Agricultural Technician Responsibilities

With the growing population, there is going to be an increasing demand for food. Hence, it is vital that food resources should be more productive and high in quality standards. This is where the agricultural technicians play a crucial role. Agricultural technician responsibilities comprise conducting tests, developing innovative methods, and researching in order to help the scientists and farmers alike.

Key Responsibilities of an Agricultural Technician

Agricultural technician performs several tasks like research, development, and carries out tests on a wide range of agricultural products, food, animals to enhance the processing, and production techniques. All these activities are carried out to improve the yield of the crops, to give high quality results, and to increase the resistance power of the crops to various infections and diseases. Some experiments are conducted to increase the productivity by applying modern techniques. Here is a list of key responsibilities that need to be performed by an agricultural technician:

1. To collect the samples of food, animals, crops etc., that need to be tested and researched in the laboratory for further analysis. These samples are stored and disposed off by following the necessary procedures
2. To derive conclusions and make the necessary records of the findings results, and relevant data and information by documenting them appropriately
3. To ensure that all the laboratory equipments like PH meters, centrifugal machines, microscopes, spectrometers, etc., are in proper condition to perform tests
4. To prepare the laboratory samples, cultures necessary for the experiments, and adjust the testing equipments to perform tests
5. To study the food and water habits of the livestock and the animals in the laboratory, to keep a track on the germination of seeds that have been planted, to constantly monitor the health of the animals, and examine if there are symptoms of any diseases or infections

Apart from the above responsibilities, they also perform some other duties which are as under:

• They operate the machines and agricultural equipments used in farming like tractors, plows, trucks, and help in the carrying out the farming activities. They ensure that the equipments are repaired and maintained in good condition
• They take care of the animals by performing daily activities like taking the vital signs, assisting in the birthing procedures, and assisting in applying identifications
• They help in devising, developing, and implementing new techniques and procedures that will help in controlling the environmental conditions by adhering to the agricultural rules and regulations
• They assist in the identification of weeds and pests and help in controlling them by selecting various application methods and chemicals. They schedule these application procedures and guide the trainers on the same

Essential Skills

Apart from exceptional farming skills, agricultural technicians should be adaptable to new technological advancements and implement them to yield better results that directly relate to productivity and quality standards. They should be able to grasp written and oral instructions. Should have good communication skills and have a good exposure to computers. This will help in maintaining different types of records. They should keep a track on the latest developments in the agricultural trends. An eye for details is necessary to be able to identify if any plant or animal has any symptoms of disease or if any infection is seen.

Educational Requirements

A diploma or degree in agricultural science, biology, animal science, or any other relevant field is preferred. Employers mostly prefer graduates for the post of agricultural technician. A demonstrated work experience is desirable. Some employers may prefer to give on the job training too.

Work Hours

They are mostly employed in research laboratories, offices, processing industries, etc. and work indoors with work routine of an eight hour shift per day. Some may be involved in outdoor work and may include hectic working schedules.

Salary Details

The salary depends on the experience and type of work environment they are employed in. The range of salary normally varies from $25,000 to $35,000.

Career Prospects

There is going to be an increase in growth opportunities for an agricultural technician. This is mostly because there has been a strict enforcement of safety regulations for food and the farmers are becoming more alert and eager to adapt new advanced procedures that will give better results.

Thus, if farming is your passion and interest and you have a technical and mechanical aptitude combined with researching skills, then you surely will be able to shoulder the agricultural technician responsibilities easily.