Aerial Applicator - Helicopter

The Aerial Applicator position provides aerial application services with our aerial application business which operates under the name Diversified Applications, Inc. or DAI. DAI owns aerial application businesses throughout the United States. Our goal is to offer quality aerial application services from strategic locations across the country using our growing fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

What your day may look like

• Ensures that all flights are conducted with safety as the primary consideration and that operation of the aircraft complies with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and established company policies and procedures.
• Maintains at least 500 feet AGL when ferrying an aircraft or transitioning between sites.
• Uses utmost care to survey each site prior to dispensing to become familiar with all characteristics and conditions. This includes terrain, natural and man-made obstructions, wind turbines, power lines, antennas, guy wires, buffer zones, sensitive crops, dwellings, livestock, domestic animals, vehicles, people, waterways, ponds and aquatic life, beehives, etc. Suspends dispensing when acceptable conditions cannot be maintained.
• Is thoroughly familiar with existing and forecasting weather prior to each flight. This is critical for both aircraft performance as well as acceptable dispensing conditions.
• Handles the load and supervises the handling of the load with great care to avoid spillage, aircraft damage, and product contamination. Reads and follows label instructions and cautions. Dispenses in accordance with label instructions. Rinses hopper appropriately.
• Briefs handlers and ground crews assigned to the pilot's dispensing operation for expectations and cautions to be observed.
• Communicates promptly with the chief supervisor regarding any irregularities or difficulties encountered in training or agricultural aircraft operation.
• Provides for proper handling of the aircraft where company ground handling and/or service employees are not available.
• Arranges for appropriate level of security of the aircraft when left unattended at a location away from the home base operations.
• Personally fuels or supervises aircraft fueling and other transient services. Participates in hot fueling only after training and approval from the chief supervisor.
• Maintains a high degree of proficiency and a thorough knowledge of the procedures and systems of the operating aircraft.
• Prepares and participates in training and checks maintenance test flights when authorized.
• Completes and supervises the proper completion of all required assignments, flight records, and dispensing records.
• Provides input as necessary to ensure records required by 14 CFR * 137.71 and the applicable state can be maintained. Submits other required input and paperwork in a timely manner.
• Maintains book of business through the Ag retailer or through a direct relationship with the clients.
• Other work-related duties as assigned by leader.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Education and experience needed for this position

• Must hold at least an FAA commercial pilot certificate with appropriate ratings, a current class II medical certificate, and be qualified to serve as PIC in at least one aircraft used in the certificate holder's operation, and have appropriate experiences as specified in 14 CFR * 137.19 and 137.41.
• Must have at least 200 hours of AG time and be certified to fly the assigned aircraft. Night time a plus.
• Must be currently qualified as a commercial certified pesticide applicator by the state(s) that the product will be applied in.
• Must have California APC Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate.

Other skills that will help you succeed

• Organizational skills.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel is required.
• Works well with others.
• Handles confidential information.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of federal and state regulations (OSHA, DOT, etc.)

Your work environment and the physical aspects of the job

At Helena, safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees.

The work environment for this position may require the employee to work in an outdoor setting in all types of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements. When working outdoors and possibly around moving equipment/mechanical parts, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock. This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, stand and sit. You may be occasionally required to lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Stay connected to Helena

For the latest job postings, visit the Internal Career Center through myADP. Select "Career Search" from the "Talent" tile.

Helena is an equal opportunity employer.