Aerial Applicator

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Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return.

Leonardo Da Vinci
Aerial Applicator

In A Nutshell

I fly small planes or helicopters and spray fertilizer and pesticides over fields.

I work with customers to mix the chemicals for proper application and study maps to locate the land.

I monitor weather and wind conditions, adjusting plans as needed.

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Featured Employer

Government of Saskatchewan logo

Government of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is a Canadian province located in the Prairie region. It is one of only two provinces in Canada without a coastline on saltwater and the only province whose boundaries are entirely artificial (meaning they are not based on natural features).

Explore More: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/

Potential Salary Range

$65,000 - $113,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

I have one of the best offices ever up in the air! Flying comes with its own challenges, like staying focused and alert, but the amazing views make it all worth it.

Workplace

Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Fly safely and responsibly
  • Complete pre-flight checks and follow safety regulations
  • Handle chemicals safely and use knowledge of proper applications
  • Monitor the weather and wind, and plan accordingly
  • Read maps and locate land
  • Coordinate with on-ground technicians to spray fields efficiently

Education & Training

  • At least a high school diploma, though many aerial applicators have completed diplomas or degrees
  • Pilots must hold a commercial pilot licence and a valid provincial pesticide licence
  • Most aerial application companies require their pilots to have extensive flying experience or to have worked as on-ground chemical applicators
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Job Outlook

    • This job will likely remain in demand as farmers continue to adjust their spraying practices to increase yield and decrease soil compaction
    • There are no obvious trends of decline expected for the next 5-10 years

Related School Subjects

Science
Ed. Prof. et Tech.

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Pilot Spray Flying

Important Skills

Computer & Technological icon

Computer & Technological

Most of my job involves using onboard computer systems and agricultural softwares.

Decision Making

I'm constantly monitoring wind and weather conditions, and making decisions about whether it's safe to fly and spray

Planning

I might be asked to spray many different fields for a number of customers in one day; I have to plan my time very carefully to make sure I can get the job done

Independence

While I do work with my customers to understand their needs, most of my actual work is done independently, including time spent reviewing data on a computer. 

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Independent Work
Seasonality
Opportunity to Travel
Using Technology