Agricultural Technician

Aspiring agricultural technicians should take an interest in dealing with soil, plants and animals. They should pay meticulous attention to detail and be inquisitive by nature. Because computers are extensively used for research purposes and in laboratories, agricultural technicians should possess strong computer skills.

In addition, technicians must have good interpersonal skills and be able to work well with others. Communication skills are essential in this profession because such technicians are often required to describe their findings both orally and in writing and are responsible to relay information and advice to farmers. The ability to edit, organize and interpret scientific results is important as well, as is analytical thinking.

Technicians need to be well versed with basic farming techniques such as knowing how to seed, control weeds, harvest, store produce and market crops. They may also need to know enough about mechanics to operate and maintain farm machinery. Aspirants should be familiar with basic accounting & management principles as well.

Agricultural technicians assist agricultural scientists, agronomists & food technologists in collecting required information. This is usually carried out by performing tests and experiments and by providing technical support in areas such as research, production, servicing, marketing and experimenting on food and other agricultural products.

They may also work for certain food processing firms that manufacture and market agricultural goods. Farm sales representatives on the other hand, sell supplies and services. Other technicians work for large farms & farm businesses, chemical, fertilizer & insurance companies.

While some technicians conduct tests to improve the quantity and quality of crops or devise methods to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease, pests etc., others supervise harvesting methods, animal breeding & soil fertility and advise producers & farmers on new techniques of management.

These technicians are also responsible to analyze, document and compile the results, keep a track of supplies to maintain laboratory stock, and clean & sterilize laboratory equipment.

An associate’s degree, high school diploma or two years of education at a four-year college is usually all that is needed to qualify as an agricultural technician. Some two-year community colleges and vocational schools also offer degrees in agricultural technology. Several courses such as biology, chemistry or fruit, nut processing are beneficial, as are courses in marketing and business management. They prepare students to work in the agricultural industry.

Some institutes offer work-study programs that allow students to get practical hands on experience and exposure. Such programs make it simpler for students to look for jobs when they graduate because they prepare them to directly enter the work field.

Salary largely depends on the employing organization, location, and experience. In the US, on an average, agricultural technicians receive an hourly wage of $13.74. In 2008, such technicians received a median annual salary of $36,000.

Life as an

agricultural technician

depends on the type of work involved. Technicians who work for agricultural scientists, technologists or in grain elevators usually work indoors and have fairly routine work schedules with regular hours. They spend most of their time in the laboratory, carrying out tests and conducting research or in the office, writing reports and recommendations.

Technicians, such as technical farm workers work outdoors and are usually involved in farm handling and management strategies. Field representatives, for example, have a lot of interaction with farmers and are required to travel frequently, sometimes to remote locations, especially during harvesting seasons. Others are required to work overtime in order to monitor experiments that have not been completed. In such cases, days may be hectic with long, irregular working hours.

Constant advances in technology make it imperative for agricultural technicians to use more sophisticated laboratory equipment and operate computers, electronics and experimental apparatus. They also develop newer laboratory procedures to achieve best possible results, interpret various data, and devise solutions to problems.

Benefits for agricultural technicians include paid holidays and vacations. Those who work for large industrial companies commonly receive medical insurance and pension plans. There is frequent interaction with people such as farmers, scientists, agronomists, businessmen etc. and therefore, the social aspect of the job is quite appealing. Additionally, technicians can expect to work fairly routine schedules.

There are a couple of disadvantages in this profession. There is frequent travel involved, sometimes to far off remote locations. Occasionally, working hours may be long and erratic. Some agricultural technicians may be exposed to various hazards from different equipment, chemicals, or other toxic materials.

Job opportunities for agricultural technicians are anticipated to grow more slowly than the average for other occupations and prospects for aspiring technicians are average. In 2010, there were only 1300 technicians in the US. As agricultural technology advances, there will be a need for professionals with training beyond high school. However, most employment openings will result from the need to replace current workers who are expected to retire or leave the field in the coming decade.

Job outlook in this profession is good. Agricultural technicians can advance to more supreme positions that pay more and confer greater responsibilities. For instance, those who work for government organizations usually progress as they gain experience or receive continuing education. Agricultural technicians who work for food processing companies or in the food, seed and grain industry, can be promoted to positions in marketing or public relations.

Agricultural locations of developed countries provide the most opportunities. In the USA, agricultural states like Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Idaho are prime locations. In India, major locations include provinces like Tamil Nadu & Punjab.