meets all regulatory, operational and legislative requirements relating to drone operations.

Key responsibilities include:

- Acting as Deputy Chief Drone Pilot, providing professional advice and expertise to the Chief Drone Pilot and Accountable Manager.

- Ensuring drone operations are conducted safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements and Force policy.

- Maintaining pilot accreditation records and monitoring flying hours to ensure ongoing compliance.

- Supporting the development and delivery of training programmes for both new and existing drone pilots.

- Delivering in-house pilot training following completion of external qualifications.

- Managing, maintaining and inspecting drone equipment to ensure operational readiness and safety.

- Supporting the ongoing development and maintenance of the Force Operations Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.

- Providing tactical advice to commanders regarding drone deployment and operational opportunities.

- Supporting emergency incidents, specialist operations and pre-planned deployments through piloting and tactical guidance.

- Acting as a Deputy Subject Matter Expert for drone operations across Lincolnshire Police.

- Leading on incident reporting and investigations with national regulatory bodies, including the CAA, NPCC and AAIB.

- Supporting the Force's Counter-UAS capability by providing tactical advice and deploying Counter-UAS equipment at events and operational incidents.

- This role also brings with it a £5000 market supplement on top of your annual salary.

Why This Role Matters

Every deployment has the potential to make a genuine difference.

- Whether locating vulnerable missing persons, supporting firearms operations, assisting major investigations, gathering critical evidence or enhancing situational awareness during high-risk incidents, drones are now an essential part of modern policing.

- This role places you at the heart of that capability.

Purpose and Public Impact

Your expertise will directly contribute to protecting communities, safeguarding vulnerable individuals and supporting officers on the frontline. Through innovative technology, you will help deliver safer outcomes for the people of Lincolnshire.

Leadership and Influence

This is an opportunity to shape the future direction of drone operations within Lincolnshire Police. You will help set standards, influence policy, develop pilots and drive best practice across the Force.

Operational Variety

From supporting firearms deployments and specialist operations to advising commanders during critical incidents and delivering pilot training, no two days are the same.

Innovation and Professional Development

Drone technology continues to evolve at pace. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of policing innovation, developing specialist expertise while helping the Force maximise the benefits of emerging technologies.

Recognition as a Subject Matter Expert

You will become a recognised specialist within a respected and highly regarded drone capability, working with internal and external partners to continually improve operational effectiveness.

Apply for this job

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.