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Aerial Applicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist

Roanoke, VA

Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as ... Valid state pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain following hire date - We will pay for ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist

Auburn, MA

Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as ... Valid state pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain following hire date - We will pay for ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist

Tucson, AZ

Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as ... Valid state pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain following hire date - We will pay for ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist

Auburn, MA · On-site

Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as ... Valid state pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain following hire date - We will pay for ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist

White River Junction, VT

$18 - $30/hr

Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as ... Valid state pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain following hire date - We will pay for ...

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Aerial Applicator information

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How much do aerial applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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.

More about Aerial Applicator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Applicator jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Applicator jobs are:
What states have the most Aerial Applicator jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Applicator jobs include:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Agricultural Field Operations Supervisor

Agricultural Field Operations Supervisor

Lakeside Foods

Brooten, MN

$28.46 - $37.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Lakeside Foods rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people’s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together – valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

This Role Is for Experienced Agricultural Professionals

If you currently work in agricultural field operations, crop protection, or pest management and are looking for a stable, well‑supported leadership role, this position is designed for you.

At Lakeside Foods, our Agricultural Field Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring crop health, yield, and quality. We’re seeking a hands‑on supervisor with real‑world experience leading spraying operations, managing equipment, and overseeing crews in the field.

If this work sounds familiar—not new—you’re likely the type of candidate we want to talk with.

Position Overview

As an Agricultural Field Operations Supervisor, you will oversee the spraying and field treatment of processing crops, supervise daily field activities, and ensure compliance with pest management, safety, and regulatory requirements.

This is a working supervisor role—ideal for someone who understands crops, pests, equipment, and people, and prefers being involved in the operation rather than managing from a desk.

What You’ll Get
  • Wage range: $28.46 – $37.36/hour, based on experience
  • Off‑season schedule: Four 10‑hour days (Monday–Thursday)
  • Production season (mid‑June to mid‑October):
    Flexible scheduling with overtime availability
  • ✅ Stable, long‑term employment with a growing organization
  • ⚖️ Schedules designed to support work/life balance
  • Market‑leading low‑cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal time
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Prescription safety glasses & steel‑toe shoe reimbursement
  • Paid on‑site and off‑site training
  • Strong safety culture with leadership support

Many supervisors join us because they want to focus on doing the job right—not fighting constant breakdowns or short staffing.

What You’ll Do
  • Supervise day‑to‑day spraying of crops for weeds, insects, and diseases
  • Inspect fields daily during the growing season to assess pest and disease thresholds
  • Determine appropriate treatment plans and spraying methods
  • Direct company spraying equipment and field personnel
  • Coordinate and oversee contracted aerial applicator services
  • Assist with repair and maintenance of field equipment and company vehicles
  • Maintain grower contracts, pesticide records, and historical data
  • Supervise planting activities as directed by the Ag Manager
  • Assist in determining crop maturity
  • Support hiring, training, and supervision of seasonal employees
  • Enforce all company safety policies within the field department

If you’ve led spraying operations, managed field crews, and made treatment decisions before, these responsibilities will be very familiar.

What You’ll Bring (Required Experience)

This role requires specific, hands‑on experience:

  • ✅ Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Field Mechanic
  • ✅ At least 2 years’ experience in a pest management program
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Field and spraying equipment operation
    • Preventive maintenance and mechanical repair
  • Working knowledge of shop tools such as:
    • Drill press
    • Welder
    • Cutting torch (beneficial)
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Crop pests and diseases
    • Detection methods and control strategies
  • Ability to lead crews, make field decisions, and communicate clearly
  • Strong safety and compliance mindset

If you meet these requirements and are looking for a more stable, well‑supported operation, we encourage you to apply—even if you’re not actively job‑hunting.

Where You’ll Work

Brooten, Minnesota — located in the heart of the Bonanza Valley.
Enjoy access to fishing, boating, state parks, hiking and biking trails, hunting, golf, and year‑round community activities.

Interested in a Conversation?

Apply today and speak directly with our recruiting team.

A short conversation can help determine whether this role is a better long‑term fit than where you are now—no obligation required.

Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.

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