How to Be Agricultural Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Agricultural technicians play an important role in the success of agricultural production. Their expertise in the field of farming and agricultural technology helps to ensure that farming processes are efficient and effective. As a result, farmers can produce larger yields with less work, leading to greater profitability and improved economic conditions in rural areas.

Agricultural technicians also work to improve the quality of products, such as by testing soil, monitoring fertilizer applications, or performing pest control. By doing so, they help to ensure that crops are healthy and free from disease or contaminants, which in turn helps to increase crop yields and improve the quality of food products.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. High school classes in math, biology and chemistry are essential for pursuing an agricultural technician career.
Obtain a technical degree or certificate in an agricultural field. Areas of study may include crop management, animal science, soil science, and agricultural engineering technology.
Pursue an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program in a related field. This will give you hands-on experience and enable you to learn the specifics of the job.
Seek professional certification through organizations such as the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) or the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). Certification will prove your knowledge and experience in the agricultural field.
Stay current on industry trends and advances in technology by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences. Keep an up-to-date knowledge of the agricultural field and its ever-changing landscape.
Develop strong interpersonal skills, as you will be working with many different people throughout your career, from farmers to other technicians.
Consider pursuing advanced degrees in agriculture-related fields such as agronomy, plant pathology, or soil science. This will give you an even greater level of expertise in the agricultural field.

Staying ahead and competent as an Agricultural Technician requires consistent learning and practice. Keeping up to date with the latest technology and trends in the agricultural industry can be achieved by attending workshops, seminars and conferences, and reading relevant industry publications. investing in quality tools, equipment and resources will allow technicians to work more efficiently and confidently.

Developing good communication skills and a strong work ethic will also help technicians stay ahead. Finally, networking with other professionals in the industry provides an invaluable source of support, advice, and resources that can help technicians stay competitive. By taking these steps, Agricultural Technicians can ensure their skills remain relevant and valuable in their field.

You may want to check Agricultural Buyer, Agricultural Scientist, and Agricultural Loan Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and inspect crops to identify pests and disease
Collect soil and water samples for analysis
Supervise the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals
Implement pest management strategies
Maintain records of crop production and soil fertility
Prepare reports on crop conditions, pest activity, and other agricultural information
Operate and maintain agricultural equipment
Assess the quality of harvested crops
Develop crop rotation plans
Provide advice and guidance to farmers on crop production methods

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of crop production, harvesting, and storage techniques
Knowledge of the use of agricultural machinery and tools
Knowledge of soil and fertilizer management
Ability to operate agricultural equipment and monitor its performance
Ability to identify and diagnose pests and diseases
Ability to perform basic maintenance and repair of agricultural machinery
Knowledge of agricultural safety protocols
Knowledge of agricultural regulations and best practices
Ability to record and track data related to crop production, harvesting, and storage
Knowledge of agricultural marketing and pricing strategies
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Good organizational and problem-solving skills

Agricultural technicians play an important role in farming and food production. Having an understanding of the principles and techniques of crop and animal production, as well as the latest technological advances, is essential for success in this field. agricultural technicians must possess strong organizational and communication skills to effectively collaborate with farmers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Furthermore, problem-solving abilities are necessary to proactively identify and address issues that may arise during the production process. Lastly, agricultural technicians must also be proficient in the use of computer applications and software to manage data and track trends in the industry. All of these skills are necessary for agricultural technicians to continue to be successful in their field and help ensure the safety and quality of the food supply.

Agricultural Extension Agent, Agricultural Manager, and Agricultural Researcher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an agricultural technician?
What qualifications do you possess that make you a strong candidate for this role?
How would you handle a difficult customer who is dissatisfied with your work?
Describe a challenging project you have worked on in the past.
What do you know about the agriculture industry and its trends?
What type of research have you conducted related to agriculture?
How do you stay up to date on new technology and developments related to agriculture?
Describe a time when you had to problem solve a complex situation related to agriculture.
What have you done to improve your knowledge of agricultural techniques?
How do you handle time management and prioritize tasks?

Common Tools in Industry

Tractor. A large vehicle with a cab, wheels and a motor used for plowing, mowing, harrowing and other farm work. (eg: John Deere 8RX Tractor)
Harvester. A machine used to collect crops from the field and separate them from their husks or stems. (eg: New Holland CR1090 Harvester)
Planter. A machine used to sow seeds in the soil. (eg: John Deere 8400 Planter)
Sprayer. A device that distributes liquid or solid chemicals over an area of land. (eg: Case IH Sprayer)
Irrigation System. A system of pipes and pumps used to supply water to plants. (eg: Valley Irrigation System)
Spreader. A machine that evenly distributes fertilizer, seed or other materials over a field. (eg: Gandy Spreader)
Cultivator. A machine used to till and break up the soil for planting and sowing. (eg: Kverneland Cultivator)
Gristmill. A mill used to grind grain into flour. (eg: Meadows Gristmill)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Agronomy
American Society of Animal Science
American Farm Bureau Federation
National Association of Agricultural Educators
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Agri-Marketing Association
American Society for Horticultural Science
American Feed Industry Association
American Society of Agri-Business Professionals

We also have Agricultural Inspector, Agricultural Laborer, and Agricultural Equipment Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Agronomy. The science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fiber, and land reclamation.
Crop Management. The practice of planning, planting, and harvesting crops in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Soil Science. The study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and their management for sustainable crop production.
Irrigation Systems. The process of supplying water to crops by artificial means, such as pumps or sprinkler systems.
Fertilization. The application of nutrients to soil or crops to enhance their growth and development.
Plant Pathology. The study of plant diseases and their control by cultural, chemical, genetic, and biological means.
Entomology. The study of insects and their relationship to plants and humans.
Weed Control. The practice of eliminating or reducing the growth of unwanted vegetation in agricultural fields.
Pest Control. The practice of managing pests through preventive measures such as trapping, baiting, and spraying.
Harvesting. The process of gathering crops at the appropriate time to ensure optimal quality and yield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Agricultural Technician? A1: An Agricultural Technician is a professional who specializes in the installation, maintenance and repair of agricultural equipment, as well as providing technical support to farmers and agricultural professionals. Q2: What qualifications are required to become an Agricultural Technician? A2: In order to become an Agricultural Technician, one must typically possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in agriculture or a related field. Additionally, some employers may require certification or specialized training. Q3: What are the duties of an Agricultural Technician? A3: An Agricultural Technician's duties may include inspecting, testing and diagnosing agricultural equipment; providing technical support to farmers; installing and maintaining agricultural equipment; performing minor repairs on agricultural equipment; and providing advice on best practices for agricultural operations. Q4: What is the average salary of an Agricultural Technician? A4: The average salary of an Agricultural Technician is around $40,000 per year, depending on experience and certifications. Q5: What is the job outlook for an Agricultural Technician? A5: The job outlook for Agricultural Technicians is expected to be positive, with an estimated 6% growth rate between 2019 and 2029.

Web Resources

Agriculture Technician | gotoLTC gotoltc.edu
Agriculture Technician Program | Moraine Park Technical College www.morainepark.edu
Agricultural Service Technician - Technical Diploma www.cvtc.edu