Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Gulu, Uganda – Agriculture & Agritech

Job Description

Position:Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company:Syngenta Uganda

Location:Gulu, Uganda

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

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Agriculture & Agritech

Department:Operations

Salary:SSP 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Uganda is a leading global agribusiness dedicated to sustainable crop protection and seed innovation. With a strong presence across East Africa, Syngenta empowers farmers to increase yields, improve profitability, and adopt environmentally responsible practices. Our commitment to cutting‑edge technology, research, and community development makes us a top employer for professionals seeking impactful careers in agriculture. As part of our expansion in Northern Uganda, we are establishing a state‑of‑the‑art drone operations hub in Gulu to support precision farming initiatives that drive productivity and resilience.

Our mission aligns with national goals for food security and climate‑smart agriculture, positioning us as a key partner for the Ugandan government, NGOs, and research institutions. Joining Syngenta Uganda means contributing to transformative projects that shape the future of farming in Uganda and beyond.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will lead the design, deployment, and management of drone‑based solutions for precision agriculture across the Northern Region. This role reports to the Regional Agronomy Director and collaborates closely with data scientists, agronomists, and field technicians to deliver actionable insights that enhance crop health, optimize input use, and reduce environmental impact.

For more information about our career opportunities, visit our main portal: https://ugandajobssearch.com.

Explore related opportunities in neighboring markets: https://zimbabwejobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-zimbabwe/.

Learn about our global sustainability initiatives: https://algeriajobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive drone strategy that supports precision agriculture pilots and large‑scale rollouts.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of pilots, GIS analysts, and agronomists to plan, conduct, and analyze aerial surveys.
• Ensure compliance with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority regulations, data privacy laws, and internal safety standards.
• Integrate drone‑collected data with Syngenta’s agronomic platforms to generate prescription maps, disease alerts, and yield forecasts.
• Collaborate with local farmer cooperatives, extension services, and research institutions to tailor drone services to regional crop cycles.
• Manage budgeting, procurement, and maintenance of UAV fleets, sensors, and ground control stations.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to field staff and partner organizations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as coverage efficiency, data accuracy, and farmer adoption rates.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, stakeholders, and funding partners.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV flight planning software (e.g., DJI Pilot, Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
• Strong understanding of remote sensing, photogrammetry, and GIS analysis.
• Experience with agronomic data interpretation and precision farming practices.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Knowledge of Ugandan aviation regulations and environmental compliance.
• Effective communication skills in English; proficiency in local languages is a plus.
• Problem‑solving mindset with a focus on innovative, data‑driven solutions.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a closely related field is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operations (e.g., FAA Part 107 equivalent, Ugandan UAV Operator License) are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum five years of hands‑on experience managing drone programs in agricultural settings, preferably within East Africa. Demonstrated success in scaling technology solutions from pilot to commercial deployment is essential.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 2,500,000 to SSP 4,000,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are part of the total rewards structure.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided laptop, mobile device, and safety gear.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomic platforms and safety protocols.
• Advanced UAV piloting and data analytics workshops.
• Continuous learning sessions on emerging precision agriculture technologies.
• Leadership development courses for managerial growth.

Working Environment

The role is based in Gulu’s modern office campus with easy access to field sites across the Northern Region. You will work in a collaborative, multicultural team that values innovation, sustainability, and farmer empowerment. Fieldwork may involve travel to remote farms, requiring adaptability and a passion for hands‑on problem solving.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant drone and agronomy experience through our online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syngenta Uganda is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. We encourage qualified Ugandan professionals to apply and join our mission to transform agriculture in Uganda.