Drone Pilot - Lead Operations Technician, Mosquito Control

Drone Pilot - Lead Operations Technician, Mosquito Control

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 / Operations Technician who will be responsible for operating UAVs for mosquito control, conducting ground-based surveillance and treatment, and supporting field data operations. This hybrid 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 expect about 10-15% of time spent on drone operations but this percentage should shift significantly over the next year or so.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

• Inspect mosquito breeding sites using standard field tools (dippers, sample cups).
• Apply larvicides/adulticides via backpack sprayers, bicycles, or truck-mounted equipment.
• Perform chicken surveillance (handling, bleeding, sample processing) training provided.
• 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 exposure, etc.).

• 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.

Minimum Requirements:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate (ability to take and pass within 30 days of hire).
• Florida Public Health Applicator's License (ability to take and pass exam within 60 days of hire).
• Florida Aerial Applicator's License (ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
• Please note that some state licenses and some contracts do require a criminal background check
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• 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, handle live chickens, 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 and between $20-$21/hr while performing Operations Technician duties. We offer an outstanding compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401k (Roth and traditional) with a generous match, tuition reimbursement and career development and training opportunities, LinkedIn Learning subscriptions, paid parental leave program, electric vehicle incentives, paid volunteer time, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid winter break between Christmas and New Years, and discretionary bonus.

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