Agricultural Technicians :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Agricultural Technicians

Careers / Agricultural Technicians

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Acidity Tester

2.	Agricultural Research Technician

3.	Agricultural Research Technologist

4.	Agricultural Researcher

5.	Agricultural Specialist

6.	Agricultural Technician

7.	Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant

8.	Agriculture Technician

9.	Biological Aide

10.	Biotechnician

11.	Blood Tester

12.	Cattle Tester

13.	County Extension Agent

14.	Cow Tester

15.	Culture Media Laboratory Assistant

16.	Extension Associate

17.	Faculty Research Assistant

18.	Feed Research Aide

19.	Feed Research Technician

20.	Field Service Poultry Technician

21.	Fowl Blood Tester

22.	Insect Control Aide

23.	Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)

24.	Landscaping Specialist

25.	Moisture Tester

26.	Permaculture Contractor

27.	Plant Control Aide

28.	Research Assistant

29.	Research Associate

30.	Research Specialist

31.	Research Technician

32.	Research Technologist

33.	Seed Analysis Laboratory Assistant

34.	Seed Analyst

35.	Seed Expert

36.	Seed Laboratory Assistant

37.	Seed Laboratory Technician

38.	Seed Specialist

39.	Seed Technician

40.	Seed Tester

41.	Senior Agricultural Assistant

42.	Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

43.	Urban Gardening Specialist

Job Tasks

	Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care. Record research or operational data.

	Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.

	Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops. Cultivate land.

	Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing. Set up laboratory or field equipment.

	Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively. Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.

	Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems. Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.

	Collect animal or crop samples. Collect biological specimens.

	Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application. Manage agricultural or forestry operations.

	Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Record research or operational data.

	Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers. Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures. Supervise scientific or technical personnel. Manage agricultural or forestry operations.

	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. Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

	Conduct insect or plant disease surveys. Research diseases or parasites.

	Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness. Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

	Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring. Cultivate land.

	Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.

	Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests. Operate laboratory or field equipment.

	Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability. Test quality of materials or finished products.

	Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions. Care for plants or animals.

	Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent. Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.

	Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public. Provide technical information or assistance to public.

	Prepare culture media, following standard procedures. Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

	Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants. Cultivate land.

	Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations. Provide technical information or assistance to public.

	Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas. Research crop management methods.

	Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows. Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
	Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists by performing duties such as measuring and analyzing the quality of food and agricultural products.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
	Agricultural and food science technicians work in laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, greenhouses, and offices.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

The state with the largest agricultural industry is California, which has a production more than double the second-place state.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Values Assessment Test scores and ranks 900 different careers based on how well they match your values system!