Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Kisoro, Uganda – Agriculture – Drone Technology

Job Description

Position:Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company:Syngenta Uganda

Location:Kisoro, Uganda

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 – Drone Technology

Department:Technology & Innovation

Salary:UGX 4,000,000 – UGX 6,000,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Syngenta Uganda is a leading global agribusiness dedicated to sustainable crop protection and innovative farming solutions. With a strong presence across East Africa, Syngenta combines scientific expertise with local knowledge to help farmers increase yields, improve soil health, and adopt cutting‑edge technologies. As part of its commitment to modern agriculture, Syngenta Uganda is expanding its precision farming portfolio, integrating drone‑based monitoring, data analytics, and AI‑driven decision support. This expansion creates exciting career opportunities for professionals passionate about technology, sustainability, and the future of food security in Uganda. The role contributes directly to the company’s mission of delivering high‑impact, environmentally responsible solutions, making it an ideal platform for those seeking to shape the agricultural landscape while advancing their own expertise.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based surveys across diverse farming regions in Uganda. Reporting to the Head of Technology & Innovation, you will oversee a team of pilots, data analysts, and agronomists to deliver actionable insights that improve crop health, optimize input use, and enhance farm profitability. This position plays a pivotal role in Syngenta Uganda’s digital transformation strategy, aligning cutting‑edge drone technology with the company’s broader sustainability goals. For more information about Syngenta’s vision and other career opportunities, visit https://ugandajobssearch.com/. The role offers a unique blend of field work, data science, and stakeholder engagement, providing a comprehensive experience for professionals eager to drive innovation in Uganda’s agriculture sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drone flight plans for crop monitoring, pest detection, and yield estimation across multiple districts.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team, ensuring safety compliance, operational efficiency, and high‑quality data collection.
• Collaborate with agronomists to translate aerial imagery into actionable recommendations for farmers.
• Maintain and calibrate drone hardware, software, and sensor suites to meet industry standards.
• Analyze geospatial data using GIS platforms and generate detailed reports for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Lead pilot training programs and certify new drone operators in accordance with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
• Monitor emerging drone technologies and recommend upgrades to keep Syngenta at the forefront of precision agriculture.
• Coordinate with local farmer cooperatives, NGOs, and government agencies to promote adoption of drone‑enabled farming practices.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV operation, flight planning software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy), and sensor integration.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in GIS, remote sensing, and data visualization tools.
• Excellent project management abilities, capable of handling multiple field campaigns simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills for presenting technical findings to non‑technical audiences.
• Knowledge of Ugandan agricultural practices, crop cycles, and common pest pressures.
• Leadership experience in managing cross‑functional teams.
• Commitment to safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Geomatics, or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation or a Master’s degree in Precision Agriculture are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience operating agricultural drones, conducting remote sensing surveys, and delivering data‑driven agronomic recommendations. Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role within an agritech or research organization is preferred.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this role is UGX 4,000,000 to UGX 6,000,000 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.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and drone equipment for field work.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Syngenta’s agronomic solutions and drone safety standards.
• Continuous training in advanced UAV technologies, GIS analytics, and AI‑driven crop modeling.
• Leadership workshops to enhance team management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Working Environment

The role combines office‑based analysis with extensive field work across Uganda’s varied agro‑ecological zones. You will work in a collaborative, innovation‑driven culture that values sustainability, diversity, and continuous learning. Flexible working arrangements are available, with occasional travel to remote farm sites and regional agricultural events.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the Syngenta Careers portal, attaching a current CV 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.

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.