Senior Agricultural Drone Pilot Job Vacancy in Livingstone, Zambia – Agriculture & Technology

Job Description

Position: Senior Agricultural Drone Pilot

Company: Bayer Zambia

Location: Livingstone, Zambia

Experience: 5+ years in UAV operations, precision agriculture, and data analysis

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture & Technology

Department: Precision Farming

Salary: SSP 120,000 – 180,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Bayer Zambia, a leading global life sciences company, is dedicated to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability across the African continent. With a strong presence in Zambia, Bayer combines cutting‑edge research, innovative crop solutions, and digital technologies to empower farmers. As part of its commitment to modern farming, Bayer is expanding its precision agriculture portfolio, creating exciting career opportunities for professionals passionate about technology and sustainable food production. This role contributes directly to Bayer’s mission of advancing agriculture in Zambia, supporting local economies, and delivering high‑quality crops to market. Join a forward‑thinking team that values innovation, collaboration, and impact on Zambia Jobs and the broader agricultural sector.

Job Overview

The Senior Agricultural Drone Pilot will lead UAV‑based data collection, analysis, and implementation of precision farming practices for Bayer’s key client farms in the Southern Province. You will operate state‑of‑the‑art drones, process multispectral imagery, and translate insights into actionable agronomic recommendations. This position offers a unique blend of field work, data science, and stakeholder engagement, positioning you at the forefront of digital agriculture in Zambia. For more information about our digital initiatives, visit our main portal https://zambiajobssearch.com.

Explore related opportunities in the region at https://malawijobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-malawi/.

Learn about cross‑border agricultural tech trends at https://zimbabwejobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and supervise drone flights over diverse crop types, ensuring compliance with Zambian aviation regulations.
• Capture high‑resolution RGB, NDVI, and thermal imagery to monitor plant health, water stress, and pest pressure.
• Process raw data using GIS and analytics platforms to generate field‑level maps and actionable insights.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farm managers, and extension officers to translate drone data into precision input recommendations (fertilizer, irrigation, pesticide).
• Maintain and calibrate UAV equipment, sensors, and software, guaranteeing data accuracy and operational safety.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior pilots and farm staff on drone best practices.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for UAV operations and data management.
• Report findings to senior management and contribute to continuous improvement of Bayer’s digital agriculture services.

Required Skills

• Proficient in UAV flight planning, piloting, and post‑processing software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
• Strong understanding of remote sensing, multispectral imaging, and GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Ability to interpret agronomic data and communicate recommendations to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Zambian aviation regulations and safety protocols for commercial drone use.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making abilities.
• Effective communication, teamwork, and client‑facing skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently across the Southern Province and other farming regions.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Geomatics, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., ZCAA Remote Pilot Licence) and GIS are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum five years of professional experience operating drones in agricultural settings, coupled with a proven track record of delivering data‑driven agronomic solutions. Experience working with large commercial farms or agribusinesses in Zambia or the broader Southern Africa region is preferred.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 120,000 to SSP 180,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are available based on project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in line with Zambian labour law.
• Professional development allowance for certifications, conferences, and training.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and UAV equipment.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Bayer’s precision agriculture platform and data workflow.
• Advanced UAV piloting and sensor calibration workshops.
• Continuous learning modules on emerging remote sensing technologies and agronomic practices.
• Leadership and project management training for career progression.

Working Environment

The role combines field‑based operations with office‑based data analysis. You will work in a collaborative, multicultural team that values innovation and sustainability. Bayer Zambia provides a safe, inclusive workplace with modern facilities in Livingstone, close to major transport routes and agricultural hubs.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through Bayer’s career portal, attaching a current CV and a cover letter outlining relevant UAV and agronomic experience. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a technical assessment and an interview with the Precision Farming leadership team.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bayer 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 candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this exciting opportunity in Zambia Jobs.