Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Lichinga, Mozambique – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position:Drone Operations Manager

Company:John Deere Mozambique

Location:Lichinga, Mozambique

Experience:5+ years in drone operations, precision agriculture, or related fields

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, or related

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agriculture Technology

Department:Precision Agriculture

Salary:SSP 800,000 – 1,200,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Mozambique is a leading provider of innovative agricultural solutions, delivering cutting‑edge equipment, data‑driven services, and sustainable farming practices across Southern Africa. With a strong commitment to empowering local farmers, John Deere integrates advanced technology such as autonomous tractors, IoT sensors, and aerial imaging to boost productivity and environmental stewardship. The company’s presence in Mozambique focuses on supporting smallholder and commercial growers through tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of the region’s climate, soil, and market dynamics. As part of a global organization renowned for its heritage of quality and reliability, John Deere Mozambique offers career pathways that combine technical expertise with a passion for agricultural development, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to make a tangible impact on food security and rural livelihoods.

For more information about our global initiatives, visit our main website.

https://mozambiquejobsearch.com

Job Overview

The Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of aerial data collection missions that support precision agriculture initiatives across Mozambique. This role is pivotal in translating high‑resolution drone imagery into actionable insights for crop health monitoring, variable rate application, and yield forecasting. Reporting to the Head of Precision Agriculture, the manager will collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and field technicians to design flight plans, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a fleet of UAVs equipped with multispectral and thermal sensors. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and sustainability, contributing directly to John Deere’s mission of advancing farmer productivity while promoting responsible land stewardship.

Explore related opportunities in neighboring regions.

https://gambiajobsearch.com/job-vacancy-gambia/

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive drone flight plans for diverse crop types, ensuring optimal coverage and data quality.
• Manage the procurement, maintenance, and calibration of UAV hardware, sensors, and ground control stations.
• Coordinate with agronomy teams to align aerial data collection with seasonal planting, scouting, and harvest schedules.
• Ensure compliance with Mozambique’s civil aviation regulations, obtaining necessary permits and maintaining flight logs.
• Process raw imagery using photogrammetry and remote sensing software to generate NDVI, thermal, and 3‑D models.
• Collaborate with data analysts to integrate drone‑derived insights into farm management platforms and decision‑support tools.
• Train field staff and local partners on safe drone operations, data interpretation, and best practices.
• Monitor emerging UAV technologies and recommend upgrades to enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare detailed reports and visual presentations for stakeholders, highlighting agronomic recommendations and ROI.
• Maintain an inventory of spare parts, batteries, and consumables, ensuring minimal downtime.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV flight operations, including mission planning software (e.g., DJI Pilot, Pix4Dcapture).
• Strong knowledge of remote sensing principles, multispectral imaging, and data processing workflows.
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS) and agricultural analytics tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail for data accuracy.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Leadership experience managing cross‑functional teams and external vendors.
• Ability to work independently in remote field locations under varying weather conditions.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese; knowledge of local dialects is a plus.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., FAA Part 107 equivalent, Mozambique Civil Aviation UAV license) and specialized training in photogrammetry are highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of hands‑on experience operating drones for agricultural or environmental applications, with a proven track record of delivering actionable insights that improve crop performance. Experience in a managerial or supervisory capacity, overseeing equipment fleets and multidisciplinary teams, will be considered an advantage.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 800,000 to SSP 1,200,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives tied to project outcomes are also part of the total rewards structure.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in accordance with Mozambican labor law.
• Professional development budget for certifications, conferences, and training.
• Company‑provided mobile device and laptop for work‑related tasks.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Lichinga.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering John Deere’s precision agriculture ecosystem and safety protocols.
• Advanced UAV piloting and data analytics workshops conducted by industry experts.
• Continuous learning opportunities through partnerships with local universities and research institutes.

Working Environment

The role is based in Lichinga, offering a blend of office‑based planning and extensive field work across the Niassa Province. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation, sustainability, and community impact. State‑of‑the‑art facilities, modern equipment, and a supportive leadership team create an environment where technical expertise thrives.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience via the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

Explore additional career opportunities across the continent.

https://southafricajobsearch.com/

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Mozambique is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.