Precision Agriculture Instructor

Sowela Technical Community College; Thibodaux (LA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

retirement

medical insurance options

supplemental insurances (dental, term)

Job summary

Fletcher Technical Community College is seeking a Precision Agriculture Instructor to teach and develop courses at the intersection of technology, mechanics, and agronomy across Schriever and Thibodaux campuses.

You will deliver active-learning instruction, manage labs, and mentor students toward certifications and career pathways in precision agriculture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field; or alternative pathways listed in the job posting.
• Ability to teach/train in educational or industry settings and collaborate with diverse groups.
• Technical knowledge of precision ag systems/equipment: GIS/GPS, drones/sUAS, variable-rate technology, and agricultural software.

Responsibilities

• Teach and develop courses at the intersection of technology, mechanics, and agronomy - GPS/GIS, drones (sUAS), variable-rate technology, remote sensing, soil science, ag business, and data analytics.
• Deliver engaging, active-learning instruction (in class, lab, and field) that maximizes student success and aligns with master syllabi and industry standards.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and safely instruct on precision ag equipment, labs, and machinery; enforce safety and housekeeping protocols.
• Advise and mentor students; support recruitment, registration, retention, tutoring, and job placement; serve as a resource for certifications and career pathways.
• Build and sustain industry partnerships; participate in advisory committees; connect students to internships and employment opportunities.
• Use assessment and learning analytics to improve courses and programs; leverage Canvas and advanced classroom technology.
• Fulfill standard faculty responsibilities: office hours, timely grading/records, committee service, professional development, and campus events.

Skills

Teaching

Curriculum development

Student advising

Industry partnerships

Education

Bachelor’s in agriculture or related field

Bachelor’s in another field with ≥18 agriculture credits

Associate degree in agriculture + 3 years relevant non-teaching experience

Relevant certificate + 5 years precision ag experience

No degree/certificate + 10 years precision ag experience

Master’s degree in an agriculture-related field

Tools

GIS/GPS

Drones (sUAS)

Variable-rate technology

Agricultural software

Canvas LMS

Job description

Precision Agriculture Instructor Job no: 495723 Closes: Work Type: Faculty Full-Time Locations: Schriever, LA, Thibodaux, LA Categories: Academic Affairs, Technical

College:

Fletcher Technical Community College

Department:

Academic Affairs & Initiatives

Sub department:

Energy & Advanced Technologies

Type of Appointment:

Unclassified - Faculty 12 month

Salary:

$67,948 - $91,358 (Salary commensurate with rank.)

What You'll Do:

• Teach and develop courses at the intersection of technology, mechanics, and agronomy - GPS/GIS, drones (sUAS), variable-rate technology, remote sensing, soil science, ag business, and data analytics.
• Deliver engaging, active-learning instruction (in class, lab, and field) that maximizes student success and aligns with master syllabi and industry standards.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and safely instruct on precision ag equipment, labs, and machinery; enforce safety and housekeeping protocols.
• Advise and mentor students; support recruitment, registration, retention, tutoring, and job placement; serve as a resource for certifications and career pathways.
• Build and sustain industry partnerships; participate in advisory committees; connect students to internships and employment opportunities.
• Use assessment and learning analytics to improve courses and programs; leverage Canvas and advanced classroom technology.
• Fulfill standard faculty responsibilities: office hours, timely grading/records, committee service, professional development, and campus events.

Required Education:

• One of the following:
  • Bachelor’s in an agriculture-related field; or
  • Bachelor’s in another field with ≥18 agriculture credits; or
  • Associate degree in agriculture + 3 years relevant non-teaching experience; or
  • Relevant certificate + 5 years precision ag experience; or
  • No degree/certificate + 10 years precision ag experience demonstrating expertise.
• Ability to teach/train in educational or industry settings and collaborate with diverse groups.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication; proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, calendars, and web tools.
• Technical knowledge of precision ag systems/equipment: GIS/GPS, drones/sUAS, variable-rate technology, and agricultural software.
• Willingness/ability to obtain Wisconsin DATCP commercial pesticide applicator license and/or FAA Remote Pilot Certificate as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an agriculture-related field.
• College-level teaching experience in precision ag or related subjects.
• Experience with Canvas LMS and active-learning strategies (group work, inquiry-based learning, contextualized instruction).

Why This Role Matters:

Precision agriculture is transforming how food and fiber are produced - using data, automation, and smart equipment to boost yields, cut input costs, and reduce environmental impact. Employers across the region are seeking specialists who can operate and interpret GPS/GIS systems, drones, variable-rate applications, and farm management software - skills this program delivers through hands‑on training. As an instructor, you'll directly expand the local talent pipeline, strengthen industry partnerships, and help students launch into technical careers with strong growth potential. Your work will improve farm profitability and sustainability while advancing the college's mission to connect education to real-world outcomes.

Benefits:

As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges, Fletcher Technical Community College has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options.

• retirement
• multiple medical insurance options
• supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas)generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. Fletcher Technical Community College is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. Fletcher Technical Community College is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.