SUMMARY: The purpose of this position is to support our production team by leading the drone spraying operations and advancing precision agriculture to improve crop yields and quality. This role combines field technology, data collection, and analytics to interpret agricultural data, identify opportunities for improvement, and support informed production decisions.
This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the T40 spray drone, including planning spray missions, scheduling operations, mixing and applying products, and maintaining accurate application records. When spraying is not underway, this role will lead maintenance of the AgriLynk remote irrigation monitoring system. Additional responsibilities may include mapping with the DJI Mavic 3M for plant health analysis, aerial imagery, and other precision agriculture initiatives. This position reports to the Agricultural Engineer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Strong interest in drone technology and agricultural spray applications.
- Proficiency with computer tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Sheets, cloud-based data analytics, and control software.
- Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Preferred:
- Experience operating drones.
- Experience handling agricultural chemicals.
- Experience with irrigation systems.
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to investigate trends, identify opportunities, and present findings clearly and concisely.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
Dependability – Consistently reliable, with a strong work ethic and commitment to producing high-quality work while maintaining attention to detail.
Planning and Organizing – Ability to prioritize tasks, develop efficient plans, and coordinate resources to successfully achieve goals.
Judgment – Ability to evaluate information, analyze options, and make logical, informed decisions using an objective and rational approach.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Operate and maintain spray and scouting drone equipment under the direction of the Agricultural Engineer.
- Plan and coordinate spray schedules using tools such as Google Sheets and ArcGIS while collaborating with agronomists and production staff.
- Operate scouting drones to collect field imagery and mapping data using platforms such as DJI SmartFarm Web, ArcGIS, and QGIS.
- Install, maintain, and troubleshoot irrigation monitoring and control system devices (AgriLynk).
- Monitor and analyze AgriLynk data to support resource allocation decisions, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend software or process enhancements.
- Ensure fields receive optimal irrigation levels by developing, implementing, and adjusting irrigation schedules as needed.
- Collaborate with the field production team to coordinate irrigation and chemigation schedules and support irrigation system monitoring and maintenance.
- Assist with administrative tasks, including data collection, recordkeeping, and data entry.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Willingness to obtain a Part 107 Drone Pilot License and Apprentice Pest Control License (DPR APC).
- Ability and willingness to learn irrigation monitoring and control software, including AgriLynk.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, including steep terrain, and lift/carry up to 90 pounds.
- Commitment to providing excellent service to internal and external customers.
- Willingness to learn basic electrical and plumbing skills related to remote field monitoring installations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and professionally navigate challenges or conflicts.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in a professional setting.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new procedures, technologies, and processes.
- Strong judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Intermediate computer skills, including the ability to learn and utilize agricultural technology platforms and software.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- 1. Do you have your 107 License? If not, when do you plan to get it?
2. Do you have your DPR APC license? (apprentice pest control pilot license or journeyman)
3. Do you have experience flying drones? If so, how much, explain.
4. Have you mixed chemicals? What experience do you have?
5. Have you sprayed chemicals with a backpack or other equipment?
6. Have you worked on a farm? If so, what did you do, how much experience?
7. What has created your passion for farming?
8. Where does your interest in farming come from?
9. Do you enjoy data analysis and looking at graphs? What demonstrates this?
10. What skills and abilities do you have that are not already mentioned in the answers above but would apply to this position?
Work Location: In person
