Durban Agricultural Drone Ops Lead and Data Analytics

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Advanced drone equipment

Health and wellness benefits

Training and certification opportuni­t

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an Agricultural Drone Operations Manager to lead drone fleets, pilot teams, and data-driven crop management. The role combines field operations with data analytics, flight planning, and collaboration with agronomists to optimize yields and sustainability across extensive farmland.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree, SACAA license, and at least four years in agricultural operations, including drone tech.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Geospatial Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in agricultural operations, with at least 2 years focused on drone technology applications.
• Valid SACAA drone pilot license and experience operating various drone platforms.
• Proficiency in GIS and agricultural data analysis software.
• Strong understanding of crop science and precision farming techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversee deployment and daily operations of agricultural drone fleets for crop monitoring, spraying, and soil analysis.
• Manage and train a team of certified drone pilots, ensuring safety and protocols.
• Develop flight plans and strategies for 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 and resource needs.
• Maintain drone hardware and software, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary.
• Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists to integrate drone-derived data into farm management decisions.

Skills

Drone operations

Data interpretation

Team leadership

Flight planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Geospatial Science

Tools

GIS tools

Drone software

Job description

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an Agricultural Drone Operations Manager to lead drone fleets, pilot teams, and data-driven crop management. The role combines field operations with data analytics, flight planning, and collaboration with agronomists to optimize yields and sustainability across extensive farmland.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree, SACAA license, and at least four years in agricultural operations, including drone tech.