Agricultural Technician
Biological technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals working in fields such as agriculture, resource management, environmental protection, plant and animal biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology and health sciences, or may work independently in these fields. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, manufacturers of food products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, health, research and educational institutions, environmental consulting companies, and resource and utilities companies.
Typical Duties:
- Works for scientists involved in plant and animal research;
- Supports the work of agronomists, animal and dairy scientists, and food technologists;
- Provides technical support in animal breeding, nutrition, and disease control;
- Operates complex harvesting equipment;
- Sells products and services to farmers;
- Buys crops and livestock for firms that process and package food;
- Arranges the transportation of crops or livestock to processing centres;
- Determines the value of a harvest or a herd;
- Receives and prepares laboratory samples for analysis;
- Records data related to experiments conducted as part of research programs;
- Collects samples from crops or livestock in preparation for testing;
- Measures and weighs ingredients used to prepare animal feed;
- Prepares data summaries and analyses that report on research findings;
- Maintains laboratory equipment;
- Supervises pest or weed control operations;
- Prepares land for crop cultivations, orchards or vineyards;
- Examines animals or specimens to test for the presence of disease or other problems;
- Operates farm machinery, such as tractors, plows, and combines;
- Maintain and repairs agricultural facilities;
- Designs environmental controls for plants.
Educational Requirements:
Two-year or three-year college program in a field related to agriculture