Precision Agriculture Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Shashemene, Ethiopia – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position:Precision Agriculture Drone Operations Manager

Company:John Deere Ethiopia

Location:Shashemene, Ethiopia

Experience:5+ years in drone operations, precision agriculture, data analytics

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agriculture Technology

Department:Operations

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

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Ethiopia is a leading provider of advanced agricultural solutions, combining more than two centuries of global expertise with a deep commitment to Ethiopian farmers. The company delivers cutting‑edge equipment, digital platforms, and data‑driven services that empower growers to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and achieve sustainable profitability. With a strong presence in Addis Ababa and regional hubs, John Deere Ethiopia supports a wide network of distributors, agronomists, and technology partners across the nation. The organization is recognized for its innovative approach to precision farming, leveraging satellite imagery, IoT sensors, and autonomous drone technology to transform traditional agriculture into a modern, data‑rich enterprise. As part of its expansion strategy, John Deere Ethiopia is investing in the high‑potential Rift Valley region, where Shashemene serves as a strategic gateway to both smallholder and commercial farms. This role contributes directly to the company’s mission of delivering “Technology for Life” while creating meaningful career opportunities in Ethiopia Jobs and supporting the broader goal of food security in the Horn of Africa.

Job Overview

The Precision Agriculture Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based data collection programs for farms across the Shashemene region and beyond. This position reports to the Head of Agronomy Services and works closely with agronomists, data scientists, and field technicians to deliver actionable insights that improve crop health, optimize input use, and increase yields. The manager will be responsible for developing standard operating procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a fleet of multi‑spectral and thermal drones. By integrating drone data with John Deere’s farm management software, the role directly supports the company’s vision of providing end‑to‑end digital solutions for Ethiopian agriculture. The position offers a unique blend of technical leadership, field operations, and stakeholder engagement, making it an ideal opportunity for professionals seeking to shape the future of agriculture technology in Ethiopia. This job vacancy in Ethiopia is a key component of John Deere’s broader hiring in Ethiopia, reflecting the growing demand for skilled talent in the precision farming sector.

For more information about John Deere’s global initiatives, visit the main website.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement drone flight plans for crop scouting, disease detection, and irrigation monitoring across diverse farm sizes.
• Manage the acquisition, maintenance, and calibration of multi‑spectral, RGB, and thermal drone platforms.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority regulations, including flight permits and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with agronomists to translate raw imagery into actionable agronomic recommendations using John Deere’s Precision Ag Suite.
• Lead a team of drone pilots and field technicians, providing training, performance feedback, and career development.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines that integrate drone‑derived datasets with farm management software and cloud analytics.
• Monitor key performance indicators such as data accuracy, turnaround time, and client satisfaction, reporting results to senior leadership.
• Engage with local farmer cooperatives, research institutions, and government agencies to promote the adoption of drone technology.
• Prepare technical documentation, SOPs, and safety manuals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging drone technologies, sensor innovations, and regulatory changes to keep John Deere Ethiopia at the forefront of the industry.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting UAV platforms, including DJI, senseFly, and fixed‑wing systems.
• Strong knowledge of photogrammetry, GIS, and remote sensing software such as Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, and QGIS.
• Experience with data analytics tools (Python, R, or MATLAB) for processing large image datasets.
• Excellent project management abilities, with a track record of delivering complex field operations on schedule.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts to non‑technical audiences, including farmers and community leaders.
• Understanding of Ethiopian agricultural practices, crop cycles, and common pest and disease pressures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a commercial UAV pilot license in Ethiopia.
• Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a fast‑paced environment.

Education

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

Experience

Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in drone operations for agricultural applications, combined with a solid background in data analysis and agronomic consulting. Prior experience working in Ethiopia or similar emerging market contexts is a strong advantage.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 SSP per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based bonuses, health insurance, and a retirement savings plan.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage for employee and dependents.
• Annual performance bonus tied to project outcomes.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and mobile data plan.
• Paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering John Deere’s Precision Ag ecosystem and Ethiopian regulatory framework.
• Advanced UAV pilot certification courses in partnership with local aviation schools.
• Continuous learning workshops on AI‑driven analytics, machine learning, and data visualization.
• Mentorship from senior agronomy and technology leaders within the global John Deere network.

Working Environment

The role is based in Shashemene, offering a blend of office‑based strategic planning and extensive field work across the Rift Valley. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation, sustainability, and community impact. The office provides modern facilities, high‑speed internet, and a supportive team environment. Field assignments involve travel to farms, research stations, and cooperative meetings, with all necessary safety equipment supplied by the company.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the John Deere Careers portal, attaching a current resume and a cover letter outlining relevant drone and agronomy experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical field assessment. For additional career resources and to explore other opportunities, visit the additional website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere 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, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.