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UAS Drone Pilot, Agriculture

Wilbur-Ellis Company
$36.39 - $48.51
401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, Salinas
Feb 03, 2026

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 WilburEllis! 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 safetyminded, detailoriented professional who thrives working independently in the field while collaborating closely with agronomy teams to deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions. At WilburEllis, your work makes a real difference-supporting the essentials that help agriculture, and the world, thrive.

Key Skills and Abilities Include:

  • 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.

  • Preferred: Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or ability to obtain one.

  • Preferred: Apprentice (APC) or Journeyman Pilot Certification (JPC) from California DPR (Wilbur-Ellis will assist in obtaining QAL/APC/JPC certifications if needed)

Key Personal Attributes Include:

  • 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.

Specific Responsibilities and Key Deliverables Include:

  • 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.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • In compliance with all states and cities requiring transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from $36.39 - $48.51. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience.

  • 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). Follow this link for more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis employee benefits: https://mywebenefits.com/

Please note that salary ranges provided for this role on external job boards are salary estimates made by outside parties and may not be accurate.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Diversity of people, cultures, opinions, and ideas makes us all stronger. From leadership commitment to employee buy-in, we know that creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities for all employees to reach their full potential is a shared responsibility.

Wilbur-Ellis is a company you can be proud to call your employer

Wilbur-Ellis markets and distributes agricultural products, animal feed specialty chemicals, and food ingredients. A privately held and consistently profitable company, we employ more than 4,000 people throughout North America and Asia-Pacific.

Wilbur-Ellis is for and about people

Wilbur-Ellis has enjoyed over 100 years of success and growth, all thanks to our people. Our employees are both leaders and team players who thrive on creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to quality work, our customers, and each other.

Wilbur-Ellis invests in the industry's best workforce

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.

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