Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Chingola, Zambia – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position:Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company:Cargill Zambia

Location:Chingola, Zambia

Experience:5-7 years

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agriculture Technology

Department:Precision Agriculture

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Cargill Zambia is a leading global agribusiness firm with a strong presence in Southern Africa. Operating for decades, Cargill delivers innovative solutions across the agricultural value chain, from grain handling to food ingredient production. The company is committed to sustainable farming practices, community development, and leveraging cutting‑edge technology to improve yields and farmer livelihoods. As part of its strategic focus on precision agriculture, Cargill Zambia is expanding its drone‑based monitoring and data analytics capabilities to support Zambia’s growing agricultural sector. This expansion creates exciting career opportunities for professionals who are passionate about technology, sustainability, and food security in Zambia.

For more information about Cargill’s global initiatives, visit the main job portal: https://zambiajobssearch.com.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based aerial surveys across Cargill’s farm partner network in the Copperbelt region. This role combines expertise in unmanned aerial systems, agronomy, and data interpretation to deliver actionable insights that enhance crop health monitoring, irrigation management, and yield forecasting. The manager will collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and field technicians to integrate drone data into Cargill’s precision agriculture platform, supporting the company’s mission to drive sustainable productivity for Zambian farmers.

Additional resources for regional job seekers can be found at https://liberiajobsearch.com/.

Explore further opportunities across Southern Africa at https://lesothojobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive drone flight plan covering key agricultural zones in and around Chingola.
• Coordinate with farm managers to schedule flights, ensuring compliance with local aviation regulations and safety standards.
• Operate and maintain multi‑rotor and fixed‑wing UAVs equipped with multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors.
• Process raw imagery using photogrammetry software to generate high‑resolution orthomosaics, NDVI maps, and 3‑D terrain models.
• Collaborate with agronomists to translate drone‑derived data into actionable recommendations for fertilizer application, pest control, and water management.
• Lead a small team of drone pilots and field technicians, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Maintain detailed logs of flight operations, data quality checks, and equipment maintenance records.
• Stay current with emerging UAV technologies, sensor advancements, and regulatory changes affecting agricultural drone use in Zambia.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting impact on yield improvement and cost savings.
• Support the integration of drone data into Cargill’s cloud‑based analytics platform, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for stakeholders.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV operation, flight planning software (e.g., DJI Pilot, Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
• Strong understanding of remote sensing principles, especially vegetation indices such as NDVI and EVI.
• Experience with GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS) and data visualization platforms.
• Solid agronomic knowledge to interpret crop health indicators.
• Excellent project management abilities, with a track record of delivering complex field operations on schedule.
• Effective communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem‑solving mindset and ability to adapt to dynamic field conditions.
• Commitment to safety protocols and regulatory compliance in Zambia’s airspace.

Education

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, or a closely related discipline. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., FAA Part 107 equivalent, Zambia Civil Aviation Authority drone license) are highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of five to seven years of professional experience in precision agriculture, drone operations, or related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated success in managing field‑based technology projects and a proven ability to translate aerial data into agronomic insights.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with industry standards for Zambia Jobs.
• Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to project outcomes.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided vehicle for field travel.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid parental and annual leave.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering Cargill’s precision agriculture platform.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest UAV hardware and software.
• Access to internal and external agronomy workshops.
• Leadership development courses for managerial growth.

Working Environment

The role is based in Chingola, a vibrant mining and agricultural hub in the Copperbelt Province. You will split time between a modern office environment and field sites across the region, working closely with local farmers, agronomists, and technology partners. The position offers a dynamic blend of office‑based analysis and hands‑on field work, fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and sustainability.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the online application portal on Cargill’s careers page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment in Chingola.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cargill Zambia 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, or sexual orientation. We encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position and join our mission to drive sustainable agriculture in Zambia.