UAS Drone Pilot, Agriculture

Wilbur-Ellis

23h • $36 - $49

About The Position

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.” Take your expertise to new heights with Wilbur‑Ellis! As a Drone Pilot, you’ll be on the leading edge of agricultural innovation—combining advanced UAS technology with deep agronomic insight to help growers protect and nourish their crops with precision and care. This role is ideal for a safety‑minded, detail‑oriented professional who thrives working independently in the field while collaborating closely with agronomy teams to deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions. At Wilbur‑Ellis, your work makes a real difference—supporting the essentials that help agriculture, and the world, thrive.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or ability to obtain one.
• Apprentice (APC) or Journeyman Pilot Certification (JPC) from California DPR (Wilbur-Ellis will assist in obtaining QAL/APC/JPC certifications if needed)

Responsibilities

• 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 assisting 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.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, and retirement plan participation, including an employer contribution of up to 7% into your 401(k).
• Employee Benefits: Take home a competitive salary and benefits you and your family deserve – from 401(K) matching, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation, work-life balance and more.
• Talent Development: When you grow, we all grow. We’ll help you forge your own career pathway through continuous learning and skills development, mentorship programs, growth opportunities, business resource groups and career coaching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed