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Aerial Applicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brevard County

MC Aerial Operations Specialist

Valkaria, FL · On-site

$23.86 - $26.25/hr

Must possess, or obtain within six (6) months of employment, a valid State of Florida Aerial Pesticide Applicator or Aerial Herbicide Applicator license, issued in accordance with Florida Statute 388 ...

Ag Partners Coop

Custom Applicator

Hiawatha, KS · On-site

Ability to read aerial photo maps for proper field identification. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to ... Commercial Applicator's 1A license if required by law. REASONING ABILITY The ability to apply ...

Brevard County

MC Aerial Operations Specialist

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$23.86 - $26.25/hr

Must possess, or obtain within six (6) months of employment, a valid State of Florida Aerial Pesticide Applicator or Aerial Herbicide Applicator license, issued in accordance with Florida Statute 388 ...

Arbor Images

Tree Crew Leader

Burlington, WI · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Ability to remove and trim trees with a compact track aerial lift, bucket truck, climbing, and ... Pesticide Applicator License (Plant Health Care) a plus but not required. * Reliable transportation ...

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How much do aerial applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Aerial Applicator job?

An Aerial Applicator, also known as an agricultural pilot or crop duster, is responsible for applying pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments to crops from an aircraft. They help protect plants from pests, weeds, and diseases while covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Aerial Applicators must have specialized training, a pilot's license, and knowledge of agricultural chemicals and safety regulations. This job requires precision flying skills, attention to weather conditions, and strict adherence to environmental guidelines.

What are the main challenges an Aerial Applicator might encounter on the job?

Aerial Applicators often work in variable weather conditions and must navigate diverse terrains, which can make each flight unique and sometimes challenging. Managing the precise application of chemicals while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations is essential and requires constant attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with ground crews, farmers, and other agricultural professionals is a key part of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong situational awareness important qualities for long-term success in aerial application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerial Applicator position, and why are they important?

Aerial Applicators need strong piloting skills, a valid commercial pilot’s license, and a thorough understanding of agricultural science and application methods. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, spray equipment, and relevant state or federal certifications such as agricultural aviation licenses is critical. Attention to detail, strong decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential to ensure precise application, regulatory compliance, and the safety of both operator and environment.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Applicator jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Applicator jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Aerial Applicator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Applicator jobs are:
Aerial Applicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Drone Pilot, Part Time and On Call, Mosquito Services, Kissimmee

Drone Pilot, Part Time and On Call, Mosquito Services, Kissimmee

Clarke

Kissimmee, FL • On-site

$28/hr

Temporary

Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Do you enjoy working outdoors in challenging environments? Are you passionate about public health and cutting-edge drone technology? Join our team and help make communities safer and more comfortable by supporting aerial and ground mosquito control operations.
We're seeking a skilled Drone Operator who will be responsible for operating UAVs for mosquito control, conducting ground-based surveillance and treatment, and supporting field data operations. This role blends hands-on environmental fieldwork with advanced drone flight and geospatial data responsibilities.
This is an emerging market for Clarke. As such, right now we are looking for someone available to work part time and on call, likely approximately 2 weeks/month April - November. Shift will be 1st shift/day work Monday - Friday.
Key Responsibilities:
Drone Operations
  • Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for mosquito surveillance and larvicide/adulticide applications.
  • Conduct pre-flight inspections, airspace coordination, safety briefings, and ensure FAA compliance.
  • Execute missions using RGB, thermal, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and mapping sensors.
  • Perform drone-based topographic surveys and volumetric analyses.
  • Maintain accurate post-flight records, maintenance logs, and mission reports.
  • Support aerial operations scheduling and coordination with the operations team.
  • Process and validate field-collected geospatial data.
  • Monitor accuracy of GIS and remote sensing data (QGIS, ESRI).
  • Implement quality control measures for survey and application data.
  • Reconcile GIS and field data with chemical usage and calibration records.
  • Ensure timely treatment intervals and accurate chemical usage reporting.
  • Monitor and maintain chemical inventory and equipment calibration.
  • Work independently or with seasonal teams in varied outdoor environments (heavy vegetation, uneven terrain, wildlife and sun exposure, etc.).

Minimum Requirements:
    • Ability to work (1st/day shift Monday - Friday) approximately 2 weeks/month from April - November
    • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
    • FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate (ability to take and pass within 30 days of hire).
    • DOT physical and drivers file (ability to take and pass within 30 days of hire),
    • Florida Public Health Applicator's License (ability to take and pass exam within 15 days of hire).
      • Please note that some state licenses and some contracts do require a criminal background check
    • Florida Aerial Applicator's License (ability to obtain within 15 days of hire).
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
  • Comfortability operating large pick up trucks with 20 foot trailers attached.
  • Comfortability working at heights up to 50 feet.
  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong math and computer skills.
  • Ability to wear a respirator at times (must be clean shaven on days respirator use is required)
  • Ability to work in adverse weather and lift up to 50-75 lbs.
  • Availability to deploy to Sarasota for drone work within 72 hours of notification.
  • Availability to travel as needed for the position, mostly within the state of Florida.
  • Comfortable navigating terrain with maps and GPS tools

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, Geomatics, Biology, or a related field.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of UAV experience and familiarity with FAA regulations.
  • Experience in mosquito control, pest control, or aquatics industries.
  • Knowledge of GIS platforms (QGIS, ESRI), remote sensing, drone mapping software.
  • Familiarity with systems such as Precision Vision, Map Vision.

PAY AND BENEFITS
This is a non-exempt hourly position and the hiring range for this position is expected to be $28/hour while performing drone activities.
Our positions are fantastic resume builders and we offer an outstanding FUN OUTDOOR team based culture! Benefits include spending your days outdoors in nature, rehire pay increases, paid volunteer time (Day of Caring), employee of the month recognition programs, paid internships, employee referral bonuses, a free employee assistance program, and 401K (Roth and Traditional) with generous match.
Clarke is a privately held public health, global environmental products and services company. For over 80 years, Clarke has been making communities around the world more livable, safe and comfortable. We do this by pioneering, developing and delivering environmentally responsible public health mosquito control to help prevent disease and control nuisances. Our global customers include governments, commercial and residential groups and international institutions such as UNICEF, and U.S. AID.
Working at Clarke, you will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. You will learn from some of the most talented people in your field and make an impact on the world around us. With Clarke, you join an innovative and passionate team where people are the heart and soul of the organization, working together to create an environment where coworkers thrive and nature flourishes.
At Clarke, each individual can AND does make a difference. If you're looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills to impact the success and growth of a business...Clarke is the place!
If you're a drone pilot and interested in field experience with a desire to make a difference, we want to hear from you. Help us build a stronger, safer community-one drone mission at a time.
Apply now to lead new technology at the frontlines of mosquito control.
Clarke is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace
To apply, please submit resume at

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