Agricultural Technicians

What the job really is

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-4012
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Collect animal or crop samples.
• Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
• Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
• Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
• Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
• Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Aerosol foggers, Aerosol generators, Agricultural tractors, Air compressors, Air samplers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Agricultural Engineers
• Biological Technicians
• Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Food Science Technicians
• Food Scientists and Technologists
• Biofuels Processing Technicians
• First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Agricultural Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.