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Aerial Applicator Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brevard County

Mosquito Control Intern

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$21.94/hr

Work includes supporting aerial/drone functions. Assignments are structured to provide practical ... Applicator in accordance with the specifications set forth in Florida Statute 388.361(4). Student ...

Brevard County

Mosquito Control Intern

Valkaria, FL · On-site

$21.94/hr

Work includes supporting aerial/drone functions. Assignments are structured to provide practical ... Applicator in accordance with the specifications set forth in Florida Statute 388.361(4). Student ...

Tamus

Research Associate

Bushland, TX

Data collection will include operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), on-combine weigh systems ... Must obtain within six months of hire date a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, and maintain ...

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Aerial Applicator Pilot information

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$10

$20

$27

How much do aerial applicator pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator pilot 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerial Applicator Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Applicator Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, specialized training in agricultural aviation, and a thorough understanding of crop science and application techniques. Familiarity with GPS navigation, aerial application equipment, and safety management systems is critical. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills help ensure safe and accurate application while coordinating with ground crews and clients. These skills are essential to maximize efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in delivering agricultural products from the air.

What are some common challenges faced by Aerial Applicator Pilots during a typical spraying season?

Aerial Applicator Pilots often contend with variable weather conditions, such as wind and temperature shifts, which can impact the effectiveness and safety of chemical application. Navigating low-altitude flights over uneven terrain or near obstacles like power lines requires constant vigilance and precise flying skills. Additionally, pilots must carefully coordinate with ground crews and landowners to ensure compliance with regulations and to minimize drift or exposure to non-target areas. Maintaining and monitoring specialized equipment is also a routine responsibility, along with adhering to strict safety protocols.

What are aerial applicator pilots?

Aerial applicator pilots, often called crop dusters, are specialized pilots who operate aircraft to apply pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, or other substances to agricultural fields from the air. They play a crucial role in modern farming by helping to protect crops from pests and diseases, improve yields, and efficiently manage large tracts of farmland. This job requires advanced piloting skills, knowledge of agricultural chemicals, and a keen awareness of safety and environmental regulations. Aerial applicators must also be licensed and follow strict guidelines to ensure safe and effective applications.

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

AspectAerial Applicator PilotCrop Duster Pilot
CertificationsFAA pilot license, agricultural aircraft certificationFAA pilot license, agricultural aircraft certification
Work EnvironmentFarms, orchards, crop fields during spraying seasonsFarms, crop fields, often in rural areas
Employer & IndustryAgricultural companies, crop dusting servicesFarming operations, crop dusting companies

Both Aerial Applicator Pilots and Crop Duster Pilots require similar certifications and work in agricultural environments. The main difference is that 'Crop Duster Pilot' is a more specific term often used interchangeably, but 'Aerial Applicator Pilot' emphasizes the role of applying pesticides or fertilizers. They typically perform similar duties within the agricultural industry.

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What cities are hiring for Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Aerial Applicator Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs are:
Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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 23 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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