Drone Operator

Hussey & Co; Shire of Wellington; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hussey & Co is seeking an experienced Drone Operator to join our Farm Operations team in Australia. You will operate agricultural spraying drones to apply crops protection products and nutrients across our baby leaf salads with emphasis on precision and safety.

Key requirements include CASA RePL, Agriculture Victoria Chemical Rating, AAOL, ChemCert, and ACUP, plus strong record-keeping and regulatory compliance. The role requires independent work and collaboration with agronomy teams.

Qualifications

• CA SA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is required.
• Agriculture Victoria Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence is required.
• Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL) is required.
• Current ChemCert Accreditation is required.
• Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate agricultural spraying drones safely and efficiently.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections and routine maintenance of drone equipment.
• Plan and execute spraying operations in accordance with crop schedules and weather conditions.
• Monitor drone performance and ensure accurate application rates.
• Maintain detailed records of spray activities and drone operations.
• Comply with all CASA regulations, workplace health and safety requirements, and company policies.
• Work closely with agronomy and crop care teams to achieve optimal crop outcomes.
• Assist with troubleshooting and minor repairs of drone equipment.
• Ensure all chemical handling and application procedures meet regulatory requirements.

Skills

Safety-focused

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Team player

Problem solving

Education

CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

Agriculture Victoria Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence

Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL)

Current ChemCert Accreditation

Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)

Job description

Hussey & Co has been proudly growing and producing Australia's finest gourmet baby leaf salads since 1975. As an industry leader in fresh produce, we are committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering premium-quality products to customers across Australia.

We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Drone Operator to join our Farm Operations team. This role is responsible for operating agricultural drones to apply crop protection products and nutrients across our baby leaf salad crops, ensuring precision, efficiency, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Working closely with our Crop Care team, you will play a critical role in maintaining crop health and supporting the successful production of premium-quality leafy greens.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate agricultural spraying drones safely and efficiently.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections and routine maintenance of drone equipment.
• Plan and execute spraying operations in accordance with crop schedules and weather conditions.
• Monitor drone performance and ensure accurate application rates.
• Maintain detailed records of spray activities and drone operations.
• Comply with all CASA regulations, workplace health and safety requirements, and company policies.
• Work closely with agronomy and crop care teams to achieve optimal crop outcomes.
• Assist with troubleshooting and minor repairs of drone equipment.
• Ensure all chemical handling and application procedures meet regulatory requirements.

To be successful for this role you will have the following skills/experience:

• CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
• Agriculture Victoria Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence
• Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL)
• Current ChemCert Accreditation
• Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
• Experience operating agricultural spraying drones in a commercial farming environment.
• Strong understanding of chemical application, crop protection, and safe chemical handling practices.
• Knowledge of CASA regulations and agricultural aviation compliance requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

In return, we will provide an attractive salary, exciting career and the chance to work in a great team environment.

As a company, we recognise our people are our greatest asset; we value attitude as well as talent and provide opportunities to those who demonstrate the ability and drive to succeed in their role.