Agricultural Technician What They Do
Just the Facts
Sets up and maintains laboratories. Collects and records data to help scientists with experiments in biology or agriculture.
This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Plant Systems pathway, Animal Systems pathway.
A person in this career:
- Adjusts testing equipment and prepares culture media.
- Collects samples from crops or animals for testing.
- Examines animals to determine the presence of disease or other problems.
- Measures and weighs ingredients used in tests.
- Records data from experiments and research.
- Sets up laboratory and field equipment and prepares sites for testing.
- Maintains and repairs agricultural facilities, equipment and tools.
- Tills, hoes, prunes, weeds and harvests crops.
- Collects and germinates seeds, maintains cuttings of plants and controls environmental conditions.
- Takes and records body measurements of animals, applies identification tags and helps with birthing.
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Insider Info
Dig into the details and check
out what people in this job
have to say about their work.
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Working Conditions and Physical Demands
People who do this job report that:
- You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
- Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
- Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
- Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
- Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
- Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
- Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
Working in this career involves (physical activities):
- Seeing clearly up close
- Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Work Hours and Travel
- Regular working hours and limited travel
Specialty and Similar Careers
Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:
- Biological Aide -- Assists research workers in experiments in biology, bacteriology, plant pathology, mycology, and related agricultural sciences.
- Chemical Technicians -- Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials.
- Feed-Research Aide -- Feeds rations of experimental feeds to animals, such as poultry, dogs, and cows, and compiles data on growth, productivity, and health of animals.
- Seed Analyst -- Tests seed for germination, purity, and weed content.
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