In the summer, I supervise 40-50 local high school students who come in to help us pollinate. Provide breeding support by taking notes in the nursery and making selections. Managed seed packaging operations to ensure trials and nurseries were packaged efficiently and without errors. I travel to winter nurseries to learn germplasm and take notes on key inbred lines.
CAREER
Agricultural Technicians
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$40,430
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+9.7% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Agricultural Technicians Do
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.
Other Job Titles Agricultural Technicians May Have
Agricultural Research Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Research Associate, Seed Analyst
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
- Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
- Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
- Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Agricultural Technicians
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (32%)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Agriculture, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Have a willingness to get involved early on and get experience in as many areas as you can. People skills, attention to detail, and good organizational skills.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Take on leadership roles and responsibilities when the opportunities present themselves. Start getting involved as soon as you can. Volunteer, intern, work summer jobs.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
