Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)
- Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)
- Agriculture Assistant
- Seed Analyst
Alternate Job Titles
- Acidity Tester
- Agricultural Assistant
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)
- Agricultural Research Technologist
- Agricultural Service Technician
- Agricultural Specialist
- Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)
- Agriculture Assistant
- Agriculture 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)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Food Production
- Biology
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Visual Color Discrimination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Perseverance
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Aerosol foggers
- Aerosol generators
- Agricultural tractors
- Air compressors
- Air samplers
- Animal chutes
- Animal head-locks
- Animal measuring sticks
- Animal tatooers
- Artificial insemination syringes
- Balers
- Bed shapers
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Blood collection syringes
- Callicrate banding systems
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $32,860 |
| Median | $46,790 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $69,010 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 14,340
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Agricultural Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $84,630
Biological Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $52,000
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $87,980
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $46,790
Food Science Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $49,430
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.