Agricultural Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Oshogbo, Nigeria – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position: Agricultural Drone Operations Manager

Company: John Deere Nigeria

Location: Oshogbo, Nigeria

Experience: 5-7 years

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture Technology

Department: Operations

Salary: NGN 3,500,000 – NGN 5,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Nigeria, a subsidiary of the global leader in agricultural equipment and technology, has been empowering Nigerian farmers for over three decades. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and precision agriculture, the company provides cutting‑edge machinery, digital solutions, and agronomic services that enhance productivity across the nation. Operating from multiple regional hubs, John Deere Nigeria collaborates closely with local cooperatives, research institutions, and government agencies to drive modern farming practices. The organization’s vision is to transform agriculture into a high‑value, technology‑driven sector, creating resilient food systems and lucrative career pathways. As part of its expansion into advanced aerial data collection, John Deere Nigeria is seeking a skilled Agricultural Drone Operations Manager to lead its drone program, supporting the broader goal of delivering smart farming solutions throughout Nigeria.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Drone Operations Manager will be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing all drone‑based activities that support precision agriculture initiatives. This role integrates aerial imaging, data analytics, and field operations to provide actionable insights for crop monitoring, health assessment, and resource optimization. Reporting to the Head of Agronomy, the manager will collaborate with engineers, agronomists, and farm managers to ensure that drone missions align with client objectives and regulatory standards. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of agriculture technology in Nigeria, contributing directly to increased yields, reduced input costs, and sustainable farming practices. This is a high‑visibility role that combines technical expertise with strategic leadership, ideal for professionals passionate about leveraging technology for agricultural transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive drone operations strategy that supports precision farming projects across diverse agro‑ecological zones.
• Plan, schedule, and execute drone flights for crop scouting, multispectral imaging, and topographic mapping, ensuring compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
• Manage a team of licensed drone pilots, data analysts, and field technicians, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Coordinate with agronomy experts to translate aerial data into actionable recommendations for fertilizer application, irrigation scheduling, and pest management.
• Maintain and calibrate drone hardware, sensors, and software platforms, partnering with John Deere’s global tech support for upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Oversee data processing pipelines, integrating GIS tools and machine‑learning models to generate farm‑level insights.
• Prepare detailed reports and visual presentations for clients, highlighting yield forecasts, stress detection, and cost‑benefit analyses.
• Lead community outreach and training workshops for local farmers, showcasing the benefits of drone‑enabled precision agriculture.

Required Skills

• Proven expertise in operating commercial UAVs equipped with multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian aviation regulations and experience obtaining necessary flight permits.
• Hands‑on experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analytics platforms.
• Ability to interpret agronomic data and collaborate with crop scientists.
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex field operations on time and within budget.
• Leadership capabilities to build and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
• Effective communication skills for client presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to safety, data privacy, and environmental stewardship.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., FAA Part 107 equivalent, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority UAV license) and additional training in GIS or data science are highly desirable.

Experience

Candidates should possess 5‑7 years of professional experience in precision agriculture, drone operations, or related fields. Prior experience managing field teams, handling large datasets, and delivering agronomic insights to commercial farms will be considered a strong advantage.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of NGN 3,500,000 to NGN 5,000,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance‑based incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan (Pension).
• Annual performance bonus.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Company‑provided laptop, tablet, and field equipment.
• Paid leave and flexible working arrangements.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering John Deere’s agronomy solutions and drone technology.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest UAV platforms and sensor upgrades.
• Access to John Deere’s global knowledge network and e‑learning portal.
• Leadership development workshops to enhance managerial competencies.
• Field immersion trips to showcase best practices in precision farming.

Working Environment

The position is based in Oshogbo, a strategic hub for agricultural activities in southwestern Nigeria. The manager will split time between a modern office environment and field sites across the region, working closely with farmers, research partners, and the John Deere support team. The role involves occasional travel to other Nigerian states and international conferences, providing exposure to global agritech trends.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the John Deere Nigeria careers portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment. For more information about the company, visit John Deere Nigeria.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Nigeria 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.