What skills does a agricultural technician need?

A agricultural technician needs 10 essential skills including execute analytical mathematical calculations, maintain laboratory equipment, analyse scientific data, apply safety procedures in laboratory, analyse environmental data. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace agricultural technician jobs?

The AI disruption score for agricultural technician is 23/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Engineering ServicesScience and engineering associate professionalsISCO 3142

agricultural technician

Agricultural technicians collect and conduct experiments and tests on agriculture and aquaculture specimens. They provide support to scientists and farmers and also analyse and report on conditions in the collected specimens' environments.

About agricultural technician

As an agricultural technician, you will work at the intersection of science and farming, conducting experiments, collecting specimens, and analyzing agricultural and aquacultural data to support scientific research and improve farming practices. Your day-to-day responsibilities include collecting field samples from crops and aquaculture facilities, conducting laboratory tests on soil, water, and biological specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, performing analytical calculations, and documenting findings in detailed reports. You will collaborate closely with agronomists, scientists, and farmers to understand environmental conditions, identify potential issues, and develop solutions that enhance crop yields and sustainability. Your work is fundamental to developing more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Poland's strong agricultural sector, combined with growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and precision farming, creates consistent demand for skilled technicians. This career offers opportunities to work in diverse settings—research institutions, agricultural laboratories, farms, or aquaculture operations—and potential advancement into supervisory or specialized research roles.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a agricultural technician.

Field Sample Collection and Specimen Preparation

Collect agricultural specimens from crops, soil, water, and aquaculture facilities according to standard protocols
Conduct field work to identify sampling locations, record environmental conditions, and document findings
Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis by properly labeling, storing, and transporting samples
Maintain detailed records of all collected specimens including location, date, and environmental conditions

Laboratory Testing and Analysis

Conduct laboratory tests on agricultural specimens to analyze soil composition, nutrient levels, and biological properties
Perform water quality analyses and environmental testing on aquaculture specimens and agricultural water sources
Execute analytical mathematical calculations to process laboratory data and determine test results
Analyze scientific data to identify trends, correlations, and potential issues affecting crop health or aquaculture

Laboratory Equipment Maintenance and Safety

Maintain laboratory equipment including microscopes, spectrometers, pH meters, and testing apparatus
Perform routine calibration and quality checks on analytical instruments to ensure accuracy
Apply safety procedures in laboratory settings including proper handling of chemicals and biological materials
Document maintenance activities and report any equipment malfunction or calibration issues

Environmental Data Analysis and Reporting

Analyze environmental data from field observations and laboratory tests to assess agricultural conditions
Compile test results and environmental findings into comprehensive reports for scientists and farmers
Write detailed work-related reports documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations for improvement
Communicate findings to stakeholders and provide technical expertise to support decision-making

Research Support and Technical Collaboration

Support scientific research by gathering experimental data and conducting required laboratory procedures
Collaborate with agronomists and scientists to design sampling strategies and testing protocols
Provide farmers with technical support and analysis to help them make informed decisions about crop management
Participate in research projects and stay current with developments in agricultural science and technology

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (10)

execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.analyse scientific dataanalyse scientific dataCollect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.analyse environmental dataanalyse environmental dataAnalyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.analyse test dataanalyse test dataInterpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...conduct field workconduct field workConducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

Optional (33)

integrated food-energy systemsintegrated food-energy systemsThe integration of food and energy production into farming or food production systems.agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed productsagricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed productsThe offered agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feed products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.viticultureviticultureUnderstanding of vine growth and principles of viticulture.aquaculture reproductionaquaculture reproductionThe techniques used to induce spawning, spawning on nests, stripping using appropriate techniques for specific species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and others. The environmental control of spawning,...agricultural equipmentagricultural equipmentThe offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.sustainable agricultural production principlessustainable agricultural production principlesPrinciples and conditions of organic and sustainable agricultural production.aquaculture industryaquaculture industryThe characteristics and business models of the aquaculture industry, its designs and installations.agricultural chemicalsagricultural chemicalsThe production and characteristics of agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or insecticides.aeroponicsaeroponicsThe cultivation of plants without the use of an aggregate medium such as soil. The roots of plants are directly exposed to the surrounding air or mist and irrigated with nutrient solutions.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.hydroponicshydroponicsThe cultivation of plants without the use of soil, by applying mineral nutrient solutions.plant harvest methodsplant harvest methodsThe various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...horticulture principleshorticulture principlesThe standard horticultural practices, including but not limited to planting, pruning, corrective pruning, and fertilisation.monitor cropsmonitor cropsMonitor the growth of the crops to ensure the crops are free from diseases, harmful chemicals and organisms.collect weather-related datacollect weather-related dataGather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.evaluate vineyard qualityevaluate vineyard qualityHelp in assessing the vineyard and varietal fruit. Supervise receipt and evaluation of fruit according to quality parameters and specifications.maintain waterbased aquaculture facilitiesmaintain waterbased aquaculture facilitiesClean off fouling and maintain floating and submerged aquaculture structures. Repair floating and submerged aquaculture structures.advise on fertiliser and herbicideadvise on fertiliser and herbicideProvide advice on types of fertilisers and herbicides, their usage and best time to apply them.monitor fisheriesmonitor fisheriesMonitor commercial fisheries to ensure appropriate inventories are maintained.prevent crop disordersprevent crop disordersAdvise on how to prevent and limit particular crop disorders with the appropriate methods. Select corrective treatments.manage crop productionmanage crop productionPerform crop production duties such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilising, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. Supervise all steps of the crop production and ranging process, including planti...assess crop damageassess crop damageIdentify and evaluate damage to crops due to disorders, adverse physical soil conditions, unsuitable pH, nutrient imbalances and deficiencies, the misuse of crop protection materials, or extreme weath...inspect agricultural fieldsinspect agricultural fieldsInspect crops, fields, and plant stock to determine the need and timing for sowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting.irrigate soilirrigate soilIrrigate soil using portable pipes or ditches. Maintain ditches, pipes and pumps as required.research improvement of crop yieldsresearch improvement of crop yieldsStudy crop production in order to discover the best way to plant, gather, and cultivate crops to increase productivity.maintain tanks for viticulturemaintain tanks for viticultureClean and sanitise the interior of tanks and hoses using chemicals. Remove and install manhole covers from the top of the tank, and tank fans made of solid or expanded metal. Wash the exterior of tank...maintain aquaculture containersmaintain aquaculture containersClean and disinfect equipment and treatment systems. Drain and clean aquaculture tanks and troughs using brushes, chemicals, and water. Prepare fish holding units to receive fish and change nets. Cond...evaluate vineyard problemsevaluate vineyard problemsDetect and assess vineyard problems. Recommendations effective, timely and economic solutions to deliver fruit of a high quality.advise on crop diseasesadvise on crop diseasesGive advice on crops which have a specific susceptibility to particular diseases and the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.culture aquaculture hatchery stocksculture aquaculture hatchery stocksUse appropriate implements to collect shellfish spat. Sort wild shellfish spat. Collect naturally spawned fish eggs; eliminate egg adhesiveness and incubate eggs until hatched. Handle fish and shellfi...soil sciencesoil scienceThe field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.provide advice to farmersprovide advice to farmersProvide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.