Earnest Agriculture
Field Imaging Technician (Drone Operator) 2025
Rantoul, IL
·
Contractor
Earnest Agriculture is looking for a Field Imaging Technician to help us capture high-quality drone imagery across our field trial sites throughout the Midwest. You'll use a DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral drone to fly fields every two weeks, helping us measure the impact of our biological seed coatings. We’ll provide the drone, vehicle, gas, and hotel — you bring the skills, reliability, and curiosity.
Description
🛠 What You'll Do
- Fly a DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral drone across multiple trial sites in IL, IN, OH, MI, IA, NE, and TN
- Capture and upload multispectral imagery using AerialPlot
- Maintain all drone equipment (charging, troubleshooting, tracking battery health)
- Plan and execute efficient travel routes using a provided company vehicle
- Communicate with farmers before and after visits (by phone or text)
- Log notes and observations from the field (crop conditions, access issues, weather delays)
- Represent Earnest in a friendly, professional way while on-site
📍 Location & Travel
- Must be comfortable with weekly regional travel (overnight trips required)
- Based in Illinois preferred, but not required if you're willing to travel to Champaign
- All travel expenses (vehicle, gas, hotel) are covered
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Part 107 FAA Certification (preferred but not required)
- Experience flying drones for agriculture, research, or land monitoring
- Comfortable working outdoors in rural environments
- Self-directed and organized — you're managing your own route each week
- Strong communication skills — you'll be in contact with farmers and the Earnest team
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
💼 Details
- Type: Seasonal, May–October 2025
- Status: 1099 Independent Contractor
- Pay: Competitive hourly wage or stipend
- Hours: Approx. 30–40 hrs/week, flexible based on field conditions and schedule
🌱 Why Earnest?
We’re an ag-biotech startup building solutions that help farmers grow more with less. Our microbe-based seed coatings are field-tested across the U.S. — and this role puts you at the center of the science. If you love drones, travel, and real-world data, this is for you.