At Rencon Air & Land, our work is powered by talented people who genuinely care about innovation, safety and delivering real results for our clients. One of those people is Jo Anderson, our Chief Remote Pilot and second longest serving key staff member who oversees and makes compliant a wide range of aerial operations, forestry, fire and fauna works out of our Orange, NSW Depot and the rest of Australia.
Based in Blaney NSW, Jo is a proud Mum of four, a dedicated SES, RFS and wildlife volunteer. Jo can often be seen on her days off riding her Harley on the country roads of the Central West NSW.
Jo brings a mix of technical expertise, environmental awareness and practical problem-solving to the role — and her approach is shaped by a deep appreciation for the possibilities of modern drone technology.
Driven by Technology and Creative Problem-Solving
Jo thrives on exploring what today’s aerial technology can do. She enjoys finding new and creative ways to use drones to meet client needs, whether it’s mapping, surveying, thermal detection, or precision operations. She is especially energised by how rapidly the industry is advancing and how much it continues to open up new ways of working across forestry, agriculture and land management.
Her favourite part of the job is seeing people’s reactions when they realise just how capable the technology is — and how much insight we can generate from above.
Proud Moments in Environmental Work
While Jo works across a wide range of projects, the environmental jobs resonate strongly with her. She is particularly proud of the work Rencon does in monitoring and supporting endangered wildlife, such as koalas and greater gliders.
These projects often involve complex logistics and require a high level of adaptability. Coordinating multiple moving parts, navigating variable terrain, and delivering reliable results is something she takes real pride in. For Jo, contributing to environmental protection and gaining glimpses into native species that many people never get to see is a rewarding part of the job.
Showing Clients What’s Possible With Modern Drone Applications
Many landowners and forestry managers are surprised by the level of detail and clarity that drone technology can offer. One area Jo loves demonstrating is colour 3D reconstruction using LiDAR and high-resolution imaging. Being able to fly over a site and turn the data into an accurate, easy-to-understand 3D visualisation is a capability that often shifts a client’s entire perspective on their land.
These tools provide a level of insight that traditional methods simply cannot match, giving land managers a clearer understanding for planning, decision-making and long-term stewardship.
A Strong Focus on Safety and Smooth Operations
Beyond the technical flying, Jo plays a major role in developing and maintaining safe systems of work across Rencon’s aerial operations. She regularly works with staff to ensure compliance, refine processes, and resolve issues before they become challenges.
Her ability to balance safety, efficiency and practicality is a big part of why Rencon’s operations run smoothly in the field. She is often the go-to sounding board, helping to make sure every job is approached with the right preparation and risk awareness.
Motivated by Challenges and Meaningful Outcomes
Jo is naturally motivated by problem-solving. She enjoys working through complex client challenges and finding solutions using the tools and technology available. Her love of tech, paired with the variety in her day-to-day work, keeps the role exciting.
On any given week, her jobs might include flying our drones to spending shifts in fire towers, supporting environmental surveys, or assisting landholders with precision mapping or spraying. The diversity of work — and the unique environments she gets to operate in — means no two days are the same.
A Key Part of Rencon’s Aerial Capabilities
Jo’s combination of technical skill, safety leadership, environmental insight and practical field experience makes her an invaluable part of the Rencon team. Her work ensures our aerial services remain innovative, adaptable and aligned with the needs of clients across regional Australia.