Lead Pilot (Full-Time) 

Monarch Drone Solutions | Republic, Missouri

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Seasonal Bonus Eligible)

Salary: $45,000–$55,000 (based on experience) + performance bonuses

Benefits: Two paid weeks off per year, Retirement + Company Matching, & Healthcare Incentives 

Location: Field-based; primary service area within ~90 miles (overnight travel ~25%)

Schedule: Weather- and season-dependent; flexible schedule with extended days during spray windows 

Position Overview: 

The Lead Pilot is a senior, hands-on field leader responsible for executing high-quality agricultural drone applications while leading a small field crew (typically 1–2 team members). This role combines advanced flight operations, customer-facing service, crew leadership, and equipment stewardship to deliver best-in-class application results.

Lead Pilots are the company’s primary representatives in the field and play a critical role in customer satisfaction, repeat business, and operational profitability. Multiple Lead Pilots may be hired, all reporting directly to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

● Execute agricultural drone spraying and seeding operations in accordance with company SOPs, label requirements, and best agronomic practices. 

● Maintain in-field authority to adjust application rates, flight patterns, weather-based decisions, and go/no-go safety calls. 

● Lead and supervise field crews including field assistants, seasonal pilots, and contractors. 

● Serve as the primary point of contact for customers during operations and educate growers on crop strategy, timing, and limitations. 

● Maintain all assigned aircraft, batteries, vehicles, and support equipment in excellent operating condition. 

● Perform inspections, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance; coordinate major repairs with authorized service centers. 

● Maintain accurate logs for flights, applications, maintenance, and field observations. 

● Provide operational data to the Operations Manager to support FAA, EPA, and state reporting. 

● Exercise authority to stop operations for safety, compliance, or environmental concerns.

Participate in testing and evaluation of new drone platforms and technologies. 

What We're Looking For (requirements for this role)

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

  • Commercial pesticide applicator license (Missouri required; ability to obtain or maintain licensure in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas) 

  • Ability to lift and carry 50-75+ lbs

  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally

  • Minimum 40 hours of agricultural drone flight experience 

  • Strong agricultural background with practical field knowledge 

  • Demonstrated experience leading small crews or teams

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently without constant oversight 

Performance Metrics (KPIs) 

Performance is measured through application quality, aircraft uptime, job profitability, respray frequency, safety performance, customer satisfaction, referrals, repeat business, and productivity metrics adjusted for regional and field conditions. 

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary with a seasonal performance-based bonus tied to profitability, safety, application quality, and productivity.

Performance & Growth Opportunities

  • Performance-based bonuses tied to:

    • profitability

    • safety

    • application quality

    • productivity

Tools & Support Provided

  • Fully equipped repair shop

  • Field service truck

  • Specialized diagnostic tools and equipment

  • Access to manufacturer training and certifications

Why Join Monarch Drone Solutions? 

We believe in putting the right people in the right seats and building a team that takes pride in their work. We operate with a customer-first mindset, high standards of integrity, and a commitment to doing things the right way—every time. Our technicians aren’t just fixing equipment—they’re supporting farmers, operators, and businesses who rely on these tools to get critical work done. If you’re someone who takes ownership, values quality, and wants to grow with a company at the forefront of agricultural drone technology, this is a unique opportunity to build something meaningful.