POSITION SUMMARY
The Drone Pilot Trainee is an entry-level developmental position designed to prepare employees for advancement into a Drone Pilot role. The Trainee will perform the duties of a Drone Operations Loader/Helper while receiving hands-on training in agricultural drone operations, chemical application procedures, equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, and flight operations.
Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, the Trainee will progressively develop the skills, knowledge, certifications, and experience necessary to safely and independently operate agricultural drones for chemical applications. Successful performance and completion of required training may lead to promotion to Drone Pilot.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist with battery management, charging, storage, and maintenance to ensure batteries are available and ready for operations.
- Assist with changing drone batteries during operations to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
- Assist with loading chemicals, water, and other approved agricultural inputs into drone application systems in accordance with company procedures and safety requirements.
- Assist with the setup and teardown of drone equipment, support equipment, and trailers before and after daily operations.
- Conduct brief pre-flight inspections before each flight to verify that equipment is secure, functional, and free of visible defects or damage.
- Assist the Drone Pilot in performing comprehensive pre-flight and post-flight inspections for all drone operations.
- Assist in monitoring equipment during operations and promptly report any mechanical issues, damage, leaks, or safety concerns to the Drone Pilot or Supervisor.
- Assist with cleaning drones, application equipment, and related tools at the end of each spray day.
- Assist with cleaning drone tanks and application systems following each application and in accordance with company procedures.
- Assist with cleaning and maintaining drone trailers, battery charging stations, and support equipment.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, equipment, storage locations, and support vehicles
- Safely assist with handling, mixing, loading, transporting, and applying agricultural chemicals in accordance with company policies, product labels, and regulatory requirements.
- Wear and properly utilize all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Assist with maintaining chemical inventories and application records.
- Complete, maintain, and submit all required operational forms, pesticide application records, flight logs, equipment maintenance logs, and other documentation required by company policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, worker safety requirements, food safety standards, environmental regulations, and applicable FAA, EPA, and Arizona Department of Agriculture regulations.
- Immediately report accidents, spills, equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or regulatory issues to management.
18. Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Future Drone Pilot Responsibilities (Development Path)
As training progresses and qualifications are obtained, the Trainee may gradually assume responsibilities including:
· Assisting with flight planning and application mapping.
· Operating drones under supervision and in accordance with FAA regulations.
· Conducting aerial chemical applications.
· Completing application records and regulatory documentation.
· Assisting with equipment calibration and maintenance.
· Managing drone operations in assigned fields.
· Obtaining with in a year of hire the following licenses/certifications
o FAA Remote Pilot Certificate Part 107 (pilots license)
o Aerial Applicator Permit (AAP) from the AZ Dept of Ag
o Private Applicator Permit (PUC) from the AZ Dept of Ag
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Competency Statement(s)
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
- Strong willingness to learn and develop technical skills.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Ability to work independently once trained.
- Good communication and organizational skills.
- Basic computer and technology skills.
- Commitment to workplace safety, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
Preferred Education and Experience
· High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
· Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions in English and/or Spanish.
· Ability to safely work around agricultural equipment, chemicals, and machinery.
· Previous agricultural, farm labor, irrigation, equipment operation, or field work experience preferred.
· Previous experience handling agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, or spray equipment preferred.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Yuma, AZ 85365 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Yuma, AZ 85365: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
