Agricultural Technicians - 19-4011.01

O*NET-SOC Description

Set up and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens and record data to assist scientist in biology or related science experiments.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Biological Aide
  • Blood Tester, Fowl
  • Feed-Research Aide
  • Laboratory Assistant, Culture Media
  • Seed Analyst

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust testing equipment, and prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
  • Collect samples from crops or animals so testing can be performed.
  • Conduct insect and plant disease surveys.
  • Devise cultural methods and environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
  • Examine animals and specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
  • Maintain and repair agricultural facilities, equipment, and tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
  • Measure and mark plot areas, and plow, disc, level, and otherwise prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards and vineyards.
  • Measure or weigh ingredients used in testing or for purposes such as animal feed.
  • Operate farm machinery including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, and trucks.
  • Operate laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, and potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
  • Perform crop production duties such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, and harvesting crops.
  • Perform general nursery duties such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, and controlling environmental conditions.
  • Plant seeds in specified areas, and count the resulting plants to determine the percentage of seeds that germinated.
  • Prepare and present agricultural demonstrations.
  • Prepare data summaries, reports, and analyses that include results, charts, and graphs to document research findings and results.
  • Provide food and water to livestock and laboratory animals, and record details of their food consumption.
  • Provide routine animal care such as taking and recording body measurements, applying identification, and assisting in the birthing process.
  • Receive and prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
  • Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, and animal care.
  • Respond to inquiries and requests from the public that do not require specialized scientific knowledge or expertise.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment, and prepare sites for testing.
  • Supervise and train agricultural technicians and farm laborers.
  • Supervise pest or weed control operations including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, scheduling application, and training operators.
  • Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • artificially inseminate livestock
  • clean rooms or work areas
  • collect blood or tissue samples
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • collect statistical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile numerical or statistical data
  • conduct field research or investigative studies
  • conduct laboratory research or experiments
  • conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
  • conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop tables depicting data
  • draw blood
  • examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
  • feed or water animals
  • follow microbiology procedures
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • identify crop characteristics
  • maintain laboratory or field equipment
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • measure, weigh, or count products or materials
  • mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
  • observe plants, flowers, shrubs or trees to ascertain condition
  • obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers
  • perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting
  • perform statistical analysis
  • plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture
  • prepare reports
  • recognize disease or parasites in animals
  • recognize plant diseases
  • recognize tree or forest plant species
  • recognize wood species characteristics
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • research human or animal disease
  • set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
  • sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment
  • use biological research techniques
  • use biological testing instruments
  • use chemical testing or analysis procedures
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use health or sanitation standards
  • use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use laboratory equipment
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use microscope
  • use plant disease control techniques
  • use plant or crop transplant techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member