Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia – Agriculture & Agribusiness

Job Description

Position: Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company: Syngenta Ethiopia

Location: Debre Zeit, Ethiopia

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

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture & Agribusiness

Department: Operations

Salary: SSP 150,000 – 250,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Ethiopia is a leading global agribusiness dedicated to sustainable agriculture and innovative crop solutions. With a strong presence across Ethiopia, Syngenta partners with local farmers, research institutions, and government agencies to enhance productivity, improve food security, and promote environmentally responsible farming practices. As part of its commitment to cutting‑edge technology, Syngenta has invested heavily in precision agriculture tools, including aerial drone platforms that enable real‑time field monitoring, disease detection, and variable rate application. The company’s mission aligns with Ethiopia’s Vision 2030, fostering modern agriculture that drives economic growth and rural development.

Syngenta’s operations in Ethiopia span seed development, crop protection, digital agronomy services, and farmer training programs. The organization values innovation, integrity, and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment where professionals can contribute to transformative agricultural solutions. By joining Syngenta Ethiopia, you become part of a global network that supports local communities while delivering world‑class agricultural products and services.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based data collection for precision agriculture projects across the Debre Zeit region and beyond. This role is pivotal in translating aerial imagery into actionable insights that help farmers optimize inputs, increase yields, and reduce environmental impact. Reporting to the Head of Digital Agronomy, the manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team of drone pilots, data analysts, and agronomists, ensuring compliance with local aviation regulations and Syngenta’s quality standards. The position offers a unique opportunity to blend technical expertise with agricultural knowledge, driving innovative solutions that directly impact Ethiopia Jobs and the broader Jobs in Ethiopia market.

For more information about Syngenta’s digital agriculture initiatives, visit https://ethiopiajobssearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drone flight plans for crop scouting, health monitoring, and yield estimation across diverse agro‑ecological zones.
• Manage a team of certified drone pilots, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with agronomists to translate aerial data into precise field recommendations, supporting Syngenta’s precision agriculture services.
• Maintain and calibrate drone hardware, sensors, and software platforms, troubleshooting technical issues promptly.
• Analyze geospatial data using GIS and remote sensing tools, producing detailed reports for internal stakeholders and farmer partners.
• Collaborate with research institutions and government bodies to align drone initiatives with national agricultural policies.
• Monitor budgetary allocations, procurement of equipment, and vendor relationships to optimize cost‑effectiveness.
• Lead training workshops for field staff and farmer groups on drone technology, data interpretation, and best practices.
• Ensure data security, privacy, and compliance with Ethiopian aviation and data protection regulations.
• Continuously evaluate emerging drone technologies and recommend upgrades to maintain a competitive edge.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in operating fixed‑wing and multirotor drones equipped with multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors.
• Strong knowledge of GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing analysis techniques.
• Experience in precision agriculture workflows, including variable rate technology and agronomic modeling.
• Excellent project management abilities, with a track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts to non‑technical audiences, including farmers and senior management.
• Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in fast‑paced environments.
• Familiarity with Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) drone regulations and permitting processes.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving capabilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel frequently across the Debre Zeit region and other agricultural zones.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Amharic is highly advantageous.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related field is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operations, GIS, or precision agriculture are preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in drone operations for agricultural applications, including data acquisition, processing, and agronomic interpretation. Prior experience in a managerial or supervisory role is essential.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this position is SSP 150,000 – 250,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are also part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development budget for certifications, conferences, and training.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and drone equipment for field work.
• Transportation allowance for regional travel.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomy platforms, data security policies, and Ethiopian aviation regulations.
• Advanced UAV pilot certification courses in partnership with local aviation schools.
• Continuous learning workshops on emerging remote sensing technologies and AI‑driven analytics.

Working Environment

The role is based in Debre Zeit with a hybrid work model that combines office‑based planning and field‑based operations. The office provides a collaborative space equipped with modern IT infrastructure, while fieldwork involves travel to farms, research stations, and pilot sites across the region. Syngenta promotes a safety‑first culture, offering protective gear and regular safety briefings for all field activities.

Application Process

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syngenta Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability. We encourage applications from qualified women and under‑represented groups to support our goal of fostering diverse talent in Ethiopia Jobs and Career Opportunities in Ethiopia.