Drone Pilot

SD Guthrie Berhad; Tawau; On-site; MYR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

SD Guthrie Berhad seeks a Drone Operator to optimize aerial mapping operations across estates. The role requires compliance with regulations, drone maintenance, and collaboration with agronomists. Ideal candidates should possess relevant licenses and familiarity with drone mapping software.

Benefits

Flexible Benefits Coverage

Learning on Demand

Employee Wellness Programme

Fully Subsidised Sports Clubs

Education Assistance

Qualifications

• Valid drone operator license preferred.
• Experience with drone mapping software preferred.
• Physically fit and willing to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Operate drones for aerial mapping following company SOPs.
• Perform mission planning and handle permit applications.
• Maintain drone hardware and keep accurate flight logs.

Skills

Drone operation

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

Valid drone operator license

Basic proficiency in GIS or remote sensing

Tools

DJI Terra

Pix4D

DroneDeploy

Job description

About Us

SD Guthrie Berhad (SD Guthrie) is one of the world’s leading producers of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), representing approximately 12% of the global market share (as of 31 December 2022). With over 84,000 employees across 12 countries, we pride ourselves on innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Our operations span the entire palm oil value chain, and we are expanding into new business verticals such as green industrial parks and renewable energy. We offer enriching career opportunities supported by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability. We are the world’s first palm oil company to have our net-zero GHG emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Join us today, as we continue to Unlock Nature's Superpowers!

Location: SD Guthrie Research Sdn Bhd, Tawau, Sabah

Business Unit: Research & Development

Your Mission

• Operate drones for aerial mapping across estates of the assigned Regions in accordance with company SOPs and safety regulations.
• Perform flight mission planning including area coverage estimation, battery/load logistics, and UAV route programming.
• Handle permit applications and regulatory compliance for drone operations (e.g., CAAM submissions).
• Conduct post-flight data handling including image stitching, orthomosaic generation, and basic imagery QC & interpretation.
• Collaborate with Assistant Manager on field operation logistics, deployment plans, and reporting.
• Support Agronomist on ground-truthing and plantation assessment work where aerial data is complemented by field inputs.
• Maintain drone hardware, accessories, and ensure readiness for daily deployment.
• Keep accurate flight logs and ensure compliance with insurance, safety, and maintenance schedules.

Ideal Candidates

• Valid drone operator license – is preferred (e.g., CAAM-RCoC or equivalent).
• Experience in drone mapping software – is preferred (e.g., DJI Terra, Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
• Basic proficiency in GIS or remote sensing software is an advantage.
• Physically fit and willing to travel extensively across rural estate regions.
• Team player with strong problem-solving and adaptability in the field.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Benefits Coverage
• Learning on Demand
• Employee Wellness Programme
• Employee Engagement Activities
• Fully Subsidised Sports Clubs
• Education Assistance (terms & conditions apply)
• and many more...