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

Jul 7, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Plant Production Technician is a vital role in the manufacturing industry, as they are responsible for ensuring that the equipment used in production runs efficiently and safely. Their job is to operate, maintain, and repair machinery in order to keep the production process running smoothly. This includes troubleshooting problems, performing preventative maintenance, and making adjustments to the machines so they can operate at peak efficiency.

The Plant Production Technician must also be familiar with safety regulations and protocols, as well as quality control measures in order to ensure that the finished product meets all standards. Without the Plant Production Technician, factories would suffer from decreased production rates, decreased quality of the product, and increased costs due to equipment malfunctions or breakdowns.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require at least a high school diploma for entry-level positions in plant production.
Complete a postsecondary program in plant production. This type of program may be offered at a community college, technical school or university. Courses may include botany, plant biology, plant genetics and plant propagation, among others.
Obtain certification. Some employers may require or prefer candidates who have earned certification in plant production through an organization such as the American Society for Horticultural Science.
Gain experience. Look for unpaid or paid internships or volunteer positions that provide experience in plant production. This can help you learn the necessary skills and also demonstrate your knowledge to employers.
Apply for positions. Use job search websites and network with other professionals in the field to find available positions. Prepare your application materials and resume to highlight your experience and qualifications.
Receive on-the-job training. Most employers provide some type of on-the-job training for plant production technicians, so you can gain the skills you need to be successful in the role.

The success of any plant production technician depends on having reliable and qualified professionals on the job. To ensure that the technicians are up to the task, employers must provide them with adequate training and resources. This includes making sure they have access to the necessary tools and equipment, as well as providing them with proper instruction regarding the safe usage of such items.

employers should ensure that the technicians have the requisite knowledge about their particular role and its associated procedures. with proper training and resources, plant production technicians can be reliable and qualified, resulting in increased efficiency and safety within the workplace.

You may want to check Plant Caretaker, Plant Ecologist, and Floral Display Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and adjust plant production equipment to ensure efficient operation.
Inspect and test production equipment for safety, efficiency and performance.
Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning production equipment.
Monitor production to ensure quality standards are met.
Maintain accurate records of production processes and results.
Perform preventative maintenance on production equipment.
Assist in the training of new production personnel.
Monitor and replenish necessary materials for production.
Assist in the development of safety procedures for production activities.
Monitor production output to ensure compliance with customer specifications.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of plant production processes, products and equipment
Ability to read and interpret technical documents
Ability to troubleshoot and repair production equipment
Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to lift heavy objects
Knowledge of safety and quality control procedures
Ability to work with a variety of hand tools
Understanding of basic computer systems
Knowledge of mathematics and basic science principles
Ability to recognize and solve problems quickly
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent organizational abilities
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

Having strong problem-solving skills is an essential skill for any plant production technician. Being able to identify the root cause of a production issue and quickly develop an effective solution can save time and money, as well as prevent further issues from arising. This skill also helps with troubleshooting, as it enables technicians to isolate a problem or potential issue and take the steps necessary to remedy it.

the ability to troubleshoot and think clearly under pressure is key to a plant production technicians success, as it allows them to quickly identify problems and find solutions in a timely manner. Furthermore, having good communication skills is important for plant production technicians, as it enables them to explain technical concepts to their colleagues, answer questions from customers, and provide clear and concise instructions to workers. Finally, having the ability to work in a team is essential for any plant production technician, as it allows them to collaborate with others in order to achieve production goals.

Floral Consultant, Horticulturalist, and Flower Shop Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in plant production and management?
How would you handle a situation where a production process is not working correctly?
How would you manage a team of production personnel?
What safety protocols do you follow to ensure a safe working environment?
How do you identify and address problems in the production process?
Describe a time when you successfully completed a complex production project.
What type of maintenance do you perform on production equipment?
What strategies do you use to manage multiple tasks and deadlines?
How do you keep up with the latest advancements in production technology?
What suggestions do you have for improving the efficiency of our production processes?

Common Tools in Industry

Hand Tool Kit. A set of tools used for general maintenance and repair tasks. (eg: Hammers, Screwdrivers, Wrenches, Pliers, etc. )
Power Tools. Tools powered by electricity or other sources of power used to make work easier and faster. (eg: Drill, Saw, Sander, Grinder, etc. )
Testing Equipment. Specialized instruments used to measure and analyze materials, processes or components. (eg: Spectrophotometer, pH Meter, Calipers, Barometers, etc. )
Safety Gear. Protective clothing, shoes, and accessories that are worn to minimize the risk of injury or illness. (eg: Hard hats, goggles, gloves, respirators, etc. )
Planting Materials. Seeds, seedlings, cuttings, and other materials used to propagate plants and crops. (eg: Fertilizers, Pesticides, Mulch, Irrigation Systems, etc. )
Harvesting Equipment. Machines and tools used to pick and collect crops from the field. (eg: Harvesters, Threshers, Sorters, Bins, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Association for Vertical Farming (AVF)
American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
CropLife America
International Association for Plant Biotechnology (IAPB)
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA)
Professional Plant Growers Association (PPGA)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Fertilizer Solutions Association (NFSA)

We also have Nursery Stock Clerk, Garden Maintenance Technician, and Nursery Worker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Agronomy. The science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fiber, and land reclamation.
Crop rotation. The practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in a planned sequence.
Fertilizer. A material, such as manure or a blend of nutrients, added to soil to supply the essential elements for plant growth.
Irrigation. The application of water to land for agricultural or horticultural purposes.
Pest control. The use of measures to reduce or eliminate pests, such as weeds and insects.
Soil conservation. The practice of conserving soil resources by preventing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, and restoring soil.
Sustainable agriculture. A method of farming that seeks to minimize the environmental impacts of production while maximizing economic returns.
Tractor operation. The use of a tractor to perform various agricultural tasks, such as plowing, seeding, and harvesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Plant Production Technician?

A Plant Production Technician is a skilled professional responsible for overseeing the production operations of a manufacturing plant. They ensure that production runs safely and efficiently by monitoring equipment, quality control, and resource management.

What qualifications are necessary for a Plant Production Technician?

Plant Production Technicians typically need an associate's degree in industrial technology or a related field. They must also have knowledge of safety regulations, manufacturing procedures, and quality control protocols.

What duties does a Plant Production Technician perform?

A Plant Production Technician's duties include overseeing the production process, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They also monitor product quality and make adjustments to optimize production output.

What skills are beneficial for a Plant Production Technician?

Plant Production Technicians need strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and solve issues with production. They should also have excellent communication skills to work effectively with their team and other departments. Additionally, they need a working knowledge of computer systems and software programs.