Occupation: Agricultural Technicians

Agricultural Technicians

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.

19-4012.00 | 26 tasks | 9 job titles
Reported Job Titles (9)
  • Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)
  • Agricultural Research Technologist
  • Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)
  • Agriculture Assistant
  • Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech)
  • Field Assistant
  • Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech)
  • Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician)
  • Seed Analyst
Core Tasks (9)
  • 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.
Supplemental Tasks (17)
  • 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.
  • Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
  • Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
  • Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
  • Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
  • Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
  • Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
  • Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
  • Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
  • Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
  • Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
  • Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
  • Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
  • Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
  • 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.