Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Mokhotlong, Lesotho – Precision Agriculture

Job Description

Position: Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company: John Deere Lesotho

Location: Mokhotlong, Lesotho

Experience: Minimum 5 years of UAV/Drone operations in agriculture

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Precision Agriculture

Department: Operations

Salary: SSP 250,000 – SSP 350,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Lesotho is a leading provider of advanced agricultural equipment and technology solutions across Southern Africa. With a legacy of over 180 years in farming innovation, the company combines cutting‑edge machinery with data‑driven services to help farmers increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and achieve sustainable growth. In Lesotho, John Deere partners with local cooperatives, government agencies, and research institutions to promote modern farming practices, especially in remote high‑altitude regions such as Mokhotlong. The organization is committed to creating high‑quality jobs, fostering local talent, and contributing to food security in the Kingdom. As part of its strategic expansion, John Deere Lesotho is investing in precision agriculture tools, including satellite‑linked drones, to deliver real‑time field analytics to smallholder farmers.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based surveying and monitoring programs for farms throughout the Mokhotlong district and surrounding areas. This role bridges technology and agronomy, ensuring that aerial data is transformed into actionable insights for crop health, irrigation management, pest control, and yield forecasting. The manager will collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and field technicians to design flight missions, maintain equipment, and train local operators. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of farming in Lesotho while working for a globally recognized brand. For more information about John Deere’s broader initiatives, visit the Main Website.

Additional resources on regional job markets can be found at Additional Website.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drone flight plans tailored to diverse crop types and terrain in Mokhotlong.
• Coordinate with agronomists to define data collection objectives, such as NDVI mapping, moisture assessment, and pest detection.
• Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and regulatory compliance of UAV hardware and software.
• Analyze aerial imagery using GIS and AI tools, producing reports that guide farm management decisions.
• Train and mentor a team of local drone operators, ensuring safety standards and technical proficiency.
• Manage relationships with local farmers, cooperatives, and government bodies to promote adoption of precision agriculture services.
• Monitor project budgets, track key performance indicators, and present results to senior leadership.
• Stay current with emerging drone technologies, regulations, and best practices in African agriculture.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV flight operations, including mission planning software (e.g., DroneDeploy, Pix4D).
• Strong understanding of agronomic principles and crop monitoring techniques.
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analytics tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills for training and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work independently in remote, high‑altitude environments.
• Knowledge of Lesotho’s aviation regulations and safety protocols.

Education

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

Experience

Applicants must have at least five years of hands‑on experience operating drones for agricultural purposes, preferably in African or mountainous regions. Prior experience managing a technical team and delivering data‑driven recommendations to farmers is essential.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 250,000 to SSP 350,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses may be awarded for exceeding project targets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave in accordance with Lesotho labor law.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided mobile device and data plan for field work.

Training

• Initial onboarding program covering John Deere’s precision agriculture suite.
• Advanced UAV piloting and safety certification courses.
• Continuous learning workshops on AI‑driven crop analytics.
• Mentorship opportunities with senior agronomists and data scientists.

Working Environment

The role is based in Mokhotlong, a scenic district known for its rugged terrain and agricultural potential. The manager will split time between the company office, field sites, and farmer meetings. Work involves occasional travel to remote farms, requiring adaptability to varying weather conditions and altitude. John Deere provides all necessary equipment, safety gear, and logistical support to ensure a productive and secure working environment.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the John Deere Lesotho careers portal, attaching a current résumé and a cover letter outlining relevant drone and agricultural experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual interview followed by a practical field assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Lesotho is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.