Agricultural Technicians

Set up and maintain laboratory and collect and record data to assist scientist in biology or related agricultural science experiments.

Job Task

• Adjust testing equipment, and prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
• Collect samples from crops or animals so testing can be performed.
• Examine animals and specimens in order to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
• Measure or weigh ingredients used in testing or for purposes such as animal feed.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, and PH meters in order to perform tests.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, and analyses that include results, charts, and graphs in order to document research findings and results.
• Receive and prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols in order to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
• Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, and animal care.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment, and prepare sites for testing.
• Conduct insect and plant disease surveys.
• Devise cultural methods and environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
• Maintain and repair agricultural facilities, equipment, and tools in order 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.
• Operate farm machinery including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, and trucks.
• 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 in order to determine the percentage of seeds that germinated.
• 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.
• Respond to inquiries and requests from the public that do not require specialized scientific knowledge or expertise.
• 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, and/or horticultural plants.
• Conduct inspections of apiaries in order to locate diseases and destroy contaminated bees and hives.
• Prepare and present agricultural demonstrations.
• Supervise and train agricultural technicians and farm laborers.

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