Position Status:            Regular, Full-Time                   

Supervisor:                   Precision Agriculture Manager

Department:                  Sugarcane Operations

FLSA:                             Exempt

Company Overview: 

U.S. Sugar produces approximately 6.5 million tons of sugarcane annually on more than 200,000 acres of land in the South Florida area. U.S. Sugar owns and operates the largest private agricultural short line railroad in the country and is the only sugar company in the continental United States that transports its harvested cane supply from its farms and other growers by railroad to its sugar factory.  The rail system includes the South Central Florida Express (SCFE), acquired by U.S. Sugar in 1994, which not only transports sugar cane to the factory, but also transports finished sugar products, citrus products, fertilizer, farm equipment, aggregates, and other freight interchanging with CSXT and FECR. SCFE services between 25 and 35 locations with over more than 300 miles of track. 

Job Summary:

The Precision Agriculture Technician will play a vital role in supporting precision farming initiatives by installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced agricultural equipment and technology. This individual will be responsible for collecting and analyzing field data, ensuring the effective application of technology to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agricultural operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, and maintain precision agriculture systems, including GPS units, sensors, and other field equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair hardware and software issues related to precision farming technologies.
• Use drones, sensors, and other equipment to collect data on soil, crops, and environmental conditions.
• Analyze data to support decision-making on planting, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting.
• Create and maintain detailed reports on field performance metrics.
•  Provide technical support to farm operators and staff using precision equipment.
• Train team members on the proper use and benefits of precision agriculture tools and techniques.
• Work closely with agronomists, field managers, and other team members to integrate precision technology into day-to-day operations.
• Ensure compliance with company protocols and industry standards for data handling and equipment usage.
• Stay updated on advancements in precision agriculture technology and recommend new solutions to improve efficiency.
• Participate in pilot projects and trials of emerging technologies.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in precision agriculture or a related role preferred.
• Experience with GIS mapping, GPS systems, and agricultural machinery is highly desirable.
• Must be able to function independently, demonstrate flexibility and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• Must be able to handle and coordinate multiple duties of an urgent nature.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel to field sites as needed.
• Certification in drone operation (preferred but not required).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to operate and troubleshoot electronic and mechanical equipment.

• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software, including GIS systems and field mapping software.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills to train others and document processes clearly.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in outside weather conditions on a regular basis.
• Working conditions may be rainy, hot, humid, dusty, etc. depending on the weather
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
• Duties of this job are also performed in an office environment
• Employee is also required to drive a vehicle for extended time periods

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle and/or move various objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk, hear, and see
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to freely access all areas of the including farm offices, tractor sheds, various farm/harvesting equipment, etc.
• Ability to operate and use all equipment necessary to run the farm including chemical applications equipment and common office equipment
• Ability to move or handle various items throughout the farm generally weighing between 0-65 pounds.  Ability to lift and carry up to 65 pounds.

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all-inclusive” list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job.  Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job, and a reasonable representation of its activities.