Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Farm Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about agriculture and technology? This role requires a dedicated and hardworking Farm Technician to join our dynamic team. As a Farm Technician, you will be the backbone of our daily operations, ensuring the health of our crops and/or livestock and the efficiency of our equipment. This hands-on role requires a blend of traditional farming knowledge and modern technical skills, from operating heavy machinery to implementing precision agriculture techniques. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong work ethic, ready to contribute to a sustainable and productive agricultural environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate with farm experience
Agricultural Internship or Apprenticeship
General Laborer

Advancement To:

Farm Supervisor or Team Lead
Assistant Farm Manager
Crop or Herd Specialist
Precision Agriculture Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Agribusiness Sales Representative
Agricultural Research Assistant
Equipment Operations Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and perform routine maintenance on a wide range of heavy farm machinery, including tractors, combines, planters, and sprayers for field preparation, planting, and harvesting.
Monitor crop development and field conditions meticulously, scouting for pests, weeds, and diseases, and reporting findings to the Farm Manager.
Manage and maintain various irrigation systems, such as pivot, drip, and flood, to ensure optimal water distribution and conservation.
Execute daily livestock duties, including feeding, watering, administering basic medications, and monitoring the overall health and welfare of animals.
Perform general maintenance and repairs on farm infrastructure, including fences, gates, buildings, and water lines, to ensure a safe and functional environment.
Safely handle, mix, and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemical agents in accordance with manufacturer directions and state/federal regulations.
Collect and document critical field data, including soil samples, tissue samples, and yield information, to support agronomic decision-making.
Maintain precise and detailed operational records, logging activities such as planting dates, chemical applications, fuel usage, and harvest yields.
Adhere strictly to all farm safety, biosecurity, and environmental protocols to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
Assist in the installation, calibration, and operation of precision agriculture technology, including GPS guidance, auto-steer systems, and variable rate controllers.
Manage grain and feed storage systems, monitoring quality, temperature, and aeration to prevent spoilage and maintain value.
Provide support during animal breeding and birthing seasons, assisting with processes like calving or farrowing and providing care to newborn animals.
Conduct regular groundskeeping and property maintenance tasks to ensure the farmstead is clean, organized, and professional in appearance.
Operate forklifts, skid steers, and other light equipment for loading, unloading, and transporting materials, supplies, and harvested products.

Secondary Functions

Assist senior staff and agronomists with the implementation and data collection for on-farm research trials and test plots.
Contribute to the inventory management of farm supplies, including seed, chemicals, feed, and repair parts, and notify management of low stock levels.
Prepare and transport harvested crops to storage facilities, elevators, or processing plants as directed.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Monitor weather patterns and assist in adjusting daily work schedules to optimize efficiency and protect crops, livestock, and equipment.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay current with new agricultural practices and technologies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Heavy Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and performing basic maintenance on tractors, combines, sprayers, and related farm implements.
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to diagnose and perform minor repairs on machinery and infrastructure; basic welding skills are a plus.
Agronomic Knowledge: Foundational understanding of crop science, soil health, and plant nutrition.
Animal Husbandry: Knowledge of best practices for livestock care, handling, and health management.
Precision Ag Technology: Experience with or ability to learn GPS guidance systems, yield monitors, and other farm management software.
Irrigation Management: Skills in operating and maintaining various types of irrigation systems and equipment.
Data & Record Keeping: Ability to accurately collect and log operational data using digital tools or paper records.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: Self-motivated and reliable, with the ability to work long hours during peak seasons.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful and capable of identifying issues and implementing effective solutions independently.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing weather conditions, operational priorities, and unexpected challenges.
Teamwork: Collaborative attitude and ability to work effectively with managers and other team members.
Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all tasks, from equipment calibration to record keeping.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agriculture or Agribusiness
Agronomy or Crop Science
Animal Science
Agricultural Mechanization

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a farm or agricultural setting.

Preferred: Prior experience operating modern farm equipment and familiarity with local crop or livestock systems. Entry-level candidates with a strong agricultural background and a willingness to learn will also be considered. A valid driver's license is typically required; a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is highly desirable.