Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Kirehe, Rwanda – AgriTech and Precision Farming

Job Description

Position: Drone Operations Manager

Company: John Deere Rwanda

Location: Kirehe, Rwanda

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

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: AgriTech and Precision Farming

Department: Operations

Salary: SSP 800,000 – 1,200,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Rwanda is a leading provider of advanced agricultural equipment and technology solutions across the Great Lakes region. With a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices, John Deere empowers local producers to increase yields, reduce waste, and adopt data‑driven decision making. The company operates state‑of‑the‑art research facilities, offers extensive dealer networks, and partners with government agencies to promote modern agriculture. As Rwanda accelerates its Vision 2050 goals for food security and digital transformation, John Deere Rwanda plays a pivotal role in delivering innovative tools such as precision drones, IoT sensors, and AI‑enabled analytics. This environment offers a dynamic platform for professionals seeking to shape the future of agriculture while contributing to national development. The role aligns with the growing demand for Rwanda Jobs, Jobs in Rwanda, and Career Opportunities in Rwanda, reinforcing John Deere’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Job Overview

The Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of aerial data collection missions that support precision farming initiatives for smallholder and commercial farms in the Eastern Province. Reporting to the Head of AgriTech Solutions, you will oversee a fleet of UAVs, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and field technicians to translate drone imagery into actionable insights. This position is central to John Deere Rwanda’s strategy to expand its digital agriculture portfolio and to provide farmers with real‑time recommendations on crop health, irrigation scheduling, and pest management. The role offers exposure to cutting‑edge technology, cross‑functional teamwork, and the chance to influence policy on drone usage in Rwanda.

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Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for UAV flight planning, safety checks, and data acquisition.
• Coordinate with local authorities to secure flight permits and ensure adherence to Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
• Manage a team of drone pilots, maintenance technicians, and data analysts, providing coaching and performance feedback.
• Integrate drone‑derived datasets with John Deere’s farm management software, enabling precision prescriptions for fertilizer, seed, and water application.
• Conduct regular training workshops for farmers and extension officers on interpreting aerial imagery and leveraging insights for yield optimization.
• Monitor fleet health, schedule preventive maintenance, and oversee inventory of spare parts and batteries.
• Collaborate with research partners to pilot emerging technologies such as multispectral and hyperspectral sensors.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, highlighting project outcomes, ROI, and scalability potential.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in UAV flight control software (e.g., DJI Pilot, Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
• Strong understanding of agronomic principles and precision farming workflows.
• Experience with GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, Python).
• Excellent project management abilities, with a track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget.
• Effective communication skills for stakeholder engagement across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Problem‑solving mindset and ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technology landscapes.

Education

A minimum of 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, Rwanda Civil Aviation UAV license) are highly desirable.

Experience

Candidates must have at least five years of hands‑on experience managing drone programs in agricultural settings, preferably within East Africa. Prior exposure to large‑scale farm management platforms and a history of collaborating with government or NGO partners will be considered an advantage.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 800,000 to SSP 1,200,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based bonuses, health insurance, and a pension contribution scheme.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage for employee and dependents.
• Annual leave of 25 days plus public holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications, conferences, and workshops.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and mobile data plan.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering John Deere’s agritech ecosystem and safety protocols.
• Continuous technical training on the latest UAV hardware, sensor technologies, and data analytics platforms.
• Leadership development modules to enhance managerial competencies.

Working Environment

The role is based in the modern John Deere Rwanda office in Kirehe, with frequent field visits to farms across the Eastern Province. Employees enjoy a collaborative culture that values innovation, sustainability, and community impact. Flexible working arrangements are offered, including remote work days when field activities are not scheduled.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the John Deere careers portal, attaching a current CV and a cover letter outlining relevant drone project experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site technical assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Rwanda 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 regard to any protected characteristic.