Drone Pilot - Lead Operations Technician, Mosquito Control

Clarke•Wellington, FL

4d•$20 - $21•Hybrid

About The Position

This hybrid role blends hands-on environmental fieldwork with advanced drone flight and geospatial data responsibilities. The position involves operating UAVs for mosquito control, conducting ground-based surveillance and treatment, and supporting field data operations. This is an emerging market for Clarke, with an initial expectation of 10-15% of time spent on drone operations, which is projected to increase significantly over the next year.

Requirements

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate (ability to take and pass within 30 days of hire).
Florida Public Health Applicator's License (ability to take and pass exam within 60 days of hire).
Florida Aerial Applicator's License (ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
High school diploma or equivalent with strong math and computer skills.
Ability to wear a respirator at times (must be clean shaven on days respirator use is required).
Ability to work in adverse weather, handle live chickens, and lift up to 50-75 lbs.
Availability to deploy to Sarasota for drone work within 72 hours of notification.
Availability to travel as needed for the position, mostly within the state of Florida.
Comfortable navigating terrain with maps and GPS tools.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, Geomatics, Biology, or a related field.
Minimum 1-2 years of UAV experience and familiarity with FAA regulations.
Experience in mosquito control, pest control, or aquatics industries.
Knowledge of GIS platforms (QGIS, ESRI), remote sensing, drone mapping software.
Familiarity with systems such as Precision Vision, Map Vision.

Responsibilities

Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for mosquito surveillance and larvicide/adulticide applications.
Conduct pre-flight inspections, airspace coordination, safety briefings, and ensure FAA compliance.
Execute missions using RGB, thermal, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and mapping sensors.
Perform drone-based topographic surveys and volumetric analyses.
Maintain accurate post-flight records, maintenance logs, and mission reports.
Support aerial operations scheduling and coordination with the operations team.
Inspect mosquito breeding sites using standard field tools (dippers, sample cups).
Apply larvicides/adulticides via backpack sprayers, bicycles, or truck-mounted equipment.
Perform chicken surveillance (handling, bleeding, sample processing) - training provided.
Ensure timely treatment intervals and accurate chemical usage reporting.
Monitor and maintain chemical inventory and equipment calibration.
Work independently or with seasonal teams in varied outdoor environments (heavy vegetation, uneven terrain, wildlife exposure, etc.).
Process and validate field-collected geospatial data.
Monitor accuracy of GIS and remote sensing data (QGIS, ESRI).
Implement quality control measures for survey and application data.
Reconcile GIS and field data with chemical usage and calibration records.