Agricultural Drone Pilot

Apply to this position

Job Title: Agricultural Drone Pilot
Location: Salinas (Soilserv), CA, USA

Company: Wilbur-Ellis Company
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: Investing in You, join a 100-year-old, family-owned leader in Ag - and grow with us!

Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.

"We know the confidence gap can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don't hesitate to apply - we'd love to hear from you."

General Purpose & Scope

We are seeking a qualified and experienced UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Drone Pilot to operate drones for precise pesticide application in agricultural fields. The primary purpose of this role is to safely and efficiently apply pesticides using drone technology, ensuring targeted treatment of crops while minimizing pesticide waste and environmental impact. The UAS Drone Pilot will work closely with farm managers and agronomists to monitor pest activity, optimize application methods, and enhance overall crop protection.

Key Skills and Abilities

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Qualify for and obtain FAA Class III medical certificate before first day of employment.

Proven experience in operating UAS, particularly in agricultural applications.

Substantial understanding of agricultural practices and crop management.

Preferred: Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or ability to obtain one.

Preferred: Apprentice (APC) or Journeyman Pilot Certification (JPC) from California DPR (Wilbur-Ellis will assist in obtaining QAL/APC/JPC certifications if needed)

Key Personal Attributes

Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Ability to work independently and in a team, with limited instruction on daily work while adapting to changing conditions.

Attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Driver's license with ability to tow a trailer and have a clean driving record.
Flexible schedule available to work nights or weekends when necessary

Specific Responsibilities and Key Deliverables

Operate agricultural spray drones in accordance with FAA regulations and company guidelines.

Conduct pre-flight checks to ensure the proper functioning of the drone and its spraying equipment.

Safely handle, mix, and load pesticide and fertilizer chemicals according label directions and work orders.

Collaborate with agricultural professionals to plan and execute precise pesticide and fertilizer applications based on crop needs and growth stages.

Maintain and troubleshoot UAS equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.

Monitor weather conditions and other factors that may affect drone operations, making informed decisions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Keep detailed records of flights, applications, and equipment maintenance for compliance and reporting purposes.

Serve as trusted resource in a ssist ing in the development and improvement of UAS agro -spray protocols and procedures.

Stay updated on advancements in drone technology, agro -spray methods, and relevant regulations.

Compensation and Benefits:

In compliance with all states and cities that require transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from 39.80-45.49 per hour. Note that wages may vary based on location, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, retirement plans, and other benefits.

Our Ag Retail & Wholesale b usiness line is able to hire in the following states :

AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY

Our Ag Retail & Wholesale b usiness line is unable to hire in the following states:

AL, AK, DE, HI, KY, ME, MD, MA, NH, NY, RI, WV

Please note that salary ranges provided for this role on external job boards are salary estimates made by outside parties and may not be accurate.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Diversity of people, cultures, opinions, and ideas makes us all stronger. From leadership commitment to employee buy-in, we know that creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities for all employees to reach their full potential is a shared responsibility.

Wilbur-Ellis is a company you can be proud to call your employer

Wilbur-Ellis markets and distributes agricultural products, animal feed specialty chemicals, and food ingredients. A privately held and consistently profitable company, we employ more than 4,000 people throughout North America and Asia-Pacific.

Wilbur-Ellis is for and about people

Wilbur-Ellis has enjoyed over 100 years of success and growth, all thanks to our people. Our employees are both leaders and team players who thrive on creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to quality work, our customers, and each other.

Wilbur-Ellis invests in the industry's best workforce

Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.

Follow our career social media accounts!

Instagram: IG X/Twitter: X
TikTok: TikTok Facebook: FB
LinkedIn: LinkedIn

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION

Job Post Date: 03/23/25