Operation Specialist/Ag Drone Operator

Frontier Cooperative is an AG leader in Nebraska providing Grain, Agronomy, Feed and Energy products and services to our customers. At Frontier, we have a long-standing tradition of successful partnerships with our customers by managing our business with the highest integrity and quality while being responsible stewards in our communities.

Frontier Cooperative is offering an exciting career opportunity to the right individual that can provide a high level of operational skills as an Operations Specialist/AG Drone Operator. This position will coordinate our Drone application program and in the off-peak spray season will assist the agronomy/grain operational duties. This position is very mobile throughout our territory and possibly could office out of our Waverly, NE location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate flight operations of Drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) following FAA regulations and company guidelines.

• Conducting flight demonstrations as well as pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight safety checks and troubleshoot equipment issues. Also make sure the UAS is well maintained, and proper maintenance is completed as instructed by the pilot. This will also include scouting fields for problems that may be a danger to aerial application like electrical wires or structures before applications. Monitor weather conditions and other factors that may affect drone operations, making informed decisions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• Conduct proper mixing and application of pesticides, fertilizer, and fungicides to crops, record applications, and provide documentation and flight logs back to the dispatcher for accurate and timely billing purposes.

• Forecast and manage the inventory of products applied.

• Collaborate with agricultural professionals to plan and execute precise pesticide and fertilizer applications based on crop needs and growth stages.

• Keep detailed records of flights, applications, products applied, and equipment maintenance for compliance reporting, and assist in the development and improvement of UAS agro-spray protocols and procedures.

• Stay updated on advancements in drone technology, agro-spray methods, and relevant regulations.

• Within operations, may be called upon to assist with plant operations such as receiving, loading & unloading grain trucks, blending & loading Agronomy products like chemicals & fertilizers.

• Assist in monitoring & maintaining product quality and conduct fertilizer and chemical inventory.

• Perform warehouse & other agricultural-related duties such as operating tractors, machinery, forklifts, loaders, bobcats, etc. and performing routine maintenance on equipment and machinery.

• Perform routine maintenance, housekeeping & repair of buildings, grounds, vehicles, & equipment; verify through pre-trip inspections that company vehicles, equipment & machinery are in good working order prior to use.

• Observe, recognize & follow all Safety Procedures.

• Provide exceptional customer service to our patrons, customers, & employees in a courteous & professional manner.

• Ability to work independently and in a team, with limited instruction on daily work while adapting to changing conditions.

ESSENTIAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience.

• Preferred FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or the ability to obtain certification.

• Preferred FAA Class III medical certificate or the ability to obtain certification.

• Preferred Custom applicator license or the ability to obtain license.

• Preferred Class B with Haz-mat endorsement or the ability to obtain license and endorsement.

• Proven experience in operating UAS, particularly in agricultural applications.

• Substantial understanding of agricultural practices and crop management.

• Must possess the ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen test.

Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Dependent care or Health-related expenses

• Voluntary Accident, Cancer & other additional coverages

• 401(K) Retirement (Traditional and/or Roth)

• Vacation & sick leave

• Holiday Pay

• Cooperative Retirement Plan

• Annual Clothing & Boot Allowances

• Active Employee Wellness Program

• Active Safety & Compliance Department

• Great Co-Workers willing to help!

For more information & to apply, go to: www.frontiercooperative.com, click on the 'careers' tab at the top of the page, and follow the application instructions.