CAREER

Agricultural Technicians

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$40,430

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+9.7% (as fast as the average)

Career

What Agricultural Technicians Do

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.

Other Job Titles Agricultural Technicians May Have

Agricultural Research Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Research Associate, Seed Analyst

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Senior Research Technician ,

Dow AgroSciences

In the summer, I supervise 40-50 local high school students who come in to help us pollinate. Provide breeding support by taking notes in the nursery and making selections. Managed seed packaging operations to ensure trials and nurseries were packaged efficiently and without errors. I travel to winter nurseries to learn germplasm and take notes on key inbred lines.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
  • Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
  • Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
  • Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.