Occupation · SOC 19-4012
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,010 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningTime ManagementSpeakingOperations MonitoringInstructingCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessMathematicsLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingScienceOperation and ControlManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems AnalysisService OrientationSystems EvaluationPersuasionNegotiationTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignProgrammingOperations AnalysisInstallation
Knowledge areas
Food ProductionBiologyChemistryMechanicalMathematicsAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingBuilding and ConstructionPhysicsEngineering and TechnologyProduction and ProcessingComputers and ElectronicsAdministrativeDesignTransportationPersonnel and Human ResourcesCustomer and Personal ServiceGeographyTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaMedicine and DentistryLaw and GovernmentEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPsychologyPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologySociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingFine Arts
Technology & tools
Desktop publishing softwareEmail softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGlobal positioning system GPS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft operating systemSAP softwareSpreadsheet softwareStatistical softwareWeb browser softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGetting InformationProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsScheduling Work and ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesWorking with ComputersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesThinking CreativelyRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentTraining and Teaching OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Farm machinery operation — identify and safely start tractors, plows, and mowers under direct supervisor guidance on a working farm.Land preparation tasks — perform basic tilling, discing, and leveling activities following established protocols on a supervised field site.Crop production duties — carry out assigned hoeing, weeding, and pruning activities under direct instruction during growing season operations.Animal and crop samples — collect field specimens using standard procedures under technician supervision for laboratory submission.Laboratory and field equipment — assist in setting up instruments and test stations according to a checklist before supervised site testing.Data recording — enter observation notes and basic experimental measurements into a spreadsheet or database template during routine trials.Agricultural facilities — clean and perform minor upkeep on tools and equipment following safety and sanitation checklists after daily use.Disease and pest recognition — identify common visual indicators of crop diseases or pest damage by referencing field identification guides on-site.Reading comprehension — interpret written work orders, safety data sheets, and equipment manuals to complete assigned daily tasks correctly.Time management — organize personal daily task sequences under supervisor direction to meet scheduled crop production or research deadlines.
developing
Farm machinery operation — independently operate and maneuver tractors, sprayers, and balers across varied field conditions with reduced oversight.Land preparation — select and apply appropriate plowing, contouring, or leveling techniques for different soil types and crop rotation plans.Crop production management — execute a full seasonal cycle of tilling, pruning, and harvesting activities with minimal direct supervision on mid-scale operations.Sample collection and handling — apply correct sampling protocols for both animal and plant specimens, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation for research records.Equipment setup and calibration — configure laboratory and field testing instruments to project specifications and verify calibration before data collection begins.Experimental data recording — compile structured field and lab datasets using database software, ensuring accuracy and completeness for researcher review.Facility and equipment maintenance — diagnose minor mechanical faults in agricultural tools and schedule or perform repairs to maintain operational readiness.Specimen examination — assess crop and animal samples for signs of disease, nutritional deficiency, or environmental stress, flagging anomalies for senior review.GIS and mobile tools — use geographic information system and mobile location-based software to map field zones and track agronomic conditions across a farm.Coordination and communication — liaise with research staff and equipment operators to align daily field schedules and resolve routine workflow conflicts.
proficient
Complex machinery operations — plan and oversee multi-machine field operations including combines, earthmoving equipment, and trucks across large or varied agricultural sites.Advanced land preparation — design and execute precision land-contouring and drainage plans to optimize soil conditions for specialty crops or vineyards.Full-cycle crop production — autonomously manage all crop production phases from germination through harvest, adjusting practices in response to non-routine environmental conditions.Diagnostic specimen analysis — independently examine animal and crop specimens to identify diseases, pathogens, or pest infestations and recommend evidence-based intervention strategies.Research protocol execution — implement multi-variable field and lab experiments, ensuring data integrity and adapting methodology when unanticipated conditions arise.Integrated data management — build and maintain ERP and database systems that consolidate experimental, production, and animal care records for cross-functional analysis.Equipment reliability programs — develop preventive maintenance schedules for the full fleet of agricultural machinery, reducing downtime and ensuring safety compliance.Critical analysis and reporting — synthesize field and laboratory findings into written technical reports and presentations for research teams and agricultural stakeholders.Active learning and technology adoption — evaluate and integrate emerging precision-agriculture technologies, including updated GIS platforms and sensor tools, into existing field operations.Judgment under uncertainty — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to resolve ambiguous crop health or equipment scenarios with limited supervisor input on active research sites.
advanced
Organizational operations strategy — lead the planning and coordination of all agricultural research and production operations across multiple field sites and seasonal cycles.Technical program development — design multi-year agronomic research programs, defining experimental protocols, resource requirements, and success metrics for institutional outcomes.Workforce development — mentor and train cohorts of emerging and developing technicians, building team competency in crop science, machinery operation, and data management.Cross-functional leadership — direct collaboration between research scientists, farm managers, and external partners to align field operations with broader organizational goals.Quality and safety governance — establish and enforce facility safety standards, equipment maintenance policies, and data integrity protocols across the entire operation.Resource and budget management — oversee procurement of machinery, laboratory supplies, and technology tools, optimizing expenditure within administrative and ERP frameworks.Knowledge management — author standard operating procedures, technical manuals, and training curricula that codify best practices for agricultural technician roles organization-wide.Strategic technology integration — evaluate and champion adoption of advanced precision-agriculture platforms, GIS systems, and automation tools at the enterprise level.Stakeholder communication — present research findings, production outcomes, and program recommendations to executive leadership, funding bodies, and regulatory agencies.Innovation and continuous improvement — identify systemic inefficiencies in crop production or research workflows and lead evidence-based initiatives that elevate organizational performance.
Also known as
54 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Acidity TesterAgricultural AssistantAgricultural Equipment TechnicianAgricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)Agricultural Research TechnologistAgricultural Service TechnicianAgricultural SpecialistAgricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)Agriculture AssistantAgriculture Field Technician (Agriculture Field Tech)Agriculture Research Lab Assistant (Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant)Agriculture Technician (Agriculture Tech)Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech)Agronomy Technician (Agronomy Tech)Artificial Breeding Technician (Artificial Breeding Tech)Biological AideBiotechnicianBlood TesterCattle TesterChemical ApplicatorCotton Program Technician (Cotton Program Tech)County Extension AgentCow TesterCulture Media Laboratory Assistant (Culture Media Lab Assistant)Dairy Laboratory Technician (Dairy Lab Tech)Dairy Technician (Dairy Tech)Dairy TechnologistExtension AssociateFeed Mill Laboratory Technician (Feed Mill Lab Tech)Feed Research AideFertilizer ApplicatorField AssistantField Service Poultry Technician (Field Service Poultry Tech)Fowl Blood TesterHorticultural Technician (Horticultural Tech)Horticulture Technician (Horticulture Tech)Insect Control AideInsect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech)Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician)Moisture Tester