Agricultural Drone Pilot & Data Analyst

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 207,000 - 344,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Competitive contractor rate

Diverse farming ops

Cutting-edge technology

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg is seeking an Agricultural Drone Pilot and Data Analyst to join our innovative team. The role blends expert drone operation with the interpretation of aerial data for agricultural applications, with a hybrid work arrangement.

You will plan and fly crop-monitoring missions, analyse data to create maps and insights for farm managers, and collaborate with agronomists to improve crop management strategies.

Qualifications

• Valid SACAA remote pilot license and relevant certifications.
• Proven experience operating drones commercially or for agricultural purposes.
• Proficiency with Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape and GIS platforms.
• Strong understanding of agricultural principles, crop science, and soil analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Plan, pilot, and execute safe and effective drone missions for agricultural surveying and monitoring.
• Operate various drone platforms and sensor payloads (e.g., RGB, multispectral, thermal cameras).
• Process and analyze drone-collected data to create maps, identify crop health issues, and assess field conditions.
• Generate reports and visualizations that communicate key findings to farm managers and stakeholders.
• Maintain drone equipment, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate drone data into broader crop management strategies.

Skills

Drone operation

Data analysis

GIS proficiency

Agricultural knowledge

Attention to detail

Tools

Pix4D

Agisoft Metashape

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Agricultural Drone Pilot and Data Analyst to join their innovative team in Randburg, offering a hybrid work arrangement. This role combines expert drone operation with the ability to interpret aerial data for agricultural applications. You will be responsible for planning and executing drone flights for crop monitoring, soil analysis, and field mapping, and subsequently analyzing the collected data to provide actionable insights to farm managers. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of agricultural practices, proficiency in drone technology, and excellent data analysis capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, pilot, and execute safe and effective drone missions for agricultural surveying and monitoring.
• Operate various drone platforms and sensor payloads (e.g., RGB, multispectral, thermal cameras).
• Process and analyze drone-collected data to create maps, identify crop health issues, and assess field conditions.
• Generate reports and visualizations that communicate key findings to farm managers and stakeholders.
• Maintain drone equipment, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate drone data into broader crop management strategies.

Requirements

• Valid remote pilot license (e.g., SACAA drone pilot license) and relevant certifications.
• Proven experience in operating drones for commercial or agricultural purposes.
• Proficiency in drone data processing software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape) and GIS platforms.
• Strong understanding of agricultural principles, crop science, and soil analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive contractor rate based on experience and skills.
• Flexible work schedule with hybrid remote options.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge agricultural technology.
• Exposure to diverse farming operations and innovative practices.
• Contribute to data-driven decision-making for improved farm efficiency and sustainability.