Agricultural Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

An agricultural technician could...

Overview Listen to this section

As the world's population grows larger, it is important to improve the quality and yield of food crops and animal food sources. Agricultural technicians work in the forefront of this very important research area by helping scientists conduct novel experiments. If you would like to combine technology with the desire to see things grow, then read further to learn more about this exciting career.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Agricultural Technician?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
3. 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.
4. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

6. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
7. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
8. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
9. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
10. Time Management: ? Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Agricultural Technician might do:

• Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
• 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 laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
• Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
• Collect animal or crop samples.
• Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
• Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
• Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.