Description
We are seeking a skilled and motivated UAS Remote Pilot to lead aerial operations using large-scale UAS and sUAS drones for agricultural applications, including crop spraying, mapping, and imagery collection. This is a hands-on, field-based role where your primary responsibility will be the safe, efficient, and effective operation of advanced drone systems in support of precision agriculture.
In addition to piloting duties, this role includes a sales and customer relationship component, where you will represent our solutions to current and prospective clients. You will build strong relationships, understand customer needs, and identify opportunities for growth; all are essential to the success of this position.
Central UAS Technologies, a vertical of Central Life Sciences, is dedicated to the creation of uncrewed aerial systems which have a direct positive impact on public health, quality of life and innovative technologies for the agricultural industry. Your meaningful work will help reduce the spread of vector-borne disease, as well as limit the amount of chemicals or emissions released into the environment (through rural and urban municipalities, agricultural applications, horticultural applications, and more!). You’ll accomplish this work in the area of Northern California.
Our parent company is Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA); we offer an amazing educational assistance program in addition to great medical, dental, vision, which you will be eligible the first of the month following 30 days, plus free life and free disability insurance. Our 401k has a 3% match, and you are eligible day one. We also offer pet insurance and other voluntary benefits. Please see our website at www.central.com for additional company information.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), you will be responsible for all tasks associated with performing UAS Missions/Flights - such as:
- Working with customers to understand the scope of each project
- Conduct missions for surveillance, mapping, or applications. This would include but is not limited to agriculture, vector control, and forestry
- Apply knowledge of the UAS regulatory environment, waiver approval process, and flight operations requirements
- Loading material from customers’ warehouse sites into the operations trailer
- Loading the UAS
- Working closely with the visual observer to perform all duties associated with our FAA requirements
- General maintenance and cleaning of the UAS, payload systems, and trailer. This position will be responsible for supervising the Visual Observer during all missions.
- Prepare and receive shipments of goods to and from customers/suppliers
- Contact customers for support and troubleshoot issues to find the best solutions
- Assemble large scale UAS from documented processes
- Diagnose, repair, and test UAS that are received for service
- Program electronics that are incorporated into the final design of an aircraft
- Field work to support UAS application operations, requires travel
QUALIFICATIONS
- FAA CFR Part 107 UAS pilot certificate
- Drone piloting proficiencies with 50-100 hours of experience in verifiable flight time – fixed wing, rotor, or multirotor
- Ability to operate and handle a truck and small trailer
- A valid U.S. state Driver’s License
- Be able to attain the required aerial applicator license and any other license required by the state(s) of operation
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
- 2+ years of professional, related experience
- Prior experience operating sUAS
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as QGIS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position is based primarily outside in all types of weather and uneven terrain.
- Applicants must be able to work around and safely handle pesticides according to product labeling
- Physical requirements: Standing, sitting, walking and climbing on unlevel or grassy terrain, reaching. Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. on a frequent basis and at times 100 lbs with co-worker assistance
- Weekend work may be required, along with conferences and/or events to support and build client relationships.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications and software.
- The candidate must be willing to travel throughout the work week with overnight trips up to 10-20% of a work week
- Strong teamworking skills through collaborative problem solving
POSITION INFORMATION
- This position pays $25-29/ hour depending on experience
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Free Life and Disability Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to thousands of free online courses
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
- Referral Program with cash bonus
- Access to on-demand pay
- Paid parental leave
- A more complete list of benefits can be found here www.CentralBenefits.org
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.