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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Agricultural Technician

💰 $30,000 - $55,000

AgricultureField OperationsTechnical

🎯 Role Definition

The Agricultural Technician (field technician / farm technician) supports crop and livestock operations, research trials, and agronomic programs through hands-on field work, sample collection, equipment operation, and accurate record-keeping. This role ensures high-quality data collection and implements best-practice agronomy and integrated pest management (IPM) to optimize yield, maintain regulatory compliance, and support farm productivity. Ideal candidates are safety-focused, mechanically capable, and experienced with soil/tissue sampling, irrigation systems, pesticide application, and basic laboratory procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Field Worker / Farm Laborer with 1–2 years’ operational experience
  • Greenhouse Assistant or Nursery Technician
  • Recent graduate from an agricultural vocational program or associate degree

Advancement To:

  • Lead Agricultural Technician / Senior Field Technician
  • Farm Manager / Operations Supervisor
  • Research Technician II or Agronomy Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Crop Scout / IPM Specialist
  • Irrigation Technician / Equipment Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct systematic soil sampling using augers and probes across multiple fields, prepare and label samples for laboratory analysis, and document GPS locations and sample metadata in digital records to support fertility and amendment recommendations.
  • Perform plant tissue sampling on schedule, including correct tissue selection, handling and packaging, and coordinate shipments to diagnostic laboratories while maintaining chain-of-custody and data integrity.
  • Operate, calibrate and maintain sprayers, spreaders, tractors, ATV/UTV, and other farm machinery; perform pre- and post-shift equipment checks, basic troubleshooting, and routine preventive maintenance to ensure safe, continuous operations.
  • Implement integrated pest management (IPM) activities: monitor pest and disease pressure in the field, scout for insects/diseases/weeds, record incidence and severity, and escalate findings with photos and data to agronomists for action.
  • Apply fertilizers, soil amendments and crop protection products precisely and legally following label directions, spot-treatment protocols, and company SOPs; maintain application logs and pesticide application records for regulatory compliance.
  • Install, maintain and repair drip, pivot and micro-irrigation systems; perform pressure checks, flush lines, replace emitters/valves, and adjust scheduling to match crop evapotranspiration and soil moisture sensors.
  • Maintain accurate field notebooks, digital tablets and farm management software records (planting dates, variety/seed lot, emergence counts, yields, inputs, and harvest notes) to support traceability and analysis.
  • Assist in research and variety trials: prepare plots, plant experimental treatments, tag and map plots, collect growth and yield data, and follow strict trial protocols to preserve experimental integrity.
  • Conduct routine greenhouse and nursery operations: seed sowing, potting, bench management, propagation by cuttings, hardening off, and environmental control monitoring (temp, humidity, light) to support propagation schedules.
  • Collect and maintain agronomic and environmental data (weather station downloads, soil moisture probes, remote sensing images, drone reconnaissance), prepare summary reports and feed clean datasets to agronomists and data analysts.
  • Perform post-harvest duties such as grading, sampling for quality testing, packing, cold chain monitoring, and maintaining records of lot numbers and storage conditions to preserve product quality.
  • Assist with livestock care when required: feed distribution, health monitoring, basic husbandry tasks (fencing, bedding, vaccinations under supervision), and accurate animal records.
  • Set up and maintain on-farm labs and diagnostic kits: prepare reagents, run routine soil and tissue tests, sanitize equipment, and ensure test results are recorded and validated against external lab reports.
  • Maintain farm infrastructure: repair fences, gates, irrigation ditches, and maintain drainage systems to minimize field erosion and waterlogging that impact crop performance.
  • Support harvest operations: operate harvest equipment, coordinate crews, monitor harvesting quality, and troubleshoot mechanical issues to reduce downtime and crop loss.
  • Train and supervise seasonal and permanent field staff on safe use of equipment, proper sampling techniques, PPE requirements, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent quality and safety.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA and local agricultural regulations; maintain PPE inventory, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and worker training logs.
  • Prepare and manage inventory for fertilizers, pesticides, seeds and spare parts; coordinate supplier deliveries, maintain stocking levels and ensure secure storage of regulated materials.
  • Execute seed treatment and calibration procedures: weigh and mix seed treatments, calibrate seeders and planters for accurate seeding rates and placement to meet planting specifications.
  • Troubleshoot irrigation automation and basic electrical controls, coordinate with outside vendors for complex repairs, and document maintenance and repair histories for equipment assets.
  • Support extension and outreach activities: host field days, assist with demonstration plots, and communicate findings to growers and stakeholders using clear, well-documented observations.
  • Maintain and update GIS layers and field maps including soil types, tile drains, and management zones to support precision agriculture decisions and variable-rate applications.
  • Operate and maintain UAVs/drones where permitted: perform preflight checks, capture aerial imagery for crop health analysis, and process imagery to contribute to scouting and prescription decisions.
  • Manage seed and planting records with attention to traceability: lot numbers, germination test results, and variety stewardship to meet certification and contract requirements.
  • Assist agronomists and researchers in designing sampling plans and experimental layouts; ensure strict adherence to protocols, randomized blocks, and replication standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc field trials, pilot program setups, and cross-functional projects with operations, research, and supply chain teams.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies in field workflows and recommending equipment or process changes.
  • Assist with basic data cleaning and preparation for agronomic dashboards and reporting; ensure field data is complete, accurate and timely for analytical use.
  • Participate in seasonal planning meetings; offer practical input on labor needs, equipment allocation and harvest logistics.
  • Serve as a point of contact for external contractors (custom applicators, harvest crews, lab couriers) to coordinate scheduling and ensure contract compliance.
  • Help develop and update on-farm SOPs, safety procedures and training materials for new hires and seasonal staff.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Soil sampling and tissue sampling procedures, including sample labeling, storage and chain-of-custody.
  • Operation and maintenance of tractors, sprayers, seeders, harvesters, ATVs/UTVs and light maintenance tools.
  • Calibration of sprayers, spreaders and seeding equipment to achieve accurate application and planting rates.
  • Irrigation system installation, troubleshooting and maintenance (pivot, drip, micro-irrigation).
  • Pesticide handling, application, and recordkeeping; familiarity with pesticide labels, safety data sheets and applicator licensing requirements.
  • Basic laboratory skills: soil and tissue test kits, pH and EC measurement, and sample preparation for external labs.
  • GPS/GIS mapping, familiarity with field mapping apps and experience logging georeferenced observations.
  • Data collection with tablets/handheld devices and farm management software (e.g., Agrian, FarmLogs, John Deere Operations Center or similar).
  • Basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting on farm equipment; preventive maintenance and small repairs.
  • Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM) practices and crop scouting techniques.
  • Drone (UAV) operation and imagery capture for scouting (where regulated and applicable).
  • Knowledge of planting and harvest operations, grading, and post-harvest handling protocols.
  • Record-keeping and compliance with regulatory reporting (EPA, OSHA, state pesticide reporting).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to sample collection and record-keeping.
  • Practical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills under field conditions.
  • Effective verbal and written communication for coordinating with agronomists, managers and seasonal crews.
  • Ability to manage time and prioritize seasonal tasks in fast-paced, weather-dependent environments.
  • Team-oriented mindset with demonstrated ability to train and lead seasonal staff.
  • Adaptability and resilience: comfortable with variable hours, physical work and changing priorities.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement focus: suggests process improvements, documents best practices.
  • Professionalism and reliability: punctual, safety-conscious, and accountable for tasks and equipment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; vocational certificate or agricultural technical certificate preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or higher in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Technology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Agronomy
  • Horticulture
  • Agricultural Technology
  • Crop Science
  • Soil Science
  • Animal Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Precision Agriculture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on experience in farm operations, crop production, greenhouse or agricultural research support.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of experience as an agricultural technician, crop scout, or farm equipment operator.
  • Experience with precision ag tools (GPS guidance, variable-rate technology), irrigation systems and pesticide application records.
  • Demonstrated record of safe operation and maintenance of tractors and field equipment.
  • Pesticide applicator certification or willingness to obtain state applicator license as required.
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