Agricultural Technician Job Description

Agricultural Technicians

Agricultural technicians test seeds to see if they are viable. They collect seeds, grow them, and maintain them. Agricultural technicians transplant plants.

They determine the rate at which a plant grows. Agricultural technicians are studying ways to increase productivity. They collect crop or animal samples to be tested for disease or to confirm scientific experiments.

They also perform agricultural labor. Food science technicians are looking at new techniques. They inspect food, chemicals, and Additives, analyze test results, and prepare presentations to share their findings.

Agricultural and food science technicians work in laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, and offices. Workers may be exposed to loud noise, extreme temperatures, and odors. They are active throughout the day.

The Career Outlook of Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

An associate's degree in biology, chemistry, crop or animal science is required for agricultural and food science technicians. Some positions require candidates to have a bachelor's degree, while others require a high school degree or equivalent. Over the decade, there are projected openings for agricultural and food science technicians.

Many openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. Agricultural and food science technicians help agricultural and food scientists by measuring and analyzing the quality of food and agricultural products. Depending on the field the technician works in, they have a range of duties from performing agricultural labor to laboratory testing with significant amounts office work.

Food science technicians are looking at new production techniques. They make sure that products are fit for distribution or are produced efficiently. Food science technicians inspect food, chemicals, and Additives to determine whether they are safe and have the proper combination of ingredients.

Technicians work in a variety of settings, including laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, and offices. Technicians working in agricultural settings may face noise from machinery and extreme temperatures. They may need to be physically active for a long time.

Students interested in a career in agriculture or food science should take as many high school classes as possible. A solid background in applied chemistry, biology, physics, math, and statistics is important. Knowledge of how to use spreadsheets and databases is needed.

Agricultural Engineers

Technical problems affect agricultural efficiency. They can specialize in a lot of different areas. They combine their knowledge of engineering and biological science to improve power supply, agricultural machinery, irrigation, pollution issues, building structures, food processing, soil and water conserver, and more.

Most agricultural engineers work full time, but their schedules can vary depending on the project they are working on. Longer hours may be required for outdoor projects. Agricultural engineers use computer technology to design equipment.

They may design vehicles that are able to perform agricultural tasks in difficult weather conditions. Agricultural engineers are responsible for drafting designs, reviewing technical specifications, and adjusting engineering plans for compliance with regulations. Agricultural engineers use a variety of tools to provide advice on land pollution, water quality, and soil conditions.

They make suggestions to increase agricultural productivity. Agricultural engineers apply relevant engineering methods, procedures, and criteria to fix and repair livestock and crop facilities. They use their judgement to modify designs for increased efficiency.

Agricultural engineers are involved in construction projects related to issues like water drainage. Engineers are tasked with building structures for loading, food processing, animal processing, and crop storing. Agricultural engineers discuss progress with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers to keep the project on track.

The Holland Code: A Framework for Building, Thinking and Organizing Interest Areas in Agriculture

The Holland Code framework states that agricultural and food science technicians have an interest in the Building, Thinking and Organizing interest areas. The focus of the Building interest area is on working with tools and machines. The thinking interest area focuses on researching, investigating and increasing the understanding of natural laws.

The focus of the organizing interest area is to keep things orderly. If you don't know if you have a Building or Thinking organizing interest that would fit with a career as an agricultural and food science technician, you can take a career test to see if you have what it takes. Interpersonal skills are important.

Food science technicians need to work well with others. They may supervise agricultural and food science workers and receive instruction from scientists or specialists, so effective communication is critical. The median annual wage for agricultural and food science technicians was over forty grand in May.

Half of the workers in an occupation earn more than the median wage, and half earn less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,180. The employment of agricultural and food technicians is projected to grow by 6 percent from the year of 2018) to the year of 2028.

Demand for agricultural research will continue into areas such as the effects of population growth, increased demand for water resources, harm from pests and pathogens, and changes in climate and weather patterns. Agricultural and food scientists need technicians to help them investigate and improve the diet, living conditions, and even genetic makeup of livestock. Food science technicians will help scientists improve food-processing techniques, ensuring that products are safe, waste is limited, and food is shipped efficiently.

Agricultural Technicians: Experience, Education and Skills

A certificate in applied science or science-related technology is required for most agricultural technicians. Science technicians with a high school degree and no college degree can begin work as trainees and eventually earn a degree in science technology. Agricultural technicians need hands-on training on the job or in school.

The training programs combine the teaching of scientific principles and theory with practical hands-on application in a laboratory setting with up-to-date equipment, which is what most can get good career preparation through. Some employers prefer graduates of bachelor's degree programs in science who have experience in laboratories and internship experience, and also have held summer jobs in laboratories. Job candidates with extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including computers and related equipment, usually need a short period of on-the-job training.

Those with a high school degree and no college degree are usually the first ones to start work. Many people with a high school degree earn a two-year degree in science technology at their employer's expense. The direct supervision of a scientist or more experienced technician is what technicians usually begin work under.

As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors. At least 2 years of specialized training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology is required for agricultural technicians. Some science technicians have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology and have completed several science and math courses at a college.

Communication skills are important because technicians are often required to report their findings in writing. The technicians should be able to work well with others. Strong computer skills are important for technicians in research and development laboratories.