Protection Services Drone and Surveillance Operator

Purpose of Role

To oversee and direct all Drone and CCTV operations by leading the implementation of all policies and strategic decisions through the display of leadership and supervision of protection services Drone and CCTV operators, and the implementation of new Drone and CCTV technology in alignment with the South African law and aviation laws and Tharisa Minerals (TM) policies and regulations to protect infrastructure, people and assets.

To conduct and support all Drone and CCTV operations through the effective operation of drone and surveillance systems, ensuring compliance with all applicable South African legislation, aviation regulations, and Tharisa Minerals (TM) policies and procedures. The Drone Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient use of drone and CCTV technology to monitor, protect, and support the security of infrastructure, people, and assets, while contributing to the implementation and advancement of new drone and surveillance technologies.

Role Context

Operational Management

• Provide input to strategic security plans of the section by compiling comprehensive crime prevention plans related to drone operations and CCTV monitoring.
• Make recommendations about where policies, processes and/or procedures require amendment.
• Ensure the drone and CCTV procedures are in place and equipment are maintained.
• Ensure all buildings, stores, operational, stockpile areas and hot spot areas are patrolled with the drone, and that CCTV cameras are effective in all operational areas.
• Supervise the CCTV control room, CCTV operators, registers and daily CCTV activities.
• Emergency Response, create drone emergency response procedures and evacuation plans.
• Conduct monthly drone risk assessments and implement a drone risk assessment register.
• Conduct monthly CCTV risk assessments and implement a CCTV risk assessment register.
• Assist with preliminary investigations into security incidents including theft, breaches, safety violations and misconduct by overseeing the gathering of drone and CCTV evidence and collaborating with the Tharisa Investigation Team.
• Ensure compliance with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
• Manage CCTV controllers of external Security Service Providers.
• Manage the Reporting of Crime and Intelligence timeously.
• Manage the implementation of advanced technology for drone surveillance and CCTV.
• Daily, weekly and monthly e-mail reports to the Operations Lead.
• Daily e-mail communication checks and operational feedback to the Operations Lead.
• Perform general administrative duties and/or any other duties as required by management
• Supervise CCTV and drone reviewing and real time viewing.
• Execute drone patrols and CCTV monitoring activities in accordance with approved security and crime prevention plans.
• Provide operational feedback and recommendations regarding drone and CCTV procedures, processes, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure the effective operation, care, and basic maintenance of drone and CCTV equipment, and report any defects or malfunctions.
• Conduct routine drone patrols of buildings, stores, operational areas, stockpiles, and identified hotspot areas, and monitor CCTV coverage to identify security risks and incidents.
• Monitor and maintain CCTV control room activities, registers, logs, and recordings in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in emergency response activities and support the implementation of drone emergency response procedures and evacuation plans.
• Conduct pre-flight and operational risk assessments and ensure compliance with established drone risk assessment procedures and registers.
• Conduct routine CCTV operational assessments and report identified risks or deficiencies.
• Assist with preliminary investigations into security incidents, including theft, security breaches, safety violations, and misconduct by gathering, preserving, and submitting drone and CCTV evidence to the Tharisa Investigation Team.
• Ensure compliance with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights during all drone and CCTV operations.
• Liaise with CCTV controllers and external Security Service Providers regarding operational requirements and incident reporting.
• Gather, record, and report crime and intelligence-related information accurately and timeously.
• Operate and support the implementation of advanced drone surveillance and CCTV technologies.
• Compile and submit daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports to the Operations Lead.
• Conduct daily communication checks and provide operational feedback to the Operations Lead.
• Perform general administrative duties and any other reasonable tasks as required by management.
• Conduct CCTV footage reviews, drone footage analysis, and real-time monitoring activities as directed.

Resource Management

• Provide input into required changes in resources (financial or non-financial) to enable the achievement of team and/or own objectives.
• Determine resource needs of the team and/or own area of work to achieve business outcomes.
• Monitor the use of assets and resources within the team and own area of responsibility, to ensure assets and resources are consistently and appropriately utilised and managed.
• Provide staff with day-to-day directions and tasks aligned with Departmental procedures, to enable the usage of less resources more efficiently.
• Manage and control Departmental overtime with a weekly overtime report to the Ops Lead.

People Management

• Create and maintain a conducive work environment by appropriately applying Human Resources policies and procedures to ensure optimum performance is realised for the benefit of the Department and, by extension, the organisation.
• Lead the team according to TM’s leadership principles and values throughout the entire employee life cycle (performance management, reward etc.) to ensure, inter alia, a high-performance culture.
• Coach, mentor and train teams and drive efforts to ensure adequate training and skills development is in place to improve employee performance.
• Manage a high-performance culture for the security department by providing critical and timely feedback (both positive and critical), enabling individuals to improve and work as effectively as possible to meet operational goals.
• Implement clear human capability and accountability frameworks within the security department in line with TM’s people management strategies.
• Lead the implementation of a performance management plan that optimises delivery and builds a culture of accountability, recognition and fairness.
• Manage, motivate and lead direct reports and undertake monthly performance reviews of all staff to ensure a consistent performance tracking and put development plans in place to create a high performing team and a conducive employee climate.
• Lead the identification and development of talent by ensuring adequate staffing, providing regular mentoring, coaching and training to ensure a competent and capable workforce in line with TM’s people strategies.
• Maintain a professional and productive work environment by adhering to Human Resources policies, procedures, and company values.
• Demonstrate Tharisa Minerals’ values, leadership principles, and code of conduct in all interactions and operational activities.
• Participate in training, coaching, mentoring, and skills development initiatives to maintain and improve operational competence in drone and CCTV operations.
• Take ownership of personal performance by actively seeking feedback and implementing improvements to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Maintain accountability for assigned duties and responsibilities, ensuring compliance with operational standards, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Contribute to a positive team culture by collaborating effectively with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve departmental objectives.
• Participate in pe