Drone Program Specialist Do you want to build a stronger, more sustainable future and cultivate your career? Join one of the leading cooperatives in the state of Iowa. AgState holds over 34 locations throughout the Northwest and is committed to safety, growth, and sustainability. In this role, you will be part of a growth-focused and innovative Precision Agriculture team as you work to implement and advance the precision agriculture practices by leveraging drone technology. If you have a passion for precision ag technology, serving growers, and precision agriculture technology, this is the perfect opportunity for you to join our team today! When starting a career with AgState, there are many opportunities for growth and development and this position is no different. Choose to work for a leading and growing cooperative today! You will find a team atmosphere committed to safety and excellent customer service, along with a stable career that offers outstanding benefits!
Benefits Included:
Joining AgState means gaining access to a generous benefits package, including 401K Match or Defined Benefit (Pension) Retirement Plan, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, short & long term disability, supplemental insurance, career development opportunities, employee and local discounts, paid holidays, a generous paid time off benefit, clothing allowance, and more!
Position Summary:
The Drone Program Specialist will be responsible for implementing, managing, and leveraging our drone technology. The key duties of this position will entail utilizing AgState’s drone technology, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information collected, and identify future programs to enhance AgState’s technology including beta testing, researching, and testing. This position will act as a leader to train the future drone operators of AgState.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Utilizing AgState’s technology to collect images of grower fields utilizing AgState’s multispectral imaging drone. Additionally, will be responsible for analyzing the images through desktop software, provide recommendations for improvement based on the results, and implementing new programs.
- Leveraging AgState’s applicator drones to apply crop protection products, including cover crop seeds and micronutrient fertilizers
- Ensures the accuracy and completeness of information collected. Utilizes specialized software and tools to analyze drone-generated data, including crop health, soil conditions, pest infestations, and elevation data, etc.
- Will perform routine maintenance and calibration of drones and related equipment to ensure reliable performance during operations.
- Ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines related to drone operations in agriculture, ensuring compliance with local and national laws.
- Implement, deploy, and identify future programs as part of our precision agriculture technology strategy
- Provide insight and recommendations as needed, including the hardware and software needs to advance the AgState Drone Program.
- Identify, train and help certify interested members of AgState’s operations team in the use of drones, enabling them to assist in the application side of the business.
- Prepare detailed reports and visual presentations based on drone data analysis, providing actionable insights to farmers, agronomists and InSiteCDM Account Managers (AM) for decision-making.
- Work in a safe and efficient manner, according to AgState Safety Policy.
- Always utilize good customer service skills, when servicing and greeting customers, and when working with co-workers and other departments within the company.
- Demonstrate work habits that develop, build, and support the team concept within the organization.
- Display an attitude that is focused on improving and serving customers, teammates and self.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Experience/Knowledge (to be able to perform this job):
- Proven experience in operating drones for agricultural applications.
- Proficiency in drone software, GIS software, and data analysis tools.
- Strong understanding of agricultural practices, crop management, and precision agriculture techniques.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Required Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations
- Ability to obtain/maintain valid driver license and a Class B CDL or higher.
- Ability to obtain/maintain FAA Part 107 Certified for Commercial Drones in the USA
- Ability to obtain/maintain Class 3 Medical to operate drones over 55 lbs or more.
- Ability to obtain/maintain Iowa commercial applicator license. (Core and 11F)
- Ability to obtain/maintain Hazmat license.
- Part 137 Certified a plus
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, or a related field.
- Experience in agriculture, agronomy, precision agriculture is strongly preferred but not required
*Our values ~ RISE: Respect- ~ Integrity ~ Safety ~ Excellence **
AgState offers a generous benefits package including 401K Match or Defined Benefit (Pension) Retirement Plan, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Salary Continuation, Long Term Disability, Supplemental Insurance, Career Growth and Development Opportunities, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Education Assistance, Employee discounts and local discounts, Paid Holidays, Clothing Allowance, and a generous Paid Time off Accrual.
Equal Opportunity Employer - we work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage employees at AgState to bring authenticity to work every day.
APPLY NOW! To submit your application or to view our other openings within the company visit us online at www.AgState.org. Contact Human Resources for an Internal Application.