Smart Agriculture Drone Pilot Job Vacancy in Mzimba, Malawi – Agricultural Technology

Job Description

Position:Smart Agriculture Drone Pilot

Company:John Deere Malawi

Location:Mzimba, Malawi

Experience:3-5 years of experience operating agricultural drones and GIS mapping

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agricultural Technology

Department:Precision Farming

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

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Malawi, a subsidiary of the global leader in agricultural equipment, is dedicated to empowering Malawian farmers with cutting‑edge technology. Our mission is to increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability across the agricultural sector. With a strong presence in Malawi, we provide innovative solutions ranging from advanced machinery to data‑driven farming services.

Job Overview

As a Smart Agriculture Drone Pilot, you will play a pivotal role in transforming traditional farming practices into precision agriculture. You will operate state‑of‑the‑art drones to capture high‑resolution aerial imagery, generate actionable insights, and support farmers in optimizing inputs and yields. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend technology with agriculture, contributing to Malawi’s food security and economic growth.

For more information about our company, visit our main website.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and monitor drone flights over diverse agricultural landscapes.
• Collect and process multispectral and RGB imagery to produce NDVI, canopy height, and moisture maps.
• Collaborate with agronomists to translate data into actionable recommendations for fertilizer, irrigation, and pest management.
• Maintain drone hardware, software, and calibration tools to ensure optimal performance.
• Provide training and technical support to field staff and partner farmers on drone operations and data interpretation.
• Ensure compliance with Malawi Civil Aviation Authority regulations and safety protocols.
• Document flight logs, data outputs, and project outcomes for reporting and continuous improvement.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in operating fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing agricultural drones.
• Strong knowledge of GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and remote sensing analysis.
• Ability to interpret aerial data for agronomic decision‑making.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with Malawi’s agricultural crops and farming practices.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a related discipline is required. Certifications in drone piloting (e.g., UAV Operator License) are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience operating agricultural drones, conducting aerial surveys, and delivering data‑driven recommendations. Experience working with smallholder farmers in Malawi or similar contexts is a plus.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this role is SSP 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses may be awarded.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Professional development allowance.
• Company‑provided equipment and mobile data for field work.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering drone safety, data processing, and agronomic fundamentals.
• Ongoing workshops on emerging precision agriculture technologies.
• Access to online courses and certifications in GIS, remote sensing, and agronomy.

Working Environment

You will work both in the field, navigating diverse terrains across Malawi, and in a modern office equipped with advanced data analysis tools. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including agronomists, engineers, and sales professionals, fosters a dynamic and innovative workplace.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through our online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For additional career resources, visit Uganda Jobs Search.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, or background.