Precision Agriculture Technicians

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Precision Agriculture Technicians

Careers / Precision Agriculture Technicians

Summary Description


	Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Agronomist

2.	Agronomy Consultant

3.	County Extension Agent

4.	Crop Specialist

5.	Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist

6.	GPS Field Data Collector (Global Positioning System Field Data Collector)

7.	Migration Specialist

8.	Nutrient Management Specialist

9.	Precision Agriculture Department Manager

10.	Precision Agriculture Specialist

11.	Precision Agriculture Technician

12.	Precision Agronomist

13.	Precision Crop Manager

14.	Precision Farming Coordinator

15.	Precision Farming Specialist

16.	Remote Agent

17.	Research Soil Scientist

Job Tasks

	Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS). Collect geographical or geological field data.

	Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history. Prepare maps.

	Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information. Record research or operational data.

	Compile and analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, and weather conditions. Analyze geological or geographical data.

	Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials.

	Develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites, using geospatial technology, for soil testing on characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, pH, and micronutrients. Analyze environmental data.

	Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans. Research crop management methods.

	Apply knowledge of government regulations when making agricultural recommendations. Advise others on matters of public policy.

	Recommend best crop varieties or seeding rates for specific field areas, based on analysis of geospatial data.

	Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps. Prepare maps.

	Process and analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps. Analyze geological or geographical data.

	Demonstrate the uses and applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, and computer mapping software.

	Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability. Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

	Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance, and weather history. Conduct climatological research.

	Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Analyze environmental data.

	Prepare reports summarizing field productivity and profitability in graphical or tabular form. Prepare operational reports.

	Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings. Calibrate scientific or technical equipment. Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

	Identify areas in need of pesticide treatment by analyzing geospatial data to determine insect movement and damage patterns. Analyze environmental data.

	Contact equipment manufacturers for technical assistance, as needed.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

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