Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and technically adept Agricultural Drone Operations Manager to join their innovative farming enterprise in Durban, Kwa Zulu-Natal . This role is central to integrating cutting-edge drone technology for precision agriculture, enhancing efficiency and sustainability across vast agricultural lands. You will be responsible for managing drone fleets, pilot teams, data acquisition, and analysis to provide actionable insights for crop management.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of drone technology, agricultural applications, and data interpretation, coupled with excellent operational management skills.

• Oversee the deployment and daily operations of agricultural drone fleets for tasks such as crop monitoring, spraying, and soil analysis.
• Manage and train a team of certified drone pilots, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and operational protocols.
• Develop flight plans and operational strategies tailored to specific crop types and field conditions in the Durban area.
• Process, analyze, and interpret aerial imagery and sensor data to generate reports on crop health, yield predictions, and resource application needs.
• Maintain drone hardware and software, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary.
• Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists to integrate drone-derived data into overall farm management decisions.

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Geospatial Science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in agricultural operations, with at least 2 years focused on drone technology applications.
• Valid commercial drone pilot license (e.g., SACAA certification) and experience operating various drone platforms.
• Proficiency in agricultural data analysis software and GIS tools relevant to Kwa Zulu-Natal agriculture.
• Strong understanding of crop science, pest management, and precision farming techniques.

• Competitive salary with performance bonuses tied to operational efficiency and data accuracy.
• Provision of advanced drone equipment and software licenses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for training and certification in new drone technologies and data analytics.
• A dynamic role at the forefront of agricultural technology innovation in Durban .