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Aerial Application Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Waldorf University

Admissions Counselor

Forest City, IA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

Review and evaluate student application materials for admission decisions. * Recruit primarily ... Check out the Forest City aerial video created and produced by Waldorf's very own Adjunct History ...

Waldorf University

Admissions Counselor

Forest City, IA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

Review and evaluate student application materials for admission decisions. * Recruit primarily ... Check out the Forest City aerial video created and produced by Waldorf's very own Adjunct History ...

Waldorf University

Food Service Workers

Forest City, IA

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Interested candidates are asked to complete an online application and submit a resume if one is ... Check out the Forest City aerial video created and produced by Waldorf's very own Adjunct History ...

Waldorf University

Food Service Workers

Forest City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Interested candidates are asked to complete an online application and submit a resume if one is ... Check out the Forest City aerial video created and produced by Waldorf's very own Adjunct History ...

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All JobsAerial Application JobsAerial Application Jobs in Iowa

Aerial Application information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$49

$79

How much do aerial application jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial application in Iowa is $49.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.76 and $56.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerial Application vs Crop Duster Pilot?

AspectAerial ApplicationCrop Duster Pilot
CertificationsFAA pilot license, pesticide applicator certificationFAA pilot license, pesticide applicator certification
Work EnvironmentSpraying crops from aircraft, often in rural areasFlying crop-dusting aircraft, often in agricultural fields
Industry UsageUsed by agricultural companies for crop treatmentTypically refers to pilots performing aerial application tasks

Both roles involve flying aircraft to apply pesticides or fertilizers to crops. Aerial Application is a broad term encompassing various crop-spraying activities, while Crop Duster Pilot specifically describes pilots operating aircraft for crop dusting. The skills, certifications, and work environments are similar, making these terms often interchangeable in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial applicator?

To thrive as an Aerial Applicator, you need a commercial pilot's license, strong knowledge of agricultural chemicals, and compliance with relevant aviation and pesticide regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial spraying equipment, and safety procedures is essential. Attention to detail, strong decision-making, and effective communication skills help ensure safe and accurate application. These competencies are vital for protecting crops, ensuring safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance in agricultural aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial applicators and how can they be managed on the job?

Aerial applicators often encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, managing precise application rates, and ensuring safety while operating aircraft over agricultural fields. Adapting to weather requires flexibility and close monitoring of forecasts, while accuracy is maintained through advanced GPS and mapping technologies. Safety is addressed through rigorous training, adherence to regulations, and regular maintenance of equipment. Staying proactive about these factors helps aerial applicators perform their duties efficiently and safely.

What is aerial application?

Aerial application, also known as crop dusting, is the process of applying fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, or other substances to crops using aircraft. This method allows for efficient and timely treatment of large agricultural areas, especially in regions that are difficult to access by ground equipment. Pilots who perform aerial application must be specially trained and certified to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Aerial application plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by helping to maximize crop yields and manage pests or diseases.
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Application jobs in Iowa? For Aerial Application jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Application jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Application jobs in Iowa are:
Aerial Application jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Application job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 62% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,840 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Application Technology Lead

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Application Technology Lead
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience
Job Description:
If you want your work to matter beyond the lab - on real equipment, in real farm fields, with measurable impact - this is the role for you.
Who We Are
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University partners with leading agricultural companies to design, build, and deploy next-generation technologies for agriculture. Our team works at the intersection of applied engineering, industry collaboration, and the land-grant mission, moving ideas from concept to prototype to field deployment.
Our vision is bold: to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation.
Our mission guides everything we do: Innovate. Educate. Outreach.
  • We innovate with partners to create technology solutions that drive value into agriculture and our communities.
  • We educate to inspire and develop students and professionals to ensure a thriving workforce that drives success within our industry.
  • We outreach to share knowledge with farmers and ag businesses and promote practices that enhance their success.

We operate with four core values: Passion. Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence.
This is a place for builders, problem-solvers, and systems thinkers who want their work to move from idea → prototype → field → industry adoption.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Application Technology Lead to drive the development, testing, and validation of advanced agricultural application systems across ground and aerial platforms. This role focuses on liquid and dry product delivery technologies, including spraying, fertilization, and targeted application technologies.
You will lead hands-on efforts to evaluate system performance, integrate emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that improve application accuracy and agronomic outcomes. This role works across engineering and agronomy to bring practical, field-ready systems to industry partners.
What You'll Do
  • Lead development, testing, and validation of application systems, including spray, fertilizer, and targeted delivery technologies
  • Define performance requirements and execute lab and field-testing programs
  • Evaluate components and system performance (e.g., nozzles, pumps, flow control, PWM)
  • Analyze data to link system performance with agronomic outcomes
  • Advance targeted, variable-rate, and drone-based application technologies
  • Collaborate with industry partners to define scope and deliver results
  • Lead and mentor technical teams supporting lab and field work
  • Manage program timelines, budgets, and sponsor deliverables

What You Bring
  • Experience with agricultural application systems (liquid and/or dry)
  • Strong understanding of spray systems and performance drivers such as droplet size, pressure, flow, and speed
  • Experience with field trials, lab testing, or system benchmarking
  • Ability to connect engineering performance to agronomic outcomes
  • Experience leading teams and working with industry partners
  • Experience managing technical projects, programs, budgets, and sponsor relationships

Technology & Systems You May Work With
  • Spray systems, nozzles, pumps, and flow control (including PWM)
  • Targeted and variable-rate application technologies
  • Drone and aerial application systems
  • Lab and field-testing platforms
  • Agricultural equipment and precision application systems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in agricultural engineering, agronomy, or related field, or equivalent industry experience
  • Background in application technology, product support, field engineering, or technical service within agriculture, OEMs, or ag input companies
  • Experience conducting field trials, in-field testing, or performance benchmarking of application systems
  • Experience defining technical requirements, planning test programs, and managing work across cross-functional projects and teams
  • Experience connecting engineering parameters (e.g., pressure, droplet size, duty cycle, travel speed) to biological efficacy and input-use efficiency
  • Experience leading or mentoring cross-functional teams in lab and field environments

Follow us here: www.isudigitalag.org.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
The candidate will be hired as an R&D Engineer IV.
This position will be open until filled.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
August 2, 2029
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS813
Original Posting Date:
June 3, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19344
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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