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 ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringWritingJudgment and Decision MakingInstructing
Knowledge areas
Food ProductionBiologyChemistryMechanicalMathematics
Technology & tools
Desktop publishing softwareElectronic mail softwareGeographic information systemMobile location based services softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
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.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.
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
79 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Pest Management Craftsman (Air Force 3E473)Moisture TesterSeed TesterPublic Health Officer, Medical Entomologist (Air Force 43H4E)Public Health Officer (Air Force 43H4)Public Health Officer (Air Force 43HX)Fertilizer ApplicatorLab Tech (Laboratory Technician)Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech)Fowl Blood TesterPest Management Helper (Air Force 3E413)Agricultural SpecialistSugarcane Research Technician (Sugarcane Research Tech)Field Service Poultry Technician (Field Service Poultry Tech)Dairy TechnologistAgriculture AssistantPreventive Medicine Sciences (Army 67C)Dairy Technician (Dairy Tech)Agriculture Field Technician (Agriculture Field Tech)Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech)Biological AideFeed Mill Laboratory Technician (Feed Mill Lab Tech)Agricultural AssistantCattle TesterVeterinary Food Inspection Specialist (Army 68R)Blood Tester, FowlSeed Lab Tech (Seed Laboratory Technician)Sustainable Agriculture Specialist (Sustainable Ag Specialist)Seed Analysis Lab Assistant (Seed Analysis Laboratory Assistant)Public Health Officer, Medical Entomologist (Air Force 43H1E)BiotechnicianBlood TesterSeed Lab Assistant (Seed Laboratory Assistant)Preventive Medicine Technician (Navy L12A)Pest Management (Air Force 3E4X3)Extension AssociateAgricultural Service TechnicianEntomology (Army 72B)Acidity TesterArtificial Breeding Technician (Artificial Breeding Tech)