Introduction

Our client is looking for a Drone Operator to join their team in Graaff-Reinet.

The Drone Operator is responsible for operating agricultural spraying drones to apply pesticides, herbicides, foliar feeds, fertilisers, and other crop‑treatment products safely and accurately. This role involves planning flight routes, performing pre‑flight and post‑flight checks, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with aviation, agricultural, and safety regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Drone Operation & Spraying

Operate agricultural spraying drones to apply crop treatments with precision and safety.
Conduct pre‑flight inspections, including battery checks, rotor inspections, sensor checks, and spray‑system readiness.
Plan and program efficient flight paths using drone software and GPS mapping tools.
Monitor in‑flight performance to ensure even application rates and optimal spray coverage.
Adjust spraying parameters based on crop type, weather conditions, and agronomic requirements.

Maintenance & Technical Support

Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, calibration, and minor repairs on drones and spraying equipment.
Troubleshoot mechanical or electronic issues to minimise downtime.
Manage batteries, charging systems, spare parts, and consumables.
Ensure all drones stay updated with required firmware and software.

Compliance, Safety & Record Keeping

Follow all SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) regulations related to drone operations.
Comply with agricultural chemical‑handling, PPE, and environmental safety standards.
Maintain accurate logs of flights, spraying activities, maintenance checks, and chemical usage.
Ensure safe operations around workers, livestock, equipment, and infrastructure.

Field Coordination & Support

Work closely with farm management to schedule spraying activities according to crop cycles and pest‑control requirements.
Provide updates on completed missions, acreage covered, chemical volumes used, and observed field conditions.
Assist with general operational tasks when drone spraying is not underway (as applicable).

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications & Experience

Drone pilot licence/certification (or willingness to obtain).
Experience operating agricultural drones preferred, but training can be provided.
Understanding of crop spraying practices, agricultural chemicals, or precision‑agriculture technology is an advantage.
Mechanical aptitude, with the ability to perform hands‑on equipment checks, adjustments, and minor repairs.
Valid driver’s licence.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Skills & Competencies

Strong technical and mechanical troubleshooting ability.
Good hand‑eye coordination and spatial awareness.
High attention to detail and a strong safety mindset.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Good communication and problem‑solving skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Accuracy and coverage of spraying operations.
Drone uptime and maintenance reliability.
Compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
Efficiency in operational scheduling and turnaround times.
Quality of reporting and record keeping.

Precision Recruitment International

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