Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations Manager - Guardian Agriculture
Salinas, CA 93901
About the Job
About Us:
Guardian Agriculture is the pioneer in eVTOL-powered precision agriculture. Backed by some of the world’s largest agribusiness leaders, the company is transforming crop protection with the first automated, US-manufactured, commercial-scale eVTOL system purpose-built for agriculture. Offering data-driven crop protection unmanned aircraft, Guardian Agriculture helps farmers grow sustainably, and profitably.
We develop large multicopters for applying agricultural chemicals to high-value crops. Our systems radically improve precision and safety relative to existing plane- and helicopter-based crop spraying solutions, while reducing chemical use, reducing impact on pollinating insects, and minimizing opportunities for organisms to acquire chemical resistance.
We are also a small, multi-disciplinary team of talented engineers, technicians, and operators who are passionate about making an impact by connecting technology to solve critical customer needs. We value collaboration, candor, thoughtful design, and a growth mindset as we scale the organization and build an autonomous system that farmers can trust.
Guardian Agriculture's Autonomous Electric Drone Sprayer
Guardian Agriculture Reaps $20 Million In New Funding
"Guardian AG stands firmly against racial discrimination and social injustice. Everyone has a voice in our company, and we are committed to equality, inclusiveness, respect, and kindness. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Guardian AG is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please send an email to: rocky@guardian.ag"
Guardian Agriculture is the pioneer in eVTOL-powered precision agriculture. Backed by some of the world’s largest agribusiness leaders, the company is transforming crop protection with the first automated, US-manufactured, commercial-scale eVTOL system purpose-built for agriculture. Offering data-driven crop protection unmanned aircraft, Guardian Agriculture helps farmers grow sustainably, and profitably.
We develop large multicopters for applying agricultural chemicals to high-value crops. Our systems radically improve precision and safety relative to existing plane- and helicopter-based crop spraying solutions, while reducing chemical use, reducing impact on pollinating insects, and minimizing opportunities for organisms to acquire chemical resistance.
We are also a small, multi-disciplinary team of talented engineers, technicians, and operators who are passionate about making an impact by connecting technology to solve critical customer needs. We value collaboration, candor, thoughtful design, and a growth mindset as we scale the organization and build an autonomous system that farmers can trust.
Guardian Agriculture's Autonomous Electric Drone Sprayer
Guardian Agriculture Reaps $20 Million In New Funding
Summary:
As the UAS Operations Manager, you'll lead field operations, fine-tune processes, and ensure successful customer deployment of the SC1 spray system. This hands-on, field-based role is critical to demonstrating the SC1's effectiveness while helping customers adopt it as a core tool for crop protection. You'll work early mornings to take advantage of optimal spraying conditions and be responsible for training customers, optimizing processes, and ensuring all operations comply with FAA and California pesticide regulations.
Why This Role Matters:
The SC1 is the first spray drone designed from the ground up as durable agricultural equipment. You'll play a pivotal role in proving the system's reliability and efficiency in the field while ensuring customers succeed with the technology. This is an opportunity to lead field operations, troubleshoot in real time, and harden cutting-edge technology for productive use in agriculture.
While prior drone and agriculture experience is helpful, you must have a passion for learning, a commitment to operational excellence, and a willingness to do menial tasks with joy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Field Operations: Manage daily drone spraying operations, focusing on safety, efficiency, and compliance with FAA and state regulations. Oversee a team of Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs), chemical loaders, and handlers.
- Field Coordination & Logistics: Manage logistics, including scheduling early morning spraying sessions, coordinating resources, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained and ready for the field.
- Optimize SOPs & Field Efficiency: Fine-tune Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on real-time conditions and operational feedback to maximize operational efficiency.
- Customer Training & Support: Act as a hands-on trainer, ensuring customers become proficient in operating the SC1 system. Lead on-site training sessions to teach safe and effective chemical handling, drone operation, and troubleshooting.
- Prove Out SC1 Reliability: Collect data, identify operational bottlenecks, and work closely with the product and engineering team to refine system performance.
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with FAA regulations, California pesticide laws, and chemical label restrictions. Make real-time decisions to halt operations when necessary.
- Continuous Feedback: Regularly share insights from field operations and customer interactions to help product and engineering teams improve future designs.
- Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work with customer success, product, engineering, and operations teams to inform process improvements, product development, and enhance customer satisfaction.
What Success Looks Like:
- Proven Field Performance: Demonstrated reliability and operational capacity (acres sprayed per hour) of the SC1 in varying conditions.
- Happy, Competent Customers: Customers become efficient and confident users of the SC1, integrating it seamlessly into their operations.
- Operational Excellence: Streamlined field operations through optimized SOPs and timely decision-making.
- Continuous Improvement: Implemented operational improvements that increase efficiency and safety in all phases of field operations.
Required Qualifications:
- 5-7 years of experience in agricultural operations, chemical handling, or field logistics management, with at least 3 years of leadership experience managing field teams or operations.
- Customer-Focused: Proven experience in customer-facing roles with a focus on training and hands-on support. Experience with new technology introduction is a plus.
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Proactive attitude toward solving field challenges and improving operational efficiency.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 70 lbs, work early morning hours, and operate vehicles while towing a trailer.
- Certifications:
- Valid state-issued driver's license.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Willingness to obtain FAA Part 107 certification and Class 3 medical certificate within 90 days.
Preferred Qualifications:
- California Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certification: Journeyman or Apprentice certification, or experience with FAA Part 137 agricultural aviation.
- Familiarity with Drone Operations: Knowledge of FAA regulations and drone operations.
- Operational Leadership: Previous leadership experience in field operations, particularly in crop protection or chemical applications.
What We Offer:
Flexible time off, competitive salary, stock options, comprehensive benefits package, lots of tools, and the opportunity to build and play with flying machines that will have an environmental impact. We offer three months paid Maternity and Paternity Leave for new parents and encourage all parents to take it.
"Guardian AG stands firmly against racial discrimination and social injustice. Everyone has a voice in our company, and we are committed to equality, inclusiveness, respect, and kindness. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Guardian AG is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please send an email to: rocky@guardian.ag"
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