Agricultural Technicians
What is an Agricultural Technician?
Agricultural Technicians are professionals who assist agricultural scientists in the lab and field work related to the cultivation of crops, animal care, and the management of agricultural resources. They play a crucial role in the agricultural industry by conducting experiments, collecting data, and performing tests to ensure crop quality and animal health. Typically, they work under the supervision of agronomists, veterinarians, or agricultural engineers to implement research findings and innovative agricultural techniques, often focusing on sustainable practices. Their responsibilities can include preparing soil for planting, monitoring crop growth, managing pest control measures, and analyzing soil and water samples to determine optimal conditions for agricultural production. Agricultural Technicians are vital in advancing agricultural science and technology to increase food production and ensure the effective management of natural resources.
Tasks
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
- Microsoft Outlook
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Geographic information system
- Mobile location based services software
Tools Used
- Animal husbandry equipment
- Sprayers
- Haymaking machinery
- Cultivators
- Incubators or brooders for poultry
Knowledge
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Cultivate land.
- Operate farming equipment.
- Record research or operational data.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30750.0 - $65470.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.