Agricultural Drone Pilot and Data Analyst

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Drone equipment provided

Training in new drone technologies

Flexible schedule

Travel and per diem expenses for field

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Drone Pilot and Data Analyst to support farming operations in the Kimberley region. This hybrid role combines on-site drone flights with remote data processing, focusing on crop health, irrigation needs, and yield potential.

You will operate sensors, plan missions, perform maintenance, and generate NDVI maps and reports. The ideal candidate holds a valid commercial drone license, experience in agricultural mapping, and strong data analysis skills, with the

Qualifications

• Valid commercial drone pilot license (e.g., SACAA certification or equivalent).
• Proven experience operating drones for agricultural applications, including mapping and surveying.
• Proficiency with drone flight planning software and data processing platforms.
• Strong understanding of remote sensing principles and data analysis techniques relevant to agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Operate agricultural drones equipped with various sensors (RGB, multispectral, thermal) safely and efficiently.
• Plan and execute drone flight missions according to operational requirements and safety regulations.
• Perform pre-flight checks, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of drone hardware and software.
• Collect high-quality aerial imagery and sensor data from agricultural fields.
• Process and analyze drone-captured data using specialized software (Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape).
• Generate detailed reports and visualisations, including crop health maps, NDVI analysis, terrain models, and field condition assessments.
• Interpret data to identify crop stress, nutrient deficiencies, pest/disease outbreaks, and areas requiring specific management interventions.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate drone data into broader farm management strategies.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in drone technology, sensor capabilities, and agricultural data analytics.
• Ensure compliance with all aviation regulations and company safety policies.

Skills

Drone operation

Data analysis

Sensor proficiency

Fieldwork

Communication

Tools

Pix4D

DroneDeploy

Agisoft Metashape

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Agricultural Drone Pilot and Data Analyst to support agricultural operations in the Kimberley, Northern Cape region. This hybrid role involves conducting aerial surveys of agricultural fields using drones equipped with advanced sensors, and subsequently analyzing the collected data to provide actionable insights for crop management. The ideal candidate will possess a valid drone pilot license, proficiency in drone operation and maintenance, and strong data analysis skills. You will work closely with agronomists and farm managers, providing critical information on crop health, irrigation needs, pest infestations, and yield potential. This position requires a combination of technical expertise in drone technology and a foundational understanding of agricultural principles. The role requires regular on-site presence for fieldwork and drone operations, with flexibility for remote data processing and reporting. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the cutting edge of agricultural technology in the **Northern Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate agricultural drones equipped with various sensors (e.g., RGB, multispectral, thermal) safely and efficiently.
• Plan and execute drone flight missions according to operational requirements and safety regulations.
• Perform pre-flight checks, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of drone hardware and software.
• Collect high-quality aerial imagery and sensor data from agricultural fields.
• Process and analyze drone-captured data using specialized software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape).
• Generate detailed reports and visualisations, including crop health maps, NDVI analysis, terrain models, and field condition assessments.
• Interpret data to identify crop stress, nutrient deficiencies, pest/disease outbreaks, and areas requiring specific management interventions.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate drone data into broader farm management strategies.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in drone technology, sensor capabilities, and agricultural data analytics.
• Ensure compliance with all aviation regulations and company safety policies.

Requirements

• Valid commercial drone pilot license (e.g., SACAA certification or equivalent).
• Proven experience operating drones for agricultural applications, including mapping and surveying.
• Proficiency with drone flight planning software and data processing platforms.
• Strong understanding of remote sensing principles and data analysis techniques relevant to agriculture.
• Familiarity with various sensor types commonly used in agricultural drones.
• Basic knowledge of crop physiology, agronomy, and common agricultural issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, often in outdoor field conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate or project-based compensation.
• Provision of drone equipment and software.
• Opportunities for training in new drone technologies and data analysis techniques.
• Flexible work schedule based on project needs.
• Exposure to innovative agricultural technologies.
• Travel and per diem expenses for fieldwork.