Drone Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Riviere du Rempart, Mauritius – Agriculture Technology

Job Description

Position: Drone Operations Manager

Company: John Deere Mauritius

Location: Riviere du Rempart, Mauritius

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

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or related discipline

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture Technology

Department: Operations

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

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere Mauritius is a leading provider of innovative agricultural solutions, delivering cutting‑edge equipment and technology to farmers across the island and the wider Indian Ocean region. With a legacy of more than 180 years in precision farming, the company combines global expertise with local insight to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability for Mauritian agriculture. As part of the John Deere family, the Mauritius branch embraces a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and environmental stewardship, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking impactful careers in agriculture technology. The organization actively supports Mauritius Jobs initiatives, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and the development of high‑skill employment in the sector.

Job Overview

The Drone Operations Manager will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of drone‑based precision agriculture programs for John Deere Mauritius. This role is pivotal in integrating aerial data collection, mapping, and analytics into farm management practices, helping local growers optimize inputs, improve yields, and reduce environmental impact. The manager will collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and field technicians to design customized drone solutions that align with the unique challenges of Mauritian crops such as sugarcane, tea, and tropical fruits. The position offers a unique blend of technical leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement, providing a platform to shape the future of smart farming in Mauritius.

For more information, visit our website.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive drone operations strategy that supports precision agriculture initiatives across Mauritius.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of pilots, engineers, and agronomists to conduct flight planning, data acquisition, and post‑processing.
• Ensure compliance with Mauritian civil aviation regulations, data privacy standards, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with customers to understand field requirements, propose tailored drone solutions, and deliver actionable insights.
• Manage the procurement, maintenance, and calibration of UAV hardware, sensors, and software platforms.
• Analyze aerial imagery using GIS and AI tools to generate prescription maps, crop health reports, and yield forecasts.
• Provide training and technical support to farm staff and external partners on drone operation and data interpretation.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as flight efficiency, data accuracy, and client satisfaction, reporting results to senior leadership.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to maintain a competitive edge.

Required Skills

• Proven expertise in UAV flight operations, sensor integration, and aerial data processing.
• Strong understanding of precision agriculture practices and crop management in tropical environments.
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analytics platforms.
• Project management capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English and French.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a technical team.
• Problem‑solving mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a closely related field is required. Advanced certifications in UAV operation (e.g., ICAO Part‑107, Mauritian DGCA license) and professional training in precision farming are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five years’ experience managing drone programs or precision agriculture projects, preferably within a commercial or research environment. Demonstrated success in delivering measurable agronomic benefits through aerial technology is essential.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of SSP 800,000 to SSP 1,200,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentive schemes are also part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Company‑provided mobile device and laptop.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Ongoing professional development through John Deere Academy courses.
• Certification programs for advanced UAV piloting and data analytics.
• Access to industry conferences and workshops on smart farming.

Working Environment

The position is based at John Deere’s modern office and field facilities in Riviere du Rempart, offering a collaborative atmosphere that blends office work with hands‑on field activities. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages innovation, safety, and work‑life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant 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.

Apply through our partner portal.

Equal Opportunity Statement

John Deere Mauritius 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.