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Agricultural Technicians - 19-4012.00

The occupation code you requested, 19-4011.01 (Agricultural Technicians), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 19-4012.00 (Agricultural Technicians) instead.

O*NET-SOC Description

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Agricultural Research Technician
  • Agricultural Research Technologist
  • Agricultural Technician
  • Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Associate
  • Research Specialist
  • Research Technician
  • Seed Analyst

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.
  • Collect animal or crop samples.
  • Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
  • Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
  • Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
  • Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
  • Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
  • Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
  • Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
  • Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
  • Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
  • Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
  • Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
  • Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
  • Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
  • Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
  • Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
  • Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
  • Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
  • Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
  • Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
  • Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
  • Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
  • Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
  • Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Care for plants or animals.
  • Collect biological specimens.
  • Cultivate land.
  • Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
  • Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
  • Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
  • Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
  • Measure ingredients.
  • Operate farming equipment.
  • Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
  • Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Provide technical information or assistance to public.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Research crop management methods.
  • Research diseases or parasites.
  • Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment.
  • Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
  • Test quality of materials or finished products.
  • Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Animal Care Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Entomologist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Entomology (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Food Safety Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Intelligence Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Medical Service Corps Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pest Management (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pest Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pest Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pest Management Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pest Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Preventive Medicine Officer (Aerospace) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Preventive Medicine Sciences (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Preventive Medicine Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Public Health Officer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Public Health Officer, Medical Entomologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

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