Agricultural Technicians :: Job Description

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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 Laboratory Technician

3.	Agricultural Research Technician

4.	Agricultural Research Technologist

5.	Agricultural Researcher

6.	Agricultural Specialist

7.	Agricultural Technician

8.	Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant

9.	Agriculture Technician

10.	Agronomy Technician

11.	Alfalfa Research Assistant

12.	Bacteriological Testing Coordinator

13.	Biological Aide

14.	Biotechnician

15.	Blood Tester

16.	Cattle Tester

17.	Certified Seed Analyst

18.	Cotton Program Technician

19.	County Extension Agent

20.	Cow Tester

21.	Culture Media Laboratory Assistant

22.	Extension Associate

23.	Feed Research Aide

24.	Feed Research Technician

25.	Field Service Poultry Technician

26.	Food Science Technician

27.	Fowl Blood Tester

28.	Germination Analyst

29.	Greenhouse Technician

30.	Insect Control Aide

31.	Laboratory Assistant

32.	Laboratory Technician

33.	Landscaping Specialist

34.	Moisture Tester

35.	Permaculture Contractor

36.	Pest Management Technical Support Specialist

37.	Plant Control Aide

38.	Poultry Diagnostics Research Specialist

39.	Registered Seed Technologist

40.	Regulatory Testing Coordinator

41.	Research Assistant

42.	Research Associate

43.	Research Technician

44.	Seed Analysis Laboratory Assistant

45.	Seed Analyst

46.	Seed Expert

47.	Seed Laboratory Assistant

48.	Seed Specialist

49.	Seed Tester

50.	Sugarcane Research Technician

51.	Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

52.	Technician

53.	Urban Gardening Specialist

54.	Weed Science Research Technician

Job Tasks

	Receive and prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.

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

	Operate laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, and potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.

	Plant seeds in specified areas, and count the resulting plants to determine the percentage of seeds that germinated.

	Collect samples from crops or animals so testing can be performed.

	Adjust testing equipment, and prepare culture media, following standard procedures.

	Examine animals and specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.

	Measure or weigh ingredients used in testing or for purposes such as animal feed.

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

	Set up laboratory or field equipment, and prepare sites for testing.

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

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

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

	Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.

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

	Supervise pest or weed control operations including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, scheduling application, and training operators.

	Measure and mark plot areas, and plow, disc, level, and otherwise prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards and vineyards.

	Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.

	Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.

	Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.

	Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.

	Respond to inquiries and requests from the public that do not require specialized scientific knowledge or expertise.

	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.

	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.

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

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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


		compile numerical or statistical data

		develop tables depicting data

		measure, weigh, or count products or materials

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


		collect scientific or technical data

		obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers

		collect statistical data

		research human or animal disease

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


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

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


		record test results, test procedures, or inspection data

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

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

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

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.


		adhere to safety procedures

		perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting

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


		identify crop characteristics

		recognize disease or parasites in animals

		recognize plant diseases

		recognize tree or forest plant species

		recognize wood species characteristics

		examine biological or other material specimens under microscope

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


		use chemical testing or analysis procedures

		use hazardous materials information

		use health or sanitation standards

		use plant or crop transplant techniques

		use plant disease control techniques

		use scientific research methodology

		follow safe waste disposal procedures

		follow microbiology procedures

		use biological research techniques

		use clinical sterilizing technique

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use quantitative research methods

		use knowledge of metric system

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


		use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products

		mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications

		sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment

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


		conduct field research or investigative studies

		conduct laboratory research or experiments

		conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses

		conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses

		perform statistical analysis

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


		work as a team member

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


		use biological testing instruments

		use microscope

		use laboratory equipment

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


		observe plants, flowers, shrubs or trees to ascertain condition

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.


		clean rooms or work areas

		plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

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

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.


		set up or calibrate laboratory equipment

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.


		communicate technical information

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

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


		collect blood or tissue samples

		draw blood

		artificially inseminate livestock

		feed or water animals

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

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

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.


		maintain laboratory or field equipment

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

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Science Technicians
	Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to assist in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes. However, their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists. Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all of their work. Those who perform production work monitor manufacturing processes and may ensure quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, for purity, or for strength and durability.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Science Technicians
	Science technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours. Production technicians often work in 8-hour shifts around the clock. Others, such as agricultural, forest and conservation, geological and petroleum, and environmental science and protection technicians, perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.

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