Aerial Applicator / Remote Pilot in Command

Guardian Agriculture; Salinas (CA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Remote Pilot to operate advanced agricultural eVTOL craft, enhancing crop productivity through precise application of agricultural chemicals. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of agriculture and technology, working in a dynamic and supportive environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, ready to tackle challenges while ensuring safety and efficiency in operations. Join a dedicated team focused on creating environmentally responsible solutions that benefit both farmers and the ecosystem.

Benefits

Flexible time off

Competitive salary

Stock options

Free company lunch

Comprehensive benefits package

Access to tools for development

Qualifications

• Must hold a Part 107 certificate and FAA Class III Medical certificate.
• Understanding of agricultural chemicals and their application is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate large autonomous eVTOL craft and conduct field surveys.
• Inspect and maintain eVTOL equipment and perform other assigned duties.

Skills

Understanding of FAA Regulations

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to lift 80 lbs

Ability to apply mathematical concepts

Education

Part 107 certificate

Valid FAA Class III Medical certificate

Tools

eVTOL craft

Job description

Guardian Agriculture is seeking a high caliber Remote Pilot, or experienced Part 137 Ag Pilot, to participate in the development and deployment of large agricultural eVTOL craft. These systems will be deployed across the US in support of increasing crop productivity and yield through the efficient application of various agricultural chemicals on crops. As this company is forging a new branch of an enormous industry, the candidate will have a significant impact on the future of agriculture and technology. A candidate with a strong drive to have a meaningful and positive impact in the world will benefit from this role.

As a Remote Pilot, the candidate will have a direct impact on the success of the test teams tasked with developing these complex systems in a fast-paced, challenging, yet supportive environment. The role requires the candidate to be a reliable self-starter, capable of working in the absence of direct supervision and a willingness to get their hands dirty. The candidate will report directly to the Director of Flight Operations.

The Team:

Guardian Agriculture is developing large multicopters for applying agricultural chemicals to high-value crops. Relative to existing plane- and helicopter-based crop spraying solutions, our systems radically improve precision and safety while reducing chemical use, reducing impact on pollinating insects, and minimizing opportunities for organisms to acquire chemical resistance.

Guardian is a small, multi-disciplinary team of talented engineers, technicians, and operators who prioritize high reliability product and service design over exploratory R&D. We are a hands-on team and split our time between development work, system testing, and field deployments. We value safety, thoughtful design, teamwork, and a growth mindset as we scale the organization and build an autonomous system that farmers can trust.

Responsibilities:

• Successfully complete Guardian Agriculture RPIC training
• Safe operation of large autonomous agricultural eVTOL craft during development and test efforts, leading to the application of plant protection and nutrition products on agricultural crops
• Inspect and perform maintenance on eVTOL equipment
• Transport equipment to agricultural fields, set up safe boundaries and operations stations
• Conduct field survey and mapping analysis
• Refill craft payloads, conduct battery charging and safely handle, rinse and dispose of containers in contact with crop protection products
• Safely and effectively apply crop protection products to agricultural fields
• Complete flight test reports, application reports, craft flight and maintenance logs
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Key Skills, Abilities and Attributes:

• Understanding of FAA Regulations
• Ability to observe airport traffic patterns, air traffic area and control zones
• Ability to occasionally lift 80 lbs, bend, kneel, crawl, and navigate shop spaces as well as ground conditions that are typically found on agricultural food crop fields, i.e. loose tilled highly variable terrain including plants
• Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills (verbal, written and utilizing all media (phone, e-mail, text) for interaction with customers and fellow employees)
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional working relationship with peers, management and support resources, with a constant commitment to teamwork
• Dependable with strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail along with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments
• Must be able to read, analyze and interpret written procedures and reports
• Ability to learn detailed and specific procedures and processes and execute them accurately and efficiently
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages and ratios to practical applications
• An understanding of plant protection, chemistries, and fertilizer is a plus

Travel:

• Travel, sometimes prolonged, to assist in testing at headquarters and other FAA approved test locations
• Occasional travel to agricultural deployment sites for site standup, system integration, program support, and/or testing

Requirements:

• Part 107 certificate
• Valid FAA Class III Medical certificate

Nice to Haves:

• Part 61 certificate
• Agronomy experience
• Ground applicator experience
• PCA/CCA

Flexible time off, competitive salary, stock options, free company lunch every day, comprehensive benefits package, lots of tools, and the opportunity to build and use play with flying machines that will have an environmental impact.

Guardian Agriculture provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.