About Company
Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, a jewel within the renowned Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, stands as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. We are committed to providing unparalleled hospitality, exceptional services, and memorable experiences for our guests. Our resort complex boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class hotel, an artificial lake, a water park, and diverse event spaces. As a forward-thinking organization, we continually seek innovative ways to showcase the beauty and dynamism of our offerings and the enchanting natural landscapes of Calabar, including the vibrant Nsidung Beach area. We believe in harnessing cutting-edge technology to tell compelling stories and create captivating visual content that resonates with our audience globally, reinforcing our position as a leading hospitality provider.
Job Description
Are you a skilled and passionate Drone Operator with an exceptional eye for stunning visuals and a proven knack for compelling storytelling? Tinapa Lakeside Hotel is actively seeking a talented Aerial Filming, Media Specialist to join our dynamic and innovative marketing and content creation team. In this pivotal role, you will be primarily responsible for capturing breathtaking aerial footage and high-quality photographs of our exquisite resort facilities, grand events, and the picturesque surrounding areas, with a particular focus on highlighting the iconic Nsidung Beach. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative individual to make a significant and lasting contribution to our brand’s visual identity, producing high-impact content for a variety of platforms including marketing campaigns, promotional videos, social media channels, and internal corporate projects.
We are looking for someone who not only possesses exceptional technical proficiency in advanced drone operation but also demonstrates a strong artistic vision and a keen understanding of cinematic principles. You will be expected to work closely and collaboratively with our marketing manager and broader creative team to conceptualize, plan, and meticulously execute aerial shoots that consistently showcase the unique charm, luxury, and expansive offerings of Tinapa Lakeside Hotel. Your creative work will be instrumental in reinforcing our resort’s image as a leading, desirable destination in West Africa, attracting a diverse range of guests and strategic partners from around the world. The ideal candidate will be meticulous about flight safety protocols, highly organized in equipment management, and proactive in staying abreast of the latest drone technology advancements and evolving industry regulations. If you are ready to elevate your career to new heights and make a tangible, visually impactful contribution with your aerial expertise, we warmly invite you to apply and become a part of our success story.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely and skillfully operate various professional-grade drone platforms to capture high-quality aerial photography and videography for promotional, marketing, and event purposes across the resort and surrounding areas, including Nsidung Beach.
- Collaborate intimately with the marketing and creative teams to thoroughly understand project briefs, conceptualize visually engaging shots, and meticulously plan flight paths for optimal visual impact and narrative flow.
- Conduct comprehensive pre-flight checks, rigorous risk assessments, and ensure strict adherence to all aviation regulations, local government laws, and company-specific safety protocols, especially when operating near public areas or sensitive environments.
- Perform routine and preventative in-field maintenance, as well as basic troubleshooting, of drone equipment, battery systems, and camera components to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and reliability.
- Manage and organize all raw aerial footage and photographic assets, ensuring proper digital storage, secure backup, and efficient accessibility for subsequent post-production workflows.
- Assist with fundamental video and photo editing, including color grading, cropping, and enhancement of captured media to meet established brand guidelines and high-quality production standards.
- Stay continuously informed about the latest advancements in drone technology, camera equipment, aerial filming techniques, and software, recommending strategic upgrades or new tools as appropriate to enhance capabilities.
- Maintain all necessary certifications, licenses, and permits required for legal and commercial drone operation within Nigeria and ensure compliance with any local permissions for specific sites like Nsidung Beach.
- Provide expert technical advice and guidance on aerial filming best practices to other members of the marketing and content creation team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum of 3 years) as a commercial Drone Operator with a strong, diverse portfolio showcasing aerial photography and videography projects.
- Expertise in operating professional-grade drones such as DJI Mavic, Phantom, or Inspire series, including advanced flight maneuvers and camera controls.
- Proficiency in flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and mission control applications.
- Solid understanding of aerial photography and videography principles, including composition, lighting, exposure, and advanced camera settings.
- Thorough familiarity with relevant aviation regulations, airspace restrictions, and comprehensive safety procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail for equipment maintenance, data management, and asset archiving.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with marketing and creative personnel.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively under pressure, adapting swiftly to changing weather conditions, project requirements, or logistical challenges.
- Proficiency in basic video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve) and photo editing tools (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop).
Preferred Qualifications
- Valid Commercial Drone Pilot License or equivalent certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or another recognized international aviation body.
- Bachelor's degree in Film Production, Photography, Media Arts, Marketing, or a closely related field.
- Previous professional experience working within the hospitality, tourism, or media production industry, particularly with luxury brands.
- Advanced proficiency in video editing and post-production workflows, including motion graphics and visual effects.
- A demonstrated creative flair and the innate ability to tell compelling, visually rich stories through aerial media.
- Knowledge of digital asset management (DAM) systems and content optimization for various digital platforms.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive health insurance package designed to support your well-being.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays, to ensure work-life balance.
- Exceptional opportunities for continuous professional development, specialized training in advanced drone technology, and media production techniques.
- Exclusive employee discounts on hotel stays, fine dining, and access to a wide array of resort facilities.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and supportive work environment within a leading, prestigious hospitality brand.
- The unique opportunity to work in a stunning resort setting and capture the natural beauty of Cross River State and its iconic locations like Nsidung Beach.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your most recent resume and a link to your comprehensive professional portfolio (which is mandatory for this role) are readily available. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted for an interview.