Precision Agriculture Instructor

Job no: 495723
Work type: Faculty Full-Time
Location: Schriever, LA, Thibodaux, LA
Categories: Academic Affairs, Technical

College: Fletcher Technical Community College

Department: Academic Affairs & Initiatives

Sub department: Energy & Advanced Technologies

Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Faculty 12 month

Salary: $67,948 - $91,358 (Salary commensurate with rank.)

What You'll Do:

• Teach and develop courses at the intersection of technology, mechanics, and agronomy—GPS/GIS, drones (sUAS), variable-rate technology, remote sensing, soil science, ag business, and data analytics.
• Deliver engaging, active-learning instruction (in class, lab, and field) that maximizes student success and aligns with master syllabi and industry standards.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and safely instruct on precision ag equipment, labs, and machinery; enforce safety and housekeeping protocols.
• Advise and mentor students; support recruitment, registration, retention, tutoring, and job placement; serve as a resource for certifications and career pathways.
• Build and sustain industry partnerships; participate in advisory committees; connect students to internships and employment opportunities.
• Use assessment and learning analytics to improve courses and programs; leverage Canvas and advanced classroom technology.
• Fulfill standard faculty responsibilities: office hours, timely grading/records, committee service, professional development, and campus events.

Required Education:

• One of the following:

o Bachelor’s in an agriculture-related field; or
o Bachelor’s in another field with 18 agriculture credits; or
o Associate degree in agriculture 3 years relevant non-teaching experience; or
o Relevant certificate 5 years precision ag experience; or
o No degree/certificate 10 years precision ag experience demonstrating expertise.

• Ability to teach/train in educational or industry settings and collaborate with diverse groups.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication; proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, calendars, and web tools.
• Technical knowledge of precision ag systems/equipment: GIS/GPS, drones/sUAS, variable-rate technology, and agricultural software.
• Willingness/ability to obtain Wisconsin DATCP commercial pesticide applicator license and/or FAA Remote Pilot Certificate as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an agriculture-related field.
• College-level teaching experience in precision ag or related subjects.
• Experience with Canvas LMS and active-learning strategies (group work, inquiry-based learning, contextualized instruction).

Why This Role Matters:

Precision agriculture is transforming how food and fiber are produced—using data, automation, and smart equipment to boost yields, cut input costs, and reduce environmental impact. Employers across the region are seeking specialists who can operate and interpret GPS/GIS systems, drones, variable-rate applications, and farm management software—skills this program delivers through hands-on training. As an instructor, you’ll directly expand the local talent pipeline, strengthen industry partnerships, and help students launch into technical careers with strong growth potential. Your work will improve farm profitability and sustainability while advancing the college’s mission to connect education to real-world outcomes.

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges, Fletcher Technical Community College has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. Fletcher Technical Community College is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. Fletcher Technical Community College is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.