Agricultural Technician

Your Fit

Income

$61K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Agricultural Technician?

An Agricultural Technician provides technical support in the agricultural field, focusing on improving efficiency and effectiveness in crop and livestock production. They assist in research, production, and quality control in farming and agricultural enterprises.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Agricultural Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Agricultural Technician earn

Income data is from Canada's latest census. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Agricultural Technician.

$61K

CAD per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.4K below the national average.

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What does an Agricultural Technician do?

Work environment

Agricultural Technicians typically work in a variety of settings, including farms, laboratories, greenhouses, and offices. They may be employed by agricultural research institutions, government agencies, or private farming operations. Their work can involve both fieldwork and lab work, depending on their specific role and area of specialization.

Quick task list

Assists with agricultural research projects and experiments.
Collects and analyzes soil, plant, and water samples.
Monitors crop and livestock health and applies treatments as needed.
Operates and maintains agricultural equipment.
Keeps detailed records of research findings and production practices.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Crop Production: Focusing on the science and practice of growing crops.
Animal Science: Working with livestock and poultry, including breeding and health management.
Agricultural Research: Assisting in studies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Horticulture: Specializing in garden, nursery, and greenhouse management.
Agronomy: Concentrating on soil management and field crop production.

Description

Agricultural Technicians are vital in supporting the agriculture sector's efforts to meet the growing demands for food production. They play a key role in implementing the latest agricultural research findings to improve crop yields and livestock productivity. By collecting and analyzing data, they help in developing better farming practices, pest control methods, and efficient resource management.

This occupation requires a blend of practical skills and scientific knowledge. Agricultural Technicians must be familiar with various agricultural equipment and technologies, as well as laboratory procedures. They also need good analytical skills to interpret data and make recommendations based on their findings.

A career as an Agricultural Technician is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor and laboratory work. It offers the opportunity to contribute to essential research and development in the agriculture sector, which is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainability.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a role in advancing agricultural science and production.
The variety of tasks, including both hands-on fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
Contributing to important research that can have a direct impact on food production and environmental sustainability.

You might make a good Agricultural Technician if you are...

Interested in agriculture and the science behind crop and livestock production.
Comfortable working outdoors and in a laboratory setting.
Skilled in problem-solving and have a keen eye for detail.
Capable of handling and operating technical equipment.
Eager to learn and apply new agricultural techniques and technologies.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a field directly impacting food production and sustainability.
Diverse work environments, from farms to labs.
Growing importance due to the increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Cons:

Some roles may involve physical labor and exposure to outdoor conditions.
Potentially lower salaries compared to other technician or scientific roles that require higher educational qualifications.
Need for ongoing learning to keep up with advancements in agricultural science.

How to become an Agricultural Technician

Typical education

Most Agricultural Technician positions require an associate degree in agricultural science or a related field, which generally takes about 2 years of post-secondary education. Some roles may only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while others may benefit from a bachelor's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry for foundational scientific knowledge.
Environmental Science to understand sustainable agricultural practices.
Mathematics for data analysis and record-keeping.
Agricultural Education, if available, for specific industry knowledge.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining 4-H clubs or Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Volunteering or working on local farms or gardens.
Participating in science fairs with agriculture-related projects.

Preparation after high school

Earn an associate degree in agricultural science, animal science, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or work-study programs in agricultural settings.
Consider certification programs for specialized agricultural technology or equipment.
Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in agriculture.

More resources

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) - Provides information on agricultural research and education.
American Society of Agronomy - Offers resources for professionals in agronomy, crop science, and soil science.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) - An organization that promotes agricultural education among youth.
Agricultural Technicians - Occupational Outlook Handbook - Provides detailed information about the role, including job outlook and educational requirements.

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